The STIZ and the epidemiology of poisoning in Switzerland (Swiss Toxicologic Information Center)

Despite the fact that the danger and the sequelae of poisoning are regularly referred to in the media, comprehensive reports about type and frequency of poisoning in Switzerland are not available in the literature. Thus morbidity of poisoning can only be judged by the calls and written replies of treating physicians. According to the retrospective evaluation of the data available to us (1966 to 1991), the number of poisoning leading to severe life-threatening symptoms is tending to decline. This apparent success of prevention and treatment of poisoned patients in our country should be corroborated by extensively investigating quantitative and qualitative aspects of poisoning. Moreover, overall mortality of poisoning is increasing, especially because of the deaths caused by abusing habit-forming drugs. On the other hand, the number of suicides using medicaments shows a tendency to decline. Detailed statistical data about the circumstances and xenobiotics involved in poisoning could efficiently help to develop measures to prevent a fatal outcome. Language: de