Pediatric medical toxicology is the study of toxic effects of chemicals on infants, children and adolescents. A medical toxicologist studies symptoms, treatments and detection of poisoning. Many substances are toxic only if an excessive amount is ingested, including prescription medication, abused drugs, and household toxins. Drug addiction, chemical poisoning, and abuse of medication all require the expertise of a toxicologist.

According to 2005 Census estimates, Washington, D.C. has a population of 550,521. Of this population, 110,240 are under the age of 18 and 66,591 are at or above the age of 65.