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NYC Poison Control Center : NYC DOHMH

NYC Poison Control Center

undersink cabinet with open door

Household Products & Kids

Did you know:
  • Household products, such as bleach and laundry detergent were a leading cause of unintentional poisonings in NYC in 2010.


  • About 40% of the nearly 70,000 calls received by the Poison Control Center
    last year were for children under five.


  • About 90% of poisonings occur in the home.
Keep cleaners, medicines and cosmetics out of children's reach or locked in cabinets. If you suspect a poisoning has happened or have questions about medicine safety, call 212-POISONS right away. Do not wait for symptoms. The poison specialists are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. All calls are free of charge. Translater services are available.

See Poison Proof Your Home

Top Reasons for Calls to Poison Control Center for
Children Under Five (2010)

Hazard

Examples

Number of Calls

1. Cosmetics/
personal care products

hand soap, shampoo

2,362

2. Household Cleaners

Bleach, ammonia, detergent

1,677

3. Analgesics

ibuprofen, acetaminophen

1,554

4. Foreign Bodies

silica packets from bags/shoes

1,456

5. Topical

diaper rash cream, petroleum jelly

1,288

6. Vitamins

tablets

672

7. Pesticide/
Rodenticides

bait pellets

593

8. Arts/Crafts

crayons, glue

561

9. Cough & Cold

cough syrup, cold medicine

513

10. Antihistamines

tablets

447

 
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