Small children are at risk of opioid poisoning from poorly handled medications, according to a new study from Rutgers researchers.
The study of more than 200 cases of opioid poisoning among children ages one month to six years found the children had gotten their hands on loose medication, painkillers for pets and even a tissue with opioid residue.
The researchers found that 97% of the cases were due to unintentional exposures.
Dr. Howard Greller, a medical toxicologist and associate professor of emergency medicine at Rutgers New Jersey Medical School, spoke with NJ Spotlight News about the study.
