Citation

Martins CB, de Andrade SM, Paiva PA. Cad. Saude Publica 2006; 22(2): 407-414.

Vernacular Title

Envenenamentos acidentais entre menores de 15 anos em municipio da Regiao Sul do

Affiliation

Centro de Ciencias da Saude, Universidade Estadual de Londrina, Londrina, Brasil.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2006, Escola Nacional De Saude Publica)

DOI

/S0102-311X2006000200018

PMID

16501753

Abstract

This study analyzes the characteristics of accidental poisoning among children and young adolescents (< 15 years) in Londrina, Parana State, Brazil, in 2001. Data were obtained from patient records in general hospitals, the local Poison Control Center, and the municipal Mortality Information Center. There were 473 cases of poisoning, with an incidence rate of 339.8 per 100,000, 58.5% due to poisonous substances and 39% due to venomous animals and plants. Increased risk was observed in the 1-3-year age group, due to poisonous substances. Medications (47.5%), pesticides (14.1%), and cleaning products (11.3%) were the main substances involved (284 cases), and 17.2% of children were hospitalized. Among 189 cases of contact with venomous animals and plants, caterpillars (29.1%), bees (25.9%), and spiders (22.8%) were the main agents, with a 1.1% hospitalization rate. Incidence of poisoning is high, and there are important differences in the types of agents involved according to age group, which may help orient the prevention of such accidents.