Poisoning in children and young people 2012–13

This report provides information about children and young people aged 0–24 who were hospitalised as a result of poisoning in Australia. Almost half (49%) of all cases occurred among 18–24 year olds and a quarter among 15–17 year old (26%). The highest rate of poisoning by pharmaceuticals was seen in 15–17 year old girls (589 cases per 100,000). The majority (37%) of these cases were caused by non-opioid analgesics (for example, ibuprofen and paracetamol).