Human deaths due to chemical poisoning in Kangra (Himachal Pradesh): A five year retrospective study

Poisoning has been affecting human race for centuries. It is also pointed as one of the leading causes of death in the modern world. Aim of this five year (20112015) retrospective study was to investigate epidemiology of poisoning cases from district Kangra, Himachal Pradesh.

Data was collected from Regional Forensic Science Laboratory (RFSL) situated at Dharmsala, Himachal Pradesh. This data was categorized and summarized according to monthly and annual frequency of reporting of cases, victim's age, gender, area, manner of poisoning, exposure to poison, and time of incidence.

Accidental and suicidal poisoning was common in 72.6% males, especially from rural backgrounds. People with 21–30 years age group were highly involved in poisoning related deaths. Insecticides/pesticides were found exceedingly responsible for death of the humans during evaluation period. Most of the incidents took place during the daytime.

Overall surveillance of the records have produced noticeable findings which might be useful for researchers, academicians, policy makers, district administration, health centers and poison information centers.