The fentanyl crisis is putting young children at risk, with a surge in overdoses and tragic deaths among toddlers and infants.
- Toddlers and infants are increasingly becoming victims of fentanyl, a drug 50 times more potent than heroin.
- The number of children below 5 dying or testing positive for fentanyl has surged, even as overall drug overdoses have decreased.
- Exposure to opioids and drug paraphernalia at home or accidental ingestion has led to an increase of pediatric opioid fatalities.
- Fentanyl exposure in young children has dramatically risen in recent years, with young children being impacted across the U.S.
- Legislation such as SB 908 aims to monitor fentanyl-related deaths among children under 5 and provide guidance to prevent exposure, especially in situations involving family services and child welfare.
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Pediatrics, Public Health & Prevention