More than a third of poison center visits in 2024 were for children

Last year, more than a third of the nearly 25,000 calls received by INEM's Poison Information Center (CIAV) involved cases of poisoning involving children. The majority of these were under five years old.

Of the total 25,940 calls received, 24,688 (95.18%) were due to exposure to a toxic potential and the remainder (4.82%) corresponded to requests for information in the area of ​​toxicology.

According to data from the National Institute of Medical Emergencies (INEM) released this Friday, 8,637 situations of exposure to toxins (35%) involved children, 62.27% of whom were under 5 years old.

The main reasons underlying children's exposure to toxic products were accidental situations (59.14%), therapeutic error (22.06%) and intentional exposure (17.39%).

The data indicate that 15,709 of the consultations carried out at CIAV involved adults, the majority (63.7%) women. In 49.76% of the situations an intentional exposure was reported, 24% were accidental exposures and in 20.49% of the cases a therapeutic error occurred.

“At the origin of the exposure, the main toxic substances involved, in terms of medicines, were anxiolytics, antidepressants and antipsychotics. As for other products, the most important were substances of abuse, including alcohol poisoning, followed by bleaches and detergents (dishwasher, washing machine and household cleaning products),” INEM said in a statement.

According to the note, “at the time of contact with CIAV, 11,112 (45.64%) of the cases presented symptoms. In 46.8% of the cases, it was possible to control the situation on site, thanks to the advice provided by CIAV, avoiding the need to go to a Health Unit”.

CIAV is the only poison control center in Portugal, available via the free telephone number 800 250 250.

The service, which is available 24 hours a day, every day of the year, is made up of doctors with specific training in the area of ​​toxicology who provide support to health professionals and the general public in situations related to exposure to toxins, prevention measures or any information in the area of ​​toxicology.