Suicidal poisoning deaths in Singapore 1975-1984

This study presents the pattern of suicidal poisoning deaths in Singapore for 1975 to 1984. A total of 282 suicidal poisoning deaths investigated at the Department of Pathology were retrospectively analysed. It was found that for the ten year period, death by poisoning was the third most popular method of suicide with a mean annual percentage of 10.2%. The most commonly involved suicidal poison was the herbicide, Paraquat, used in 35.1% of the cases. Organophosphate insecticides were involved in 22.3% and drugs were used in 24%. The results of the study suggest that in view of the lethality of Paraquat and its popularity as a suicidal agent, there is a need for stricter controls to restrict the availability of Paraquat to the general population.