Study of Epidemiological Features in Relation to Poisoning with Special Reference to Corrosive Poisoning

Poison is any substance able to produce damage or alter the functions in the body by its chemical activity. It can enter the body in various ways to produce general or local effects (limited to the eyes, skin, lungs, etc.). Poisoning is a term used to define the ability of a chemical substance in acting adversely or deleteriously on the body. Changing trends in poisoning and its rise is a world-wide phenomenon occurring in all age groups and all sections of societies. It has mammoth medico-legal and social significance. This surge in the incidence of poisoning in current times is due to stress and anxiety related to academics in youngsters, professional and money related issues in adults and loss of social security in old individuals.

The present study was carried on at Osmania General Hospital and mortuary during the period of 36 months from January 2013 to December 2015. During this period a total number of 15, 589 autopsies were conducted and 2908 cases of different poisoning deaths were recorded. Among all the poisoning cases 406 deaths were reported due to corrosive poisoning. All the reported cases in the study period were investigated.

A study of 15, 589 autopsies and of which 2908 cases of various poisoning during 2013–2015 constituting 18.65% of all cases, among the poisoning cases 406 cases of corrosive poisoning fatalities were noted.

Poisoning is a common choice for suicide, organophosphates being the poison of choice due to its easy availability.