Study shows sharp increase in rate of unintentional ingestions of recreational drugs among young children since 2000
A new study reveals that unintentional ingestions of recreational drugs by young children have increased dramatically in the past 25 years. Researchers at the Center for Injury Research and Policy of the Abigail Wexner Research Institute at Nationwide Children's Hospital and the Central Ohio Poison Center analyzed calls to U.S. poison centers and found that the recreational drug ingestion rate…
A new study reveals a dramatic 3,307% increase in unintentional ingestions of recreational drugs by young children in the United States since 2000, with the rate accelerating significantly after 2013. Researchers analyzed reports of 41,612 such incidents involving children under six to U.S. poison centers over a 24-year period. Most cases (58%) involved children under three, with the majority (96%) involving a single substance and occurring within the home.
The study highlights a surge in cannabinoid ingestions, particularly marijuana edibles, which saw a staggering 2,349% increase between 2015 and 2024. Other substances included stimulants, psychedelics, opioids, and dissociative agents. While 51% of children experienced no or minor effects, 5% had major adverse effects, leading to six deaths, all of which were among children under three.
The researchers emphasize the need for enhanced prevention efforts, including education for parents and caregivers, promotion of safe storage practices, and stricter regulations on packaging and labeling of recreational drug products.
Written by urgent.news from Medical Xpress's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
