Editorial: Childhood Poisoning

Abstract

The present editorial was prompted by an article in this issue of the journal by Mukungu et al. in which they describe a case report on Jatropha curcas poisoning in Kenya. Childhood poisoning results from interaction between three variables, namely the child, poison and the environment. From different permutations of these variables, one can arrive at different scenarios. Different geographical habitats (urban or rural) as well as age groups are important determinants. However, there are some common factors which allow for generalization. For example, most cases of poisoning occur in children below six years of age with the peak being around one to three 3 years of age. Curiosity and desire to taste is common in this age group with boys much more affected than girls. Most cases of childhood poisoning are unintentional. Occasionally children become collateral victims in parental feuds when one parent poisons the children before committing suicide.