Taiwan National Poison Center: epidemiologic data 1985-1993

Abstract

The Taiwan National Poison Center has received more than 30,000 telephone calls since its establishment in July 1985.

Objective: To obtain more information about poisoning exposures in Taiwan, a retrospective analysis was conducted of all telephone calls to the center concerning human poisoning exposures July 1985 through December 1993.

Methods: The following data were tabulated: age, sex, intent of exposure, route of exposure, substances ingested and clinical severity.

Results: During the eight years (1985-1993), 23,436 telephone calls concerning human poisoning exposure were recorded. Adults accounted for most cases (75.2%) and exposures involving males (54.2%) were somewhat more prevalent than female poisoning exposures (44.7%). Intentional poisonings (54.6%) were more common than unintentional poisonings (40.1%), with an inverse relationship in pediatric poisoning exposures. After amphetamines, the most frequently ingested poisons were pesticides, benzodiazepines, and cleaning products. Fatalities occurred most frequently following ingestion of pesticides. The mortality rate was 5.7% for all exposures.

Conclusions: Human poisoning is a serious problem in Taiwan. The reduction of suicide attempts is a major objective. Childhood poisonings are underreported and of high mortality.