Self-Poisoning in Sri Lanka: Factors Determining the Choice of the Poisoning Agents

Presents a prospective study of 97 consecutive admissions to hospital following self-poisoning. Findings reveal that easy availability of toxic agrochemicals together with lack of knowledge regarding their lethality were the main causative factors determining the choice of poisoning agents. Calls for the development of public awareness as to the lethality of these agents, education about proper storage & disposal, & stricter legislation of their sale & distribution in order to reduce poisoning.