The opioid epidemic claims thousands of lives every year. But a new study shows something that may shock the public.

Children under the age of 5 are falling victim to overdoses at an alarming rate. Opioids now account for more than half of poisoning deaths in infants and toddlers in the United States, according to a study published online Wednesday in the journal “Pediatrics.”

Looking at a nationwide database of poison-related deaths between 2005 and 2018, 731 of them involved children under 5.

According to the research, some of the children were poisoned by over-the-counter medication people typically take to treat pain, a cold or allergies. But opioids were found to have been a contributing factor in most of the deaths.

Experts say the reason the numbers are rising is simple: easy access. Adults have more opioid pills around their homes. And as we know, children are often curious.

“Unlike Tylenol, ibuprofen or vitamins, where if a kid is going to get sick from them, they have to eat tens upon tens," said Dr. Molly Boyd-Smith, associate professor of emergency medicine, medical toxicology and addiction medicine at Albany Medical Center. "Opioids can be fatal with just one ingestion. Just one pill can kill a pediatric patient."

An emergency room doctor, Boyd-Smith said there has been a valiant effort over the years to mitigate this trend, including advances from the poison center, advocacy work and safer techniques in how medication is dispensed and medication bottles.

But the access has become too great and that short of keeping these pills locked away, there is no safe way to store them with children around.

The doctor said the stigma surrounding the use of the drugs is also problematic when it comes to treatment. She advises parents and family members to always be honest with a doctor should they find themselves in an emergency situation.

“Family members might not be up front and tell us they think the patient has gotten into some opioids," Boyd-Smith said. "They may not tell us they have them available, and it might mean a delay in diagnosis, a delay in care.”

There's something else to consider if you suspect your child has ingested a pill they shouldn’t have.

Experts say call the Poison Control Center at (800) 222-1222. Callers are connected with a nursing specialist with access to information on just about any drug or chemical, and will be able to guide people through the situation.