Cases of chemical assault worldwide: a literature review.
We reviewed 24 studies of chemical burns by means of assault in the last 40 years. We describe 771 cases of chemical assault in total. Jamaica had the largest absolute number of cases. Bangladesh had the highest reported incidence. Male victims were more common, with the exception of Bangladesh and Taiwan. The youngest cohort was from Bangladesh. The role of gender, agents used and legislation were discussed. We identified two broad motives; increases in violent crime and use as a crime of passion in disputes between men and women.
Mannan
Ashim
A
Royal Surrey County Hospital, Guildford, Surrey, UK. ashim_mannan@hotmail.com
Ghani
Samuel
S
Clarke
Alex
A
Butler
Peter E M
PE
D000328:Adult; D002057:Burns, Chemical / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000209:etiology; D003415:Crime / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D005260:Female; D014943:Global Health; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D012737:Sex Factors; D014754:Violence / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*