epidemiology of childhood accidental poisoning in Al Ain, United Arab Emirates

ABSTRACT

A prospective study into the patterns of accidental poisoning in children in Al Ain, United Arab Emirates, is described. Four hundred and eighty four children had a poisoning event during the 19 months study period Seventy nine% were aged between 1 -5 years with male children specifically at risk Therapeutic agents were incriminated in 51.8% of the poisoning events, followed by household cleaning agents [29.7%] and to a lesser extent industrial chemicals [9.7%] and others [8.8%]. UAE nationals appeared also to be at specific risk possibly from easier access to medication and their higher family incomes. The peak time for the poisoning accident, was late evening which may reflect lifestyle patterns. Our figures present a baseline scenario for future safety campaigns as there is no legal requirement for child safety for drugs and household agents in the UAE