A profile of poisoning cases in Malaysia caused by household Chemical products: 14 years of reported cases to the National Poison Centre


Citation

Indahayu Ab Rahman, . and Mohamad Shaharudin Samurijan, . and Nur Azzalia Kamaruzaman, . and Norhaniza Amil, . and Adilah Mohamed Ariff, . and Widad Fadhullah, . and Mohd Hafiidz Jaafar, . (2024) A profile of poisoning cases in Malaysia caused by household Chemical products: 14 years of reported cases to the National Poison Centre. Journal of Sustainability Science and Management (Malaysia), 19 (3). pp. 163-181. ISSN 2672-7226

Abstract

The increase in chemical product manufacturing in Malaysia contributed to an expanding array of commercialised household chemical products (HCP). These products, after pesticides and pharmaceuticals, rank among the top three poison reagents listed by the Malaysia National Poison Centre. This study conducts a retrospective review of HCP poisoning admissions to the NPC over a 14-year period, aiming to evaluate the HCP poisoning rates in Malaysia. The database of HCP poisoning exposure calls received by the NPC from 2006 to 2020 was analysed and discussed. State profiles and population- based incidence rates revealed 15,381 HCP poisoning cases. Household cleaning products emerged as the predominant poison reagent (53%) during the study period, followed by solvents and cosmetic/personal care items. The increase in poisoning cases by these products coincided with the spread of the COVID-19 disease. West Coast states (Selangor and Perak) reported higher poisoning exposures compared with East Coast states (Kelantan and Terengganu), with urbanisation appearing to play a role in the disparity of HCP poisoning cases among states. The study recommends intensified prevention efforts and enforcement of HCP poisoning regulations as a fundamental step towards developing national poisoning preventive strategies.


Download File

Full text available from:

Abstract

The increase in chemical product manufacturing in Malaysia contributed to an expanding array of commercialised household chemical products (HCP). These products, after pesticides and pharmaceuticals, rank among the top three poison reagents listed by the Malaysia National Poison Centre. This study conducts a retrospective review of HCP poisoning admissions to the NPC over a 14-year period, aiming to evaluate the HCP poisoning rates in Malaysia. The database of HCP poisoning exposure calls received by the NPC from 2006 to 2020 was analysed and discussed. State profiles and population- based incidence rates revealed 15,381 HCP poisoning cases. Household cleaning products emerged as the predominant poison reagent (53%) during the study period, followed by solvents and cosmetic/personal care items. The increase in poisoning cases by these products coincided with the spread of the COVID-19 disease. West Coast states (Selangor and Perak) reported higher poisoning exposures compared with East Coast states (Kelantan and Terengganu), with urbanisation appearing to play a role in the disparity of HCP poisoning cases among states. The study recommends intensified prevention efforts and enforcement of HCP poisoning regulations as a fundamental step towards developing national poisoning preventive strategies.

Additional Metadata

[error in script]
Item Type: Article
AGROVOC Term: pesticides
AGROVOC Term: poisoning
AGROVOC Term: toxicology
AGROVOC Term: data analysis
AGROVOC Term: disinfectants
AGROVOC Term: surfactants
AGROVOC Term: solvents
AGROVOC Term: public health
Geographical Term: Malaysia
Uncontrolled Keywords: Household chemicals
Depositing User: Mr. Khoirul Asrimi Md Nor
Date Deposited: 05 Mar 2025 01:23
Last Modified: 05 Mar 2025 01:23
URI: http://webagris.upm.edu.my/id/eprint/2467

Actions (login required)

View Item View Item