Pattern of mortality in Cairo from poisoning during the years 1976-1985

ABSTRACT

This study aimed at the investigation of deaths due to toxic agents in Cairo, during the years 1976 to 1985. Cases of food poisoning were excluded. The examid 760 cases of death due to various other toxic agents. Insecticides were responsible for 39.7% of those cases. The intake of drugs, including barbiturates and tranquillizers [minor and major], was the cause of 30.5% of the cases. Carbon monoxide caused 13.8% of the cases, while 13.0% of them were due to volatile poisons mainly alcohol [ethyl and methyl] and cyanide. The high incidence of poisoning due to insecticides calls for the necessity of studying rapid and accurate methods for their detection, particularly when the symptomatology is not conclusive, or when history of direct exposure is not available. Establishment of a poison information center and efficient laboratory services to identify poisons is mandatory