What dangers lurk in your backyard? Especially for young children, the risks range from the obvious (mowers and tractors) to the unexpected (poisonous plants). Here are the major danger zones—and how to minimize your child's risk this summer:
1. Lawn mowers. Children are involved in some 68,000 mower injuries in the U.S. each year. The grisly tally includes deep cuts, burns, loss of fingers and toes, crushed and broken bones, and even amputations. Thrown rocks and other projectiles are also a hazard, since mowers can eject a piece of metal or wood up to 100 miles per hour. Then there's the risk of gasoline that powers most mowers: A recent study cited in Pediatrics logged 65,756 calls to regional poison centers and an estimated 40,158 emergency visits from 2000 through 2009 for gasoline and other fuel-related injuries, mostly to boys between 1 and 2 years old and during the summer months.
To childproof your mower:
2. Pesticides. A recent Environmental Protection Agency study found that almost half of all households with children under five had at least one pesticide stored in an unlocked cabinet within reach. These same substances can be toxic if inhaled or swallowed, and can pose risks if they get in a child's eyes or are absorbed through the skin. Children are also at risk if they touch grass or plants that contain pesticide, herbicide, or fertilizer and put their hands in their mouths. And while pesticide exposures make up a relatively small percentage of child deaths by poisoning, they can have lasting effects on neurological systems.
To child-proof yard chemicals:
3. Plants. Believe it or not, plants are a leading cause of poisoning for children under five. And despite their innocent-sounding names, Lily of the Valley, foxglove (a.k.a. digitalis), oleander, and azalea are toxic.
To childproof your plants:
4. Bugs. Most reactions to bees and other stinging insects are mild, but severe allergic reactions can be deadly and can occur even if after previous stings that caused no harm. Some tick bites can lead to Lyme disease, while disease-carrying mosquito bites can lead to West Nile virus.
To help keep your child from getting "bugged" this summer:
See our report on how to accident-proof your yard for related information.
—Artemis DiBenedetto
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