[An epidemiological study of poisoning in the Bloemfontein area]

an epidemiological study of human poisoning in the Bloemfontein area over a recent 3-year period was performed. Deliberate poisoning and accidental poisoning relative to age and sex were studied. Drugs were responsible for the majority of cases. Children seemed to have two peak periods of poisoning with regard to age, namely 1-4 years and 14-16 years. The incidences of some agents involved were compared with those in a study covering the preceding 7 years. Problem areas are identified and discussed with the aim of lowering the incidence of poisoning.