The Poison Prevention Packaging Act was intended to reduce the risk of poisoning of small children. The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission regulates packaging of affected products. The requirements are detailed in 16 CFR 1700.
Scope of covered products:
(1) over-the-counter (OTC) medications
(2) certain prescription medications including controlled substances
(3) pesticides
(4) household chemicals
Covered OTC medications include:
(1) acetaminophen
(2) aspirin
(3) diphenhydramine
(4) NSAIDS
(5) iron-containing products
(6) imidazolines
(7) methyl salicylate
(8) loperamide
Other products:
(1) mouthwash containing ethanol
(2) tobacco and nicotine
Chemicals include:
(1) sodium or potassium hydroxide
(2) turpentine
(3) methanol
(4) sulfuric acid
(5) ethylene glycol
(6) solvents
(7) glue removers containing acetonitrile
(8) low viscosity hydrocarbons
Child-resistant packaging is not child-proof. It is designed to be difficult for children under 5 years of age to open within a reasonable time but not be difficult for adults. Packages are tested using small children and older adults as subjects and the time and effort required to open is measured under controlled conditions.
A product may be sold in a container that is not child-resistant if:
(1) the company provides a product in a popular sized package that is child-resistant
(2) the container is labelled to indicate it is intended for a household without small children
