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The Most Common Poisons for Children and Adults

The most common poisons among children are:

  • cosmetics and personal care products
  • cleaning substances
  • pain medicine/fever-reducers
  • coins, thermometers
  • plants
  • diaper care, acne preparations, antiseptics
  • cough and cold preparations
  • pesticides
  • vitamins
  • gastrointestinal preparations
  • antimicrobials
  • arts, crafts and office supplies
  • antihistamines
  • hormones and hormone antagonists (diabetes medications, contraceptives)
  • hydrocarbons (lamp oil, kerosene, gasoline, lighter fluid)

The most common poisons among adults are:

  • pain medicine
  • sedatives, hypnotics, antipsychotics
  • cleaning substances
  • antidepressants
  • bites and envenomations
  • alcohols
  • food products and food poisoning
  • cosmetics and personal care products
  • chemicals
  • pesticides
  • cardiovascular drugs
  • fumes, gases, vapors
  • hydrocarbons
  • antihistamines
  • anticonvulsants
  • antimicrobials
  • stimulants and street drugs
  • plants
  • cough and cold preparations