3,000 children accidentally poisoned each year
Medication poisoning is the most common cause of child poisoning, with 42% of poisoning cases involving children under the age of four.
However, more than 1,100 emergency cases are caused by household products, it emerged yesterday.
Approximately 10,000 of the 30,000 cases referred to the National Children's Hospital in Tallaght, Dublin every year are emergencies.
A fall is the most common accident among children.
Surprisingly, 24% of girls under nine are involved in accidents compared with 16% of boys.
Yesterday, the Dublin hospital and Calpol, which markets child medication, launched a Guide to Childhood Accidents, Emergencies and Illnesses.
The new guide is aimed at helping parents cope with their children's mishaps.
Accident and emergency consultant Dr Ciara Martin said the leaflet was a practical resource for parents and child minders, to give an overview of everyday childhood accidents, emergencies and illnesses and a commonsense approach to dealing with these mishaps when they occur.
"In the event of a child becoming ill or having an accident, it is important for parents to remain calm to help their child through the ordeal," said Dr Martin, who is attached to the National Children's Hospital.
"Ultimately, if a parent is very worried about their child's health, they should contact their nearest health professional," she said.
Each year, the National Children's Hospital cares for more than 65,000 babies, children and adolescents from all over Ireland.
It is also a centre for extensive research into children's health and a major teaching resource for doctors and nurses wishing to specialise in paediatric care.
