Forensic toxicology in urban South Africa.
BACKGROUND
An analysis has been made of the pattern of deaths due to poisoning in South Africa over the period 1991-1996.


METHODS
The database held by the Forensic Science Service Laboratory, covering the period 1991-1996 was analyzed.


RESULTS
Agricultural chemicals are a major cause of mortality. Among drugs of abuse, combinations of methaqualone/diphenhydramine and cyclizine/dipipanone contribute a disproportionately high percentage of cases. Metal poisoning is common as are cases of poisoning attributed to remedies prescribed by traditional healers.
University of the Witwatersrand, Parktown, South Africa. mikes@mail.saimr.wits.ac.za
M J
MJ
Stewart
J J
JJ
Moar
J
J
Mwesigwa
M
M
Kokot
D016573:Agrochemicals / Q000506:poisoning; D002423:Cause of Death; D002849:Chromatography, Gas; D002851:Chromatography, High Pressure Liquid; D002855:Chromatography, Thin Layer; D016208:Databases, Factual; D005554:Forensic Medicine / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D006801:Humans; D013287:Illicit Drugs / Q000506:poisoning; D013058:Mass Spectrometry; D016488:Medicine, African Traditional; D008519:Medicine, Traditional; D010575:Pesticides / Q000506:poisoning; D010947:Plants, Toxic / Q000506:poisoning; D011041:Poisoning / Q000401:mortality*; D013019:South Africa / Q000453:epidemiology; D014118:Toxins, Biological / Q000506:poisoning
D016573:Agrochemicals; D013287:Illicit Drugs; D010575:Pesticides; D014118:Toxins, Biological