Deaths due to poisoning are particularly tragic. The victims are mostly young people and many deaths and disabling sequelae could be prevented, if more attention were given to preventive measures in the home. Based on our experience in Hong Kong and that of other centres, we have tried to determine the factors that contribute to childhood poisoning and the preventive measures that can be undertaken. We also give an overview of the agents that are most relevant to Hong Kong or are particularly dangerous to toddlers.