The pattern of acute poisonings in Poland.

The pattern of poisonings in Poland is presented on the basis of data for 1988-1991 from the regional toxicology centres. Suicidal attempts constituted the most numerous group of poisonings; in recent years, there has been a downward trend to below 50% of all poisoning cases. Drugs, especially sleep-inducing and psychotropic compounds, constituted the most frequent cause of poisonings and accounted for over 50% of all cases. Alcohols were the second most frequent group of poisoning, about 20% of all cases, followed by gases (including CO) at about 10%, and pesticides responsible for 3%. The mortality rate for all poisonings shows a growing trend, from 1.5% in 1989 to 2.0% in 1991. High mortality rates have been observed in poisonings from Amanita phalloides, ethylene glycol, methanol, pesticides (chiefly dipyridyl derivatives and organophosphorous compounds), metal compounds and corrosive substances.