The utility of Poison Control Center data for assessing toxic occupational exposures among young workers.

This study assessed the utility of Poison Control Center data for identifying and describing occupational toxic exposures to youth and the associated health outcomes of such exposures. The authors reviewed 1997 data from the American Association of Poison Control Centers' Toxic Exposure Surveillance System for occupational exposures to persons 6 to 19 years old. In 1997, there were 3442 reported occupational exposure cases among 6- to 19-year-olds. Exposure cases included underage workers, exposure to multiple substances, continuous or repeated exposure to the offending substance, and exposures occurring in the home. Poison Control Centers provide unique and valuable information on toxic workplace exposures to youth. Child labor laws may be violated in many cases, and risks exist with respect to industrial work done in the home. Prospective studies with immediate follow-back are needed.