The number of children dying from accidental poisonings has been cut in half since the late 1970's, but a new report finds the percentage of child poisoning deaths due to medications has nearly doubled.
Researchers with "Safe Kids Worldwide" found the percentage of child poisoning deaths due to medications increased from 36 to 64 percent since 1979 and that medications are now the leading cause of child poisoning.
They say more than 60,000 children a year are treated in emergency rooms after getting into medications.
Researchers say medications and vitamins should always be put up, away, and out of sight. You should avoid keeping them "handy" in a purse, unlocked cabinet, or drawer.
It's also important other family members follow the same precautions because 20 percent of pediatric poisonings involve a grandparent's medications.
"Oftentimes, grandparents medicines are not in childproof caps because it's much easier for a grandparent to open an arthritis cap, which anyone can open very, very easily," said Dr. Michael Macknin, a Pediatrician at Cleveland Clinic.
If your child ingests a medication or toxic substance call 911 or your local poison control center.
