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Epidemiological profile of Aldicab poisoning registered by the Forensic Medical Institute in the State of Rio de Janeiro from 1998 to 2005

Aldicarb, commonly known as "chumbinho", is sold illegally in the State of Rio de Janeiro and has been involved in poisonings, suicides and homicides resulting in a serious public health problem. This study presents the Aldicarb mortality profile in the State of Rio de Janeiro for the period of 1998-2005. A descriptive study was made through a secondary database containing the results of the Forensic Medical Institute's (IMLAP/RJ) reports and toxicological characteristics of the patients We detected 746 positive cases of Aldicarb poisoning. The males (67.2%) prevailed over the females (32.8%). Regarding age, there is a predominance of poisoning in adults (56%). With regard to skin color, white prevailed (52.1%). The period with the highest numbers of cases was from 1998 to 1999 (43.5%). The municipality with the highest concentration of cases was Rio de Janeiro, with a total of 440 (59.8%). Of the 746 cases, 601 (80.6%) had information on the circumstances, and the higher prevalence of hospitalization was for unspecified condition with removal of the cadaver in the street (45.1%). Its commercialization and irregular use, especially in the metropolitan region of Rio de Janeiro, shows that enforcement actions to curb their use should be intensified.

poisoning; Aldicarb; pesticides; Public Health


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