Victims Of Poisoning Research Articles

Epidemiology of Completed Suicides Referred to Forensic Pathology Organization of Tehran, Iran, During March 2011 to March 2016

Background: Completed or successful suicide is the worst outcome of suicide attempts. This study is an epidemiologic investigation of successful suicides in Tehran, Iran. Methods: In this routine-data-based study, the records of successful suicides in Forensic Pathology Organization of Tehran were investigated with respect to confidentiality of information during March 2011 to March 2016. The obtained data were analyzed by SPSS 11.5. Statistically significant level was considered at less than 0.05. Results: A total of 1773 cases with mean (SD) age of 33.19(13.11) years and male-to-female ratio of 3.1 were included in the study. The mean age of male victims was greater than that of female ones (P=0.01). Of victims, 821(46.3%) were single and 807(45.5%) were unemployed/housewife. Methods of suicide were hanging in 962(54.6%), poisoning in 640(35.8%), falling in 88(5%), burning in 35(2%), shooting in 29(1.6%) and others in 19(1%) cases. Of poisoned cases, 283(44%) were victims of aluminum phosphide ingestion. Generally, frequency of married victims was greater than single ones but by comparing genders, relative frequency of single victims was greater among males (P<0.001). There was statistically significant association between suicide methods and age (P=0.001), gender (P<0.001), and occupation (P<0.001) of victims. Among different methods, shooting and poisoning were used by the youngest cases. Relative frequency of females was greatest in victims of burning and poisoning. Regarding occupational categories, poisoning was most frequent in students. Conclusion: In this study, the majority of successful suicides happened in people with occupational uncertainty, thus preventive measures should prioritize this issue. It seems that women with marital problems are also prone to suicide and social support programs should target this group, too. Association between the method of suicide and demography of victims will help us to recognize common methods in various groups of the society and establish appropriate preventive measures. While limiting access to supplies of suicide (like legislation on distribution of drugs for prevention of poisoning) is valuable, fundamental interventions at community level will be more effective in prevention of all kinds of suicide.

Do pre-hospital poisoning deaths differ from in-hospital deaths? A retrospective analysis

BackgroundMost fatal poisonings occur outside the hospital and the victims found dead. The purpose of this study was to determine the general pattern and patient demographics of fatal poisonings in Northern Finland. In particular, we wanted to analyze differences between pre-hospital and in-hospital deaths.MethodsAll fatal poisonings that occurred in Northern Finland in 2007–2011 were retrieved from the Cause of Death Registry provided by Statistics Finland. We noted the patient demographics, causal agents, and other characteristics of the poisoning events.ResultsA total of 689 fatal poisonings occurred during the study period, of which only 42 (6.1%) reached the hospital alive. Those who died pre-hospital were significantly younger (50 vs. 56 years, p = 0.04) and more likely to be male (77% vs. 57%, p = 0.003). Cardiopulmonary resuscitation was attempted less often in pre-hospital cases (9.9% vs. 47.6%, p < 0.001). Ethanol was more frequently the main toxic agent in pre-hospital deaths (58.4% vs. 26.2%, p < 0.001), and multiple ingestions were more common (52.2% vs. 35.7%, p < 0.001) in pre-hospital deaths.DiscussionMost of the pre-hospital fatal poisoning victims are found dead and the majority of in-hospital victims are admitted to hospital in an already serious condition. According to results of this and former studies, prevention seems to be the most important factor in reducing deaths due to poisoning.ConclusionsThe majority of poisoning-related deaths occur pre-hospital and are related to alcohol intoxication and multiple ingestions.

Evaluating the Necessity of a Poison Control Center in Cameroon: The Knowledge and Perception of Health Care Professionals in the Laquintinie Hospital and the Bonassama District Hospital in Douala

Introduction: A cross sectional study was carry out on the necessity of creating a poison control center in Cameroon, by evaluating the knowledge and perception of health care professionals in the Laquintinie hospital and the Bonassama District hospital in Douala, based on a 2 years (2014 to 2015) record files reviewed of poison victims. Materials: A4 white sheets, Respiratory mask, Disposable gloves, A data analyzing tool (Microsoft Excel 2010), ruler and pens, Questionnaire. Method: A Questionnaire was used in data collection to access the knowledge of health care professionals on poisoning and poison control center in regard to proper poison management (group I). To further evaluate group I, a 2 years poison victims files (records) were reviewed at the level of the emergency and paediatric units. The data obtained were analyzed using Microsoft Excel 2010 and the results were displaced on frequency tables, and in percentages and figures. Results: The perception and knowledge of the 66 Health care professionals accessed in the study; revealed that none of the participants had a formal training on poison management and none of the hospitals involved, had established poison management guidelines. 23,182 patients’ files were reviewed; of which 245 files were recorded as poison victims: 62% (152) as voluntary, 38% (93) as involuntary, 4% (10) death case recorded inclusive; with a prevalence of 1% been observed for poisoning from the sorted hospitals. Conclusion: The relative low knowledge of health care professionals on poisoning and the absence of poison management guidelines in hospitals still make poison management in Cameroon a complex issue. Cameroon is therefore highly in need for policies on poison management.

The morphological diagnostics of the toxic effects of the smoking blends in the cases of fatal intoxication with pyrrolidinovalerophenone

The objective of the present study was the development of the morphological criteria for the diagnostics of fatal intoxication with the herbal smoking blends (spices) using the samples of the biological materials obtained from the victims of pyrrolidinovalerophenone poisoning. The samples were taken from 13 autopsied cadavers of 11 men and 2 women at the age from 26 to 39 years based at the Astrakhan Regional Bureau of Forensic Medical Expertise during the period from 21011 to 2015. The diagnosis of pyrrolidinvalerpphenon poisoning was verified to the letter. The materials obtained during the standard autopsy procedure were used for the forensic genetic studies in the combination with the mandatory routine forensic chemical investigations with the application of the gas chromatographic techniques. Polymorphism of the morphological picture was attributable to the differences in the chemical composition of the poisons and the combination of narcotic and alcoholic intoxication. The signs of chronic intoxication manifested themselves in the form of mixed gliosis and various lesions of brain neurons. The variety of clinical symptoms and the morphological picture of pyrrolidinovalerophenone poisoning are responsible for different forms of tanatogenesis which suggests the necessity of further research on the mechanisms underlying the toxic effects of herbal smoking blends.

Study of the Trend of Poisoning in a Tertiary Care Hospital in Chidambaram, Tamilnadu

Cases of poisoning are a common and emergency situation everywhere in the world. The burden of cases being referred to the emergency department of a hospital is huge and it takes a lot to salvage the life of the victims of poisoning. Time is seldom a luxury in the management of cases of poisoning. The data in this study was analysed with respect to age, sex, mode and type of poisoning, reporting time to the hospital after poisoning, number of cases referred to the ICU and overall case fatality. Females comprised 71 (57.3%) of the cases of poisoning and males accounted for 53 cases (42.7%). Majority of the incidents occurred in the victim's own house, 91 cases (73.5%). Majority of the victims were of the age group 21–30 years, 106 cases (85.5%). Self employed (33.9%) and housewives (29.8%) constituted the maximum number of cases of poisoning. Majority of the victims were married (68.3%). Cases of insecticide poisoning, mostly with organophosphorus compounds, accounted for the majority with 74 cases (59.7%), and followed by rat poison, comprising 30 cases (24.2%). Of the 124 cases, 52 (41.9%) reported to the hospital within 1 hour after the incident and a total of 27 cases had to be referred to the hospital ICU. Of the total 124 cases of poisoning, 12 cases (9.7%) succumbed to the poisoning. This study was conducted between September 2014-February 2016 in the Southern part of India in the Chidambaram area of Tamilnadu, from cases of poisoning which reported to the emergency department of Rajah Muthiah Medical College and Hospital.

Changing Trends (Patterns) of Human Poisoning in Tirupati Region-a Five Years Study

“Caution is advised while decontaminating a victim of poisoning. Over enthusiasm may result in eliminating the patient, not the poison!”-John Morrision

Animal Magnetism, Psychiatry and Subjective Experience in Nineteenth-Century Germany: Friedrich Krauß and his Nothschrei.

Friedrich Krauß (1791–1868) is the author of Nothschrei eines Magnetisch-Vergifteten [Cry of Distress by a Victim of Magnetic Poisoning] (1852), which has been considered one of the most comprehensive self-narratives of madness published in the German language. In this 1018-page work Krauß documents his acute fears of ‘mesmerist’ influence and persecution, his detainment in an Antwerp asylum and his encounter with various illustrious physicians across Europe. Though in many ways comparable to other prominent nineteenth-century first-person accounts (eg. John Thomas Perceval’s 1838 Narrative of the Treatment Experienced by a Gentleman or Daniel Paul Schreber’s 1903 Memoirs of my Nervous Illness), Krauß’s story has received comparatively little scholarly attention. This is especially the case in the English-speaking world. In this article I reconstruct Krauß’s biography by emphasising his relationship with physicians and his under-explored stay at the asylum. I then investigate the ways in which Krauß appropriated nascent theories about ‘animal magnetism’ to cope with his disturbing experiences. Finally, I address Krauß’s recently discovered calligraphic oeuvre, which bears traces of his typical fears all the while showcasing his artistic skills. By moving away from the predominantly clinical perspective that has characterised earlier studies, this article reveals how Friedrich Krauß sought to make sense of his experience by selectively appropriating both orthodox and non-orthodox forms of medical knowledge. In so doing, it highlights the mutual interaction of discourses ‘from above’ and ‘from below’ as well as the influence of broader cultural forces on conceptions of self and illness during that seminal period.

A Pattern of Acute Poisoning in Dharwad - India

Acute poisoning is one of the commonest causes of morbidity and mortality in developing countries. The present study is conducted with an attempt to analyze the pattern of poisoning and the sociodemographic profile of victims of poisoning. A retrospective analysis of poisoning cases admitted at SDM Hospital, Dharwad during June 2010 to May 2011 was done. During this period 136 cases were referred to emergency department. The study revealed that the commonest victims were males in their third decade. The most important agents of acute poisoning were organophosphates (54.41%) followed by Drugs (19.85%) and rodenticide (5.88%). The commonest manner of poisoning was suicidal. The duration of hospitalization ranged from 1 to 60 days. Poisoning followed ingestion of readily available and commonly used agents. Therefore implementation of strict legislative measures regarding the sale and distribution of insecticides can reduce the incidence of poisoning in developing agrarian countries.

Potential pharmacological strategies for the improved treatment of organophosphate-induced neurotoxicity.

Organophosphates (OP) are highly toxic compounds that cause cholinergic neuronal excitotoxicity and dysfunction by irreversible inhibition of acetylcholinesterase, resulting in delayed brain damage. This delayed secondary neuronal destruction, which arises primarily in the cholinergic areas of the brain that contain dense accumulations of cholinergic neurons and the majority of cholinergic projection, could be largely responsible for persistent profound neuropsychiatric and neurological impairments such as memory, cognitive, mental, emotional, motor, and sensory deficits in the victims of OP poisoning. The therapeutic strategies for reducing neuronal brain damage must adopt a multifunctional approach to the various steps of brain deterioration: (i) standard treatment with atropine and related anticholinergic compounds; (ii) anti-excitotoxic therapies to prevent cerebral edema, blockage of calcium influx, inhibition of apoptosis, and allow for the control of seizure; (iii) neuroprotection by aid of antioxidants and N-methyl-d-aspartate (NMDA) antagonists (multifunctional drug therapy), to inhibit/limit the secondary neuronal damage; and (iv) therapies targeting chronic neuropsychiatric and neurological symptoms. These neuroprotective strategies may prevent secondary neuronal damage in both early and late stages of OP poisoning, and thus may be a beneficial approach to treating the neuropsychological and neuronal impairments resulting from OP toxicity.

English

OBJECTIVES: Indiscriminate use of organophosphorus compounds (OPC) increase the potential threat self-poisoning and death. To make a conclusive diagnosis on academic interest a retrospective record based study was undertaken. METHODOLOGY: Post autopsy studies were carried out on 100 victims of OPC poisoning by collecting data from following 3 sources.: Medicolegal autopsy reports, inquest reports and inpatient case sheets. Intention of ingestion of OPC was to commit suicide. Incidence was more in 20 to 30 years of age group, in females and in urban area. RESULTS: Diagnosis was confirmed by history of poison exposure, clinical well-defined cholinergic effects, and characteristic autopsy finding. Early and correct identification of the cause of OP poisoning enables specific treatment. CONCLUSION: Restrictions on access of very toxic pesticides through national polices and enforcement, public education on storage and safe use, early recognition of poisoning, and appropriate medical management may reduce the incidence of poisoning and death.

PROFILE OF ORGANOPHOSPHORUS INSECTICIDES POISONING IN KASTURBA HOSPITAL, MANIPAL, SOUTH INDIA

A prospective study was conducted from November 2007 to November 2009 in a tertiary care hospital at Manipal in Southern India, and a profile of the victims of pesticide poisoning was prepared. The objective of the study was to recognise the magnitude and pattern of poisoning in relation to the manner of consumption in this region of Southern India. In the present study, the young productive age group between 20-40 years we remostly affected. Males were predominantly affected.The most common compound was chlorpyrifos. Vomiting was the most common symptom. The most common sign was dilated pupils as against the usually observed sign of miosis which was attributed to atropine received from referral hospital. Among the complications, respiratory failure followed by pneumonia was commonly observed with severe pneumonia being the most common cause of mortality.

An Epidemiological Study of Fatal Aluminium Phosphide Poisoning At Rajkot

Major occupation in Saurashtra region of Gujarat is farming with majority of population living in rural areas where the cases of accidental and suicidal poisoning are common and incidences are increasing day by day due to the use of pesticides for a wider variety of purposes. A detailed knowledge about the nature and magnitude of the poisoning cases in this particular area is not only important for early diagnosis and prompt treatment but also it may help to form policies to curb the access of the population to certain very toxic substances. The present study was undertaken in the department of Forensic Medicine at Rajkot (Gujarat) to know the pattern of fatal poisoning. Total 208 cases of death due to fatal poisoning were selected for this prospective study, which were brought to us for postmortem examination during the span of one year (From January 2007 to December 2007). Various aspects like relation with age, sex, kind of poison, hospitalization, caste and time between consumption and death were noted in 208 cases of poisoning. Our study revealed that most of the victims of fatal poisoning were Hindus, married males of middle socio-economic status who died due to self ingestion of some poison. Male: Female ratio was found to be 1.36:1. In the present study higher number of fatal poisonings episodes can be ascribed to pesticides but on the basis of WHO classification of poison, Aluminium Phosphide is most common fatal poison.

Evaluation and referral for child maltreatment in pediatric poisoning victims

ObjectiveAlthough the majority of poisonings in young children are due to exploratory ingestions and might be prevented through improved caregiver supervision, the circumstances that warrant evaluation for suspected maltreatment and referral to Child Protective Services (CPS) are unclear.Therefore the objective of this study was to determine the percentage and characteristics of young poisoning victims who were evaluated for child maltreatment by the hospital team (social work and/or child protection team) and/or referred to CPS. MethodsRetrospective study of poisoning victims<6 years old seen at an urban children's hospital from 2006 to 2008. Logistic regression was performed to evaluate the associations between the outcomes (evaluation for maltreatment by hospital team and/or referral to CPS) and predictor variables (demographics and circumstances, type and severity of poisoning). ResultsAmong 928 poisonings, 41% were from household products, 20% from over-the-counter drugs, 7% from prescription narcotics/sedatives, 29% from other prescription drugs, and ≤1% each from ethanol, illicit drugs, or other substances. Most children were asymptomatic (69%) or stable (28%); 3% were critically ill. Only 13% were evaluated by the hospital team and 4% were referred to CPS. Demographic characteristics were not associated with referral to CPS. Higher clinical severity was associated with increased referral (p<0.001). Compared to poisonings with over-the-counter drugs, referrals were more likely for poisonings with ethanol and prescription narcotics/sedatives, but not other prescription drugs or household products (p<0.001). All illicit drug poisonings and 44% of ethanol poisonings were referred. The majority of referrals to CPS were for concerns for illicit drugs, poor supervision or multiple forms of maltreatment; 6% were secondary to concerns for intentional poisoning. ConclusionsEvaluations and referrals to CPS for maltreatment are uncommon in young poisoning victims. Referrals occurred consistently for illicit drugs but not ethanol. Although referrals were more likely for higher severity poisonings, it is unclear if the severity of poisoning is associated with the level of supervisory neglect or a marker of ongoing risk to the child. These findings suggest the need to identify risk factors for ongoing harm and the development of clinical guidelines used to determine which poisoning victims should be referred to Child Protective Services.

Victims of Intentional Poisonings in Thousands

Victims of Intentional Poisonings in Thousands

Heroin poisoning deaths with 6-acetylmorphine in blood: demographics of the victims, previous drug-related offences, polydrug use, and free morphine concentrations in femoral blood

This article discusses cases of drug-poisoning death in which 6-acetylmorphine (6-AM) was identified in blood as evidence for recent use of heroin. We report the demographics of the victims, previous drug-related offences, polydrug use, and the concentrations of free morphine in peripheral blood. After solid-phase extraction, morphine, codeine, and 6-AM were determined in blood samples by isotope-dilution gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC–MS) using limits of quantitation of 0.005 mg/l for each opiate. The victims of heroin poisoning were mainly men (88%), with a mean age of 35.4 ± 8.4 years (±SD) and no significant gender difference in age (men 35 ± 8.4 years; women 35 ± 8.6 years). The median concentration of free morphine in blood (n = 671) was 0.25 mg/l (66% > 0.20 mg/l) and women had a higher concentration (0.30 mg/l) than men (0.24 mg/l) (P 0.05) was found for the concentration of free morphine in blood when heroin was the only drug taken (median 0.26 mg/l, n = 53) compared with multidrug deaths (median 0.24 mg/l, n = 618) (P > 0.05). The coingested drugs most commonly identified in heroin-related deaths were ethanol (44%), diazepam (27%), cannabis (20%), and flunitrazepam (19%). We found that 61% of victims had previous drug-related offences ranging from 1 to 48 times. The close agreement between the concentrations of free morphine in blood when heroin was the only drug taken and multidrug deaths suggests that differences in tolerance to opiates is more important in causing death than adverse drug–drug interactions.

An initial report on the efficacy of a millesimal potency Arsenicum Album LM 0/3 in ameliorating arsenic toxicity in humans living in a high-risk arsenic village

Millions of people are at risk of groundwater arsenic contamination, and there is no known remedy that can effectively remove the symptoms of prolonged arsenic poisoning. A potentized homeopathic drug, Arsenicum Album LM 0/3 (Ars Alb LM 0/3), is claimed in homeopathic literature to have the ability to treat symptoms similar to that of arsenic poisoning. This study examines whether Ars Alb LM 0/3 could provide some degree of amelioration for the victims living in an arsenic-affected village where no arsenic-free drinking water is available. This study was carried out on volunteers living in an arsenic-affected village where no arsenic-free drinking water is available. Twenty-eight volunteers from the village of Dasdiya, in Haringhata block under Nadia District, West Bengal, India, an arsenic-contaminated village where wells contain 55 to 95 μg/L arsenic, were selected to undertake a double-blind and placebo-controlled trial. The subjects provided samples of blood and urine before and after 2 months of taking either "verum" or "placebo". Another 18 subjects living in an arsenic-free village, served as the negative controls. Samples of blood and urine from the subjects were assayed for arsenic content, according to various toxicity biomarkers and pathophysiological parameters. Out of the original 28 subjects, only 14 subjects provided samples while the other 14 dropped out. There were elevated levels of arsenic in the blood and urine, alkaline and acid phosphatases, lipid peroxidation, and glutathione activities and increased blood glucose, triacylglycerol, cholesterol, and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol contents, whereas there were decreased levels of aspartate and alanine aminotransferases, gamma glutamyl transferase, glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase contents, high-density lipoprotein cholesterol and packed cell volume in the subjects. After 2 months of homeopathic remedy administration, the verum-fed subjects showed positive modulations within these parameters with slight lowering of matrix metalloproteinase activity as compared with the placebo group. Ars Alb LM 0/3 shows potential for use in high-risk arsenic villages as an interim treatment for amelioration of arsenic toxicity until more extensive medical treatment and facilities can be provided to the numerous victims of arsenic poisoning.

Homicidal Poisoning in Japan: Offender and Crime Characteristics

The purpose of this study was to examine empirically those who committed homicidal poisoning in Japan (N = 96). Typically, offenders were middle-aged (mean 43.2 years), had a fixed residence (99 per cent), had no criminal record (81 per cent), were employed (68 per cent), and married (56 per cent): 54 per cent of the offenders were female. The offenders could be differentiated by categorical principal component analysis (CATPCA) into two poisoning themes: ‘instrumental’ (N = 65) and ‘expressive’ (N = 31). In ‘instrumental’ poisoning, the offenders were likely to induce a coma in a victim using medical supplies such as hypnotics, and then murder the victim, usually by strangling or stabbing. There were more co-offenders among ‘instrumental’ poisoners than among ‘expressive’ poisoners. The offenders who committed ‘expressive’ poisoning were inclined to poison victims serially or collectively in the workplace during daytime. These offenders were more likely to live with a parent/parents and exhibit mental health problems than those who committed ‘instrumental’ poisoning.

Aspects épidémiologiques et cliniques de l'intoxication par les déchets toxiques dans le district d'Abidjan

In the nights of 19 to 21 August, 2006, highly toxic waste products were dumped at various sites in Abidjan, and numerous cases of poisoning were reported to the health authorities, who were unprepared for such a problem. The research group on Environment and Health in Urban Environment from the Swiss Center of Scientific Research and its partners at the Swiss Tropical Institute undertook this study whose objectives were to: describe the epidemiologic profile of the people poisoned; identify the main clinical symptoms and the risk factors for poisoning; and recommend steps to attenuate the effects and to prevent intermediate- and long-term consequences. This cross-sectional study examined the populations living around the discharge sites (n=6). The sample size was calculated at 619 people per site, to identify a 1% risk and a standard error of 0.4%, because of variability of the human impact factor at the different sites. Households were chosen at each site by the transect technique. Six teams, each including a physician, a public health agent and a local guide collected the data, after specific training. A pilot investigation made it possible to validate the final questionnaire. Of 4573 people surveyed, 4344 people, about 95%, were home during the toxic waste discharge. In all, 2369 (51.8%) had signs of poisoning. Sex, district of residence, and presence at home at the time of the discharge were all statistically related to poisoning. The distribution of poison victims according to health centre shows that 1297 people (64.4%) visited a health center AA(3/4) 615 of them (about 47.4%) a public or official centre, and 778 (about 60%), an unofficial centre; 379 (29.2%) were managed by an NGO, 159 individuals (12.3%) by mobile units, 63 individuals (4.8%) by the unofficial public health centre, and 35 (2.7%) at an unspecified site. Of those who sought care, 673 people (about 51.8%) received a medical prescription, and 815 (or 62.7%) had been given the drug directly, for free. 94 individuals (about 7.2%) chose their own self-medication, and 74 people (5.7%) a traditional treatment. In all, 34 people, about 2.6% of those who sought care, were hospitalized. Of the subjects who went to a health centre, 1421 (72.8%) had a positive course and 532 (27.7%) an unfavourable course. The latter complained especially of respiratory signs, in particular a cough and thoracic pains (21.8%), digestive signs (diarrhoea and abdominal distension, about 21.5%), and cutaneous (pruritus) and neurological (headaches) signs (20.7%). Overall, 532 people (21.%) still presented signs during the investigation. This study highlighted the persistence of the symptoms among many of those poisoned more than 4 months afterwards. This phenomenon continues, although the sites have been partially cleaned: the long-term effects on population health remain alarming. Thorough multidisciplinary studies are essential to explore the long-term effects.

Homicidal poisoning deaths in the United States 1999–2005

Objectives. Homicidal poisoning is an intriguing but poorly described phenomenon. This study describes homicidal poisoning deaths in the United States during 1999–2005. Methods. A trend analysis of homicidal poisoning death was performed using Vital Statistics data. The National Mortality Statistics database was queried using “homicide” as injury intent and “poisoning” as mechanism for the years 1999–2005. Counts and rates were obtained for subgrouping by using demographic data and ICD-10 codes. Chi-square analysis calculated subgroup odds ratios (OR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI). Results. A total of 523 homicidal poisoning deaths were identified. The overall rate for the period was 0.26/million/year. Males were significantly (OR 1.34, CI 1.13–1.59) more likely to victims than females. Death was more likely at extremes of age. Rates were 2.05/million (OR 8.72, CI 6.63–11.49) in children <1 year and 0.56/million (OR 2.20, CI 1.38–3.52) at ages ≥85 years. Rates also varied by race and were more common among Blacks (0.43/million; OR 1.83, CI 1.47–2.26). The greatest rate was observed in Black infants (5.3/million; OR 21.34, CI 14.17–32.15). ICD-10 codes indicated that medications were the most common poison. Rates were significantly higher in the West and lower in the Northeast. Conclusion. The overall homicidal poisoning death rate was low between 1999 and 2005. The most common type of poison used was medications. Substantially higher rates were observed in vulnerable populations at extremes of age, particularly infants, and among Blacks. This challenges common notions of the victims of homicidal poisoning and the underlying motivation of their poisoners.

Overview of Pesticide Poisoning in South Korea

The purpose of this article is to provide an overview of pesticide poisoning in South Korea and the relevant epidemiologic characteristics. During the period of 1996-2005, an approximate average of twenty-five hundred fatalities occurred per year due to pesticide poisoning, while age-standardized mortality rates by pesticide poisoning significantly increased from 4.42 to 6.42 per 100,000 population. Intentional self-poisoning was the primary cause of death due to pesticides (84.8% of total pesticide poisoning deaths). The prevalence of non-fatal pesticide poisoning among farmers varied from 5.7% to 86.7%. Paraquat was the leading causative agent for pesticide poisoning, followed by organophosphate insecticides. A variety of work-related factors such as pesticide usage, pesticide application days, hazardous practices and poor personal hygiene were significantly related with pesticide poisoning. The majority of the poisoned were male, elderly individuals possessing low levels of education and residing in rural areas. The number of pesticide poisoning cases was the highest during the growing season of May to August. Further evaluation of the incidence and risk factors of pesticide poisoning at the national level in South Korea is warranted to reduce the number of victims of pesticide poisoning.