What is the first cause of death in children older than 1 year?

• A. Unintentional injuries
• B. Congenital anomalies
• C. Cancer
• D. Homicide

Answer: (A)

When children exceed age one, their growing mobility and curiosity markedly increase exposure to hazards, making unintentional injuries the leading cause of death. Drowning, motor vehicle crashes, burns, falls, and poisoning occur in everyday environments—home, school, and community—and can be fatal even with quick action. This differs from infancy, where congenital anomalies are a more common cause of death, and from adolescence, where violence and certain cancers rise in prominence. Preventing these deaths centers on safety: appropriate car seats and seat belts for every ride, helmet use for biking, vigilant supervision around water with barriers and swimming skills, safe storage of medications and household chemicals, smoke and carbon monoxide detectors, and overall home safety to reduce fall risks. Understanding why accidents dominate underscores how everyday precautions can save lives.