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Forensic toxicology in urban South Africa
M J Stewart1, J J Moar, J Mwesigwa
1University of the Witwatersrand, Parktown, South Africa. mikes@mail.saimr.wits.ac.za
Journal of Toxicology. Clinical Toxicology
|August 10, 2000
Abstract
Background:
An analysis has been made of the pattern of deaths due to poisoning in South Africa over the period 1991-1996.
Methods:
The database held by the Forensic Science Service Laboratory, covering the period 1991-1996 was analyzed.
Results:
Agricultural chemicals are a major cause of mortality. Among drugs of abuse, combinations of methaqualone/diphenhydramine and cyclizine/dipipanone contribute a disproportionately high percentage of cases. Metal poisoning is common as are cases of poisoning attributed to remedies prescribed by traditional healers.