Household cleaning product-related injuries treated in US emergency departments in 1990-2006.
OBJECTIVE
The goal was to examine comprehensively the patterns and trends of household cleaning product-related injuries among children treated in US emergency departments.


METHODS
Through use of the National Electronic Injury Surveillance System database, cases of unintentional, nonfatal, household cleaning product-related injuries were selected by using product codes for drain cleaners, ammonia, metal polishes/tarnish removers, turpentine, dishwasher detergents, acids, swimming pool chemicals, oven cleaners, pine oil cleaners/disinfectants, laundry soaps/detergents, toilet bowl products, abrasive cleaners, general-purpose household cleaners, noncosmetic bleaches, windshield wiper fluids, caustic agents, lye, wallpaper cleaners, room deodorizers/fresheners, spot removers, and dishwashing liquids. Products were categorized according to major toxic ingredients, mode of action, and exposure.


RESULTS
An estimated 267 269 children<or=5 years of age were treated in US emergency departments for household cleaning product-related injuries. The number of injuries attributable to household cleaning product exposure decreased 46.0% from 22 141 in 1990 to 11 964 in 2006. The product most-commonly associated with injury was bleach (37.1%). Children 1 to 3 years of age accounted for 72.0% of cases. The primary mechanism of injury was ingestion (62.7%). The most common source or container was spray-bottles (40.1%). Although rates of household cleaner-related injuries from regular bottles or original containers and kitchenware decreased during the study period, spray-bottle injury rates showed no decrease.


CONCLUSIONS
Although national rates of household cleaning product-related injuries in children decreased significantly over time, the number of injuries remains high.
McKenzie
Lara B
LB
Center for Injury Research and Policy, Research Institute at Nationwide Children's Hospital, Department of Pediatrics, College of Medicine, Ohio State University, 700 Children's Dr, Columbus, OH 43205, USA. lara.mckenzie@nationwidechildrens.org
Ahir
Nisha
N
Stolz
Uwe
U
Nelson
Nicolas G
NG
D002675:Child, Preschool; D004630:Emergencies / Q000453:epidemiology; D004636:Emergency Service, Hospital / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D005260:Female; D006795:Household Products / Q000506:poisoning*; D006801:Humans; D007223:Infant; D008297:Male; D013997:Time Factors; D014481:United States / Q000453:epidemiology