NEWARK, N.J., Jul 18, 2009 (UPI via COMTEX) -- The U.S. Centers for Disease
Control and Prevention says adults between the ages of 34 and 56 are more likely
to die of poisoning than an auto accident.
The federal agency says in its Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report that
poisoning deaths can range from drug overdoses to fatalities caused by various
biologic substances, vapors or gases, a University of Medicine and Dentistry of
New Jersey release said Friday.
The agency said between 2005 and 2006, the poisoning death rate among the
targeted age group was significantly higher than the death rate from motor
vehicle traffic accidents.
The center said drug overdoses accounted for 92 percent of the poisoning deaths
during the time period. Additional specifics regarding the study were not
reported.
Bruce Ruck, the New Jersey Poison Information & Education System's director of
drug information, said the report findings were indicative of trends in states
such as New Jersey.
"New Jersey has experienced a steady increase in unintentional poisoning
deaths," he said. "Prescription drug abuse is increasing among all ages, from
children through adults."
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