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Study Finds Opioids as Leading Cause of Fatal Poisonings Among Children, Highlighting the Growing Impact of the Opioid Epidemic on Kids

A recent study published in the journal Pediatrics has found that opioids were the primary cause of fatal poisonings in children aged five years old and younger.

The research analyzed 731 poisoning-related deaths across 40 states from 2005 to 2018 and revealed that opioids contributed to nearly half, or 47 percent, of those deaths.

Finger Lakes Partners (Billboard)

The study highlighted how the frequency of pediatric opioid poisonings increased steadily over the 14-year period and accounted for more than half of child poisoning fatalities in 2018.

The findings underscore the rising impact of the opioid epidemic on children, including infants one year old and younger, who were the most affected by the fatalities.

The authors recommended prevention efforts that focus on enhancing the availability and familiarity of naloxone and better educating caregivers on the signs of poisoning.


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