PRODUCT-RELATED HOME ACCIDENTS IN CHILDREN - A SURVEY OF 1590 ACCIDENTS

In a well defined geographical area a total of 1590 accidents related to home products in children 0-15 years of age were prospectively registered. The incidence of product-related accidents was 279 per 10 000 children per year. A higher incidence in boys and a decreasing incidence of accidents with age was found. The most common localization of lesions was upper extremities 41% and face and skull 30%. In children 0-4 years of age household and child furniture, constructional features of the house and corrosives, hot liquids and heating equipment were the most common products causing accidents, whereas in children 5-15 years of age playthings and sports equipment as well as constructional features of the house were involved in a higher percentage of accidents.