Deaths from poisoning in New Zealand: 2001-2002.
OBJECTIVE
To describe the epidemiology and toxicology of poisoning deaths in New Zealand for 2001 and 2002.


METHODS
Poisoning mortality data for 2001 and 2002 were collected from the Coronial Service Office (CSO) as part of the New Zealand chemical injury surveillance system.


RESULTS
There was 235 and 234 poisoning deaths in 2001 and 2002 respectively, an annual rate of 6.3 [95% CI of 5.5 to 7.1] deaths per 100,000 population for both years. Two-thirds (67.0%) of the deaths were intentional. The 25-44 year age group had the largest number of cases and highest age-specific rate (123 deaths, 11.1 [95% CI: 9.3-13.2] per 100,000 in 2001 and 119 deaths, 10.7 [(95% CI: 9.0-12.8] per 100,000 in 2002). Over two-thirds (68.9%) of the deaths were male. In 2001, the European rate was slightly higher than that for Maori but rates for the two ethnicities were similar in 2002. Geographically, West Coast District Health Board (DHB) had the highest rates. Rates increased with increasing deprivation. Nearly two-thirds (64.3%) of the intentional deaths were attributed to carbon monoxide. Methadone, morphine or heroin, and ethanol were the leading causes of the unintentional deaths.


CONCLUSIONS
The rate of poisoning deaths in New Zealand is comparable with other industrial countries as is the prominence of poisoning as a leading method of suicide.
McDowell
Rebecca
R
Population and Environmental Health, Institute of Environmental Science and Research (ESR) Limited, Porirua, New Zealand. rebecca.mcdowell@esr.cri.nz
Fowles
Jeff
J
Phillips
David
D
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D017677:Age Distribution; D000368:Aged; D044466:Asian People / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D002249:Carbon Monoxide Poisoning / Q000401:mortality; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007223:Infant; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009294:Narcotics / Q000506:poisoning; D009520:New Zealand / Q000453:epidemiology; D011041:Poisoning / Q000401:mortality*; D017678:Sex Distribution; D012959:Socioeconomic Factors; D013405:Suicide / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D044465:White People / Q000706:statistics & numerical data
D009294:Narcotics