Human deaths due to chemical poisoning in Kangra (Himachal Pradesh): A five year retrospective study Yadav V1, Bhargava S1, Mahajan M2, Sharma A3, Singh R1,* 1Department of Genetics, M.D. University, Rohtak-124001, Haryana, India 2Regional Forensic Science Laboratory, Northern Range, Dharamshala-176215, Himachal Pradesh, India 3State Forensic Science Laboratory, Shimla Hills, Junga-171218, Himachal Pradesh, India *Corresponding Author: Assistant Professor (Forensic Science), Department of Genetics, M.D. University, Rohtak-124001, Haryana, India. E-mail: rvsforensic@gmail.com, Mobile: 91-9896398962
Abstract Background Poisoning has been affecting human race for centuries. It is also pointed as one of the leading causes of death in the modern world. Aim of this five year (20112015) retrospective study was to investigate epidemiology of poisoning cases from district Kangra, Himachal Pradesh. Methods Data was collected from Regional Forensic Science Laboratory (RFSL) situated at Dharmsala, Himachal Pradesh. This data was categorized and summarized according to monthly and annual frequency of reporting of cases, victim's age, gender, area, manner of poisoning, exposure to poison, and time of incidence. Results Accidental and suicidal poisoning was common in 72.6% males, especially from rural backgrounds. People with 21–30 years age group were highly involved in poisoning related deaths. Insecticides/pesticides were found exceedingly responsible for death of the humans during evaluation period. Most of the incidents took place during the daytime. Conclusion Overall surveillance of the records have produced noticeable findings which might be useful for researchers, academicians, policy makers, district administration, health centers and poison information centers. Top Keywords Poisoning, Kangra, Forensic, age, gender, locality. Top |