LOCAL health authorities say they are concerned about recent statistics showing a 29 per cent jump in reported cases of accidental poisoning over the period 2007-2008.

While not being able to give statistics for this year, health ministry officials said if the jump of 495 reported poisoning case in 2007 to 639 in 2008 was anything to go by, this year will see a significant increase in poison cases.

The ministry cited concerns that children continued to be the main victims.

Data released from the Surveillance Unit of the Health Promotion and Protection Division of the Ministry of Health show that of 639 cases for last year, 504 (79 per cent) occurred in children under five years of age.

"Storage of chemicals in inappropriate containers such as soft drink bottles, water bottles and cups were a major risk factor for cases of accidental poisoning.

Children often consume agents and harmful chemicals such as bleach. Also pesticides are the agents that are most often accidentally ingested by adults as a result of poor hygiene and reluctance to wear protective equipment," said Yvonne Reid, project manager of the Caribbean Poison Information Network.

"Investigations have also shown that items of bleach, pharmaceuticals, kerosene oil and pesticides were among the most common items causing the deaths. Poisoning by ingestion was the most common means reported," said Reid.

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