Seasonal variation and recurring peaks of reported poisonings during a 3-year period

Seasonality of poisonings was studied among 28 692 cases reported during the years 1980-1982 in Finland with special reference to recurring peak months over years. Poisonings predominated in the summer. For all age-groups peaks of envenomations, plant poisonings and pesticide poisonings recurred between June and September. Among children aged 0-6 years, there were in addition recurrent peaks in poisonings by tobacco between June and August, by corrosive agents in September and by vitamins, trace elements and external medicines in October. Among children aged 7-15 years, fertilizer poisonings peaked recurrently in August. Among adults, poisonings by petroleum products peaked recurrently in July and December, psychopharmacologic drugs in July and October, paints, glues and plastics in November, alcohols in December and antimicrobial drugs in August and October. Of all poisonings, 33% occurred in July, August or September in contrast to the expected 25%. Preventive efforts should thus be intensified during the summer.