The analysis of organophosphates poisoning cases treated at the Centre for Acute Poisonings in Lublin Provincial Hospital in 1994-1996.

Organophosphorous compounds that are widely used in farming in the form of plant protecting preparations, are strong poisons and a source of poisoning, especially in the country. In the period 1994-1996 at the Centre for Acute Poisonings of the Jan Bozy Provincial Hospital in Lublin there were 38 patients hospitalised because of organophosphorous pesticide poisonings. In 24 of these cases the poisoning was suicidal. Six cases of the suicidal consumption of organophosphorous preparations were fatal. Most of the patients were men (31 patients). The age ranged widely from 13 to 85, however most of the patients belonged to a 51-60 age group. The majority of poisoning cases took place in the evening, or at night which could be explained by a specific rhythm of work and rest in the country. A thorough analysis of the cases of organophosphates poisoning will contribute to the generation of a data base that would aid diagnosis and treatment, as well as carrying out effective prevention programmes.