Poisonings Among Arizona Residents, 2007

Resources for the development of this report were provided through funding to the
Arizona Department of Health Services from the Centers for Disease and Control and
Prevention, Cooperative Agreement 5U17CE924770-04, Integrated Core Injury
Prevention and Control Program
Permission to quote from or reproduce materials from this publication is granted when
acknowledgment is made.

Prepared by: Alana Shacter, MPH
150 North 18th Avenue, Suite 320
Phoenix, AZ 85007
Injury Prevention Program
Bureau of Women’s and Children’s Health
Arizona Department of Health Services
July 2009

Table of Contents
Table of Contents .......................................................................................................... 1
Executive Summary ...................................................................................................... 2
Overview of Poisonings Among Arizona Residents .................................................. 3
Poison Control Centers Serving Arizona .................................................................... 4
Five-Year Trends in Poisonings Among Arizona Residents, 2003-2007 .................. 6
Mortality ....................................................................................................................... 6
Non-Fatal Inpatient Hospitalizations ............................................................................ 8
Poisoning-Related Mortality, 2007 ............................................................................. 11
Unintentional Poisoning Fatalities.............................................................................. 14
Poisoning-Related Suicides....................................................................................... 17
Non-Fatal Poisoning-Related Inpatient Hospitalizations, 2007 ............................... 20
Non-Fatal Unintentional Poisoning-Related Inpatient Hospitalizations ...................... 23
Non-Fatal Self-Inflicted Poisoning-Related Inpatient Hospitalizations ....................... 25
Non-Fatal Poisoning-Related Emergency Department Visits, 2007........................ 28
Non-Fatal Unintentional Poisoning-Related Emergency Department Visits............... 30
Non-Fatal Self-Inflicted Poisoning-Related Emergency Department Visits................ 32
Poisoning Prevention Tips and Resources .............................................................. 35
Methodology................................................................................................................ 37

1

Executive Summary
Poisonings were the underlying cause of death for 966 Arizona residents in 2007. Males
ages 45 through 54 years had the highest rate of poisoning-related deaths with 45.5
deaths per 100,000 residents. Poisoning mortality rates were highest among NonHispanic Whites (19.1 deaths per 100,000 residents) and African Americans (18.3
deaths per 100,000 residents). Seventy-one percent of the poisoning-related deaths in
2007 were due to unintentional injuries (n=689); 22 percent were due to suicide
(n=212); and seven percent were of an undetermined manner of death (n=64). The
poisons most commonly specified on death certificates in 2007 were cocaine (13
percent, n=125), Oxycodone or Hydrocodone (12 percent, n=118), and alcohol in
conjunction with other substances (12 percent, n=115). Among counties with at least 20
poisoning-related deaths in 2007, Yavapai County had the highest fatality rate (17.3
deaths per 100,000 residents).
In 2007, there were 5,148 non-fatal inpatient hospitalizations due to poisonings. Adult
females had the highest rates of non-fatal poisoning-related inpatient hospitalizations.
Females 45 through 54 years of age had a rate of 139.8 cases per 100,000 residents,
and females 35 through 44 years of age had a rate of 128.2 cases per 100,000
residents. Non-fatal poisoning-related inpatient hospitalization rates were highest
among Non-Hispanic Whites (98.4 cases per 100,000 residents) and African Americans
(88.3 cases per 100,000 residents). Self-inflicted poisonings accounted for 52 percent of
non-fatal inpatient hospitalizations (n=2,654), and unintentional poisonings comprised
an additional 39 percent (n=2,008). Hospital charges for non-fatal poisoning-related
inpatient hospitalizations totaled $106.5 million in 2007, and Arizona residents spent a
total of 14,538 days hospitalized for these injuries.
In 2007, there were 10,671 non-fatal poisoning-related emergency department visits
among Arizona residents. Twenty-one percent of the visits were among children ages
14 years and younger (n=2,198), and 25 percent of the visits were among residents
ages 15 through 24 years (n=2,731). The highest age-specific rate of non-fatal
poisoning-related emergency department visits among males was in the one through
four year age group (375.6 visits per 100,000 residents), and the highest rate among
females was in the 15 through 24 year age group (369.3 visits per 100,000 residents).
Forty-nine percent of the non-fatal poisoning-related emergency department visits were
the result of unintentional poisonings (n=5,204), and 37 percent of the visits resulted
from self-inflicted injuries (n=3,988). Hospital charges for non-fatal poisoning-related
emergency department visits totaled $29.9 million in 2007.
The data presented in this report show that poisoning is a public health problem that
impacts the lives of thousands of Arizona residents each year. These injuries can occur
throughout the life span, and like so many injuries, poisonings are predictable and
preventable. Understanding the circumstances of poisonings is an important step
towards educating and empowering communities and implementing prevention
strategies.

2

Overview of Poisonings Among Arizona Residents
Fatalities and injuries resulting from poisonings are significant problems in Arizona. In
2007, poisoning-related deaths surpassed motor-vehicle crashes as the leading injuryrelated cause of death among Arizonans.1 Additionally, preventable poisoning-related
deaths among Arizona children have increased in recent years,2 prompting a closer look
at this multifaceted problem. Figure 1 presents an overview of the number of poisoningrelated events by outcome and illustrates the limitations of currently available data
sources and our inability to enumerate the true number of poisonings.

Figure 1. Poisoning Outcomes Pyramid, Arizona 2007

Deaths
966
Non-Fatal
Inpatient
Hospitalizations
5,148
Non-Fatal Emergency
Department Visits
10,671

Poisonings treated in physician offices,
other outpatient facilities, at home,
via Poison Control Center, or not treated
???

This report presents a comprehensive picture of poisoning-related injuries among
Arizona residents in 2007. To help better understand the data, information about poison
control centers and poisoning events over several years’ time are also presented. For
additional information about data sources and methods used, please refer to the
Methodology section of this report. To learn about preventing poisonings, please
refer to the Prevention Tips and Resources section of this report.

1

Please refer to the Methodology Section for a description of the types of poisonings included in this report; these numbers may not
match other publications.
2
Arizona Department of Health Services. Arizona Child Fatality Review Program Fifteenth Annual Report. January, 2009.

3

Poison Control Centers Serving Arizona
Poison Control Centers (PCCs) are widely considered to be a cost-effective tool for
reducing healthcare costs resulting from poisoning events. It has been estimated that
for every dollar invested in a PCC, seven dollars of medical care can be avoided.3
Because of the clear benefit to citizens, the state of Arizona has mandated the
existence of a PCC since 1980. Per Arizona Revised Statutes 36-1161 through 361163, the Arizona Department of Health Services is responsible for establishing a
poison and drug information center in conjunction with the university of Arizona. While
the poison control center is charged with serving as a resource for poison identification
and treatment, it is also tasked with educating the public about poisoning prevention.
As of January 2009, two of the nation’s 61 nationally recognized PCCs were located in
Arizona. The Arizona Poison and Drug Information Center (APDIC) is affiliated with the
University of Arizona College of Pharmacy located in Tucson. The Banner Poison
Control Center (BPCC) is affiliated with Banner Good Samaritan Medical Center located
in Phoenix. The BPCC serves Maricopa County, including the metropolitan Phoenix
area. The APDIC serves the remainder of the state. While the BPCC serves a smaller
geographic area, it covers about 60 percent of the state’s residents.
Similar to other nationally recognized PCCs, both Arizona centers are accessed by
calling the National Poison Control Center toll-free telephone number: 1-800-222-1222.
Calls to this number are routed to the appropriate PCC based on geography. Because
calls are routed based on the telephone number from which the call is placed,
individuals with an Arizona telephone area code will speak to either BPCC or APDIC,
even if they are calling from outside Arizona.
Individuals are encouraged to call PCCs with any concerns, whether or not an incident
has occurred. While providing information and medical advice about poisonings, both of
Arizona’s centers provide additional services to residents, including drug information
and identification, medical consultation with clinicians, and poisoning prevention
education and outreach.
In 2007, the APDIC documented 27,005 calls for human exposures to toxins and
poisons, out of 70,698 total calls (38.2 percent). When calls regarding bevarge alcohol
and bites or envenomations are excluded, as they been with other data in this report,
there were 27,139 calls for human exposures in the APDIC service area in 2008. 12 of
these cases resulted in death and 28 percent (m=8,477) of the calls were managed in a
healthcare facility.
In 2007, the BPCC documented 54,000 calls for human exposures to toxins and
poisons, out of 105,000 total calls (51 percent). Excluding calls regarding beverage
alcohol and bites or envenomations, there were 64,597 calls for human exposures in

3

Miller TR, Lestina DC. Costs of poisoning in the United States and savings from poison control centers: A benefit-cost analysis.
Ann Emerg Med February 1997; 29:239-245.

4

the metropolitan Phoenix area in 2008. 81 of these cases resulted in death and 26
percent (n=16,664) of the calls were managed in a healthcare facility.
The availability of a 24-hour poison control center allows many people who may have
sought emergency care to be treated in their own homes, resulting in financial savings
for themselves and the healthcare facilities they may have otherwise visited. APDIC and
BPCC estimate that 41,200 people may have sought medical treatment at an
emergency department in 2007 if they had not been able to consult with the poison
control center and care for themselves at home.4
A survey of patients who called a PCC found that 79 percent of the patients surveyed
would have used the local emergency medical services in the absence of a poison
control hotline, at an estimated cost of more than five times the operating costs of the
PCC.5

4

th

Banner Poison Control Center 2007 Summary, accessed Feb. 5 , 2009 at www.bannerhealth.com/NR/rdonlyres/F8A1416BOBC5-4AA7-980B-9F4A6404B9FC/33046/poisoncontrol2.pdf
5
Kearney TE, Olson KR, Bero LA, Heard SE, Blanc PD. Health Care Cost Effects of Public Use of a Regional Poison Control
Center. West J Med 1995; 162:499-504.

5

Five-Year Trends in Poisonings Among Arizona Residents, 2003-2007
Mortality
Between 2003 and 2007, the age-adjusted poisoning-related mortality rate increased 17
percent for Arizona residents. In the same time period, the rate of suicides increased by
a larger percentage than that of unintentional poisoning deaths. There was an 18
percent increase of unintentional poisoning-related fatalities, but a 23 percent increase
for suicides. Figure 2 shows the age-adjusted poisoning-related mortality rates by
manner of death for Arizona residents from 2003 to 2007.
Figure 2. Age-Adjusted Poisoning-Related Mortality Rates per
100,000 Residents by Intent, Arizona 2003-2007

12.0
10.0

9.43

9.75

2.69

2.71

10.14

11.1

11.1

8.0
6.0
4.0

3.32
2.75

2.54

2.0
0.0
2003

2004

2005
Unintentional

2006

2007

Suicide

Between 2003 and 2007, the age-adjusted poisoning-related mortality rates increased
for both males and females, though the rates for males were consistently higher than
those for females. Figure 3 shows the age-adjusted poisoning-related mortality rates by
sex for Arizona residents from 2003 to 2007.

6

Figure 3. Age-Adjusted Poisoning-Related Mortality Rates
per 100,000 Residents by Sex, Arizona 2003-2007
20.0

17.72

17.1

17.4

15.0
9.33

9.74

11.27

19.44

19.16

11.6

11.69

10.0
5.0
0.0
2003

2004

2005
Male

2006

2007

Female

While rates decreased slightly for Native American (by 13 percent), African American
(by 12 percent), and Hispanic residents (by 12 percent), a rate increase of 30 percent
for poisoning-related fatalities among White, Non-Hispanic residents supported the
increase shown among the total population. Figure 4 shows the age-adjusted poisoningrelated mortality rates by race/ethnicity for Arizona residents from 2003 to 2007.

Figure 4. Age-Adjusted Posioning-Related Mortality Rates per
100,000 Residents, by Race/Ethnicity, Arizona 2003-2007
35.0
30.0

White, Non-Hispanic

25.0

White, Hispanic

20.0

African-American

15.0

Native American

10.0

Total

5.0
0.0

2003

2004

2005

2006

2007

While the trend is not supported in all counties, the crude rate of poisoning-related
fatalities in Arizona increased between 2003 and 2007. Table 1 shows the crude fatality
rate per 100,000 residents for poisoning-related deaths by county of residence from
2003 to 2007. Ten of the state’s 15 counties had at least one year in which there were
fewer than 15 deaths, making those counties’ rates unstable over time.

7

Table 1. Crude Fatality Rate per 100,000 residents for Poisoning-Related
Deaths by County of Residence, Arizona 2003-2007
2003
2004
2005
2006
2007
Apache*
1.4
14.0
17.6
8.0
9.3
Cochise*
12.7
10.0
11.4
14.8
15.3
Coconino*
10.9
7.7
10.7
5.3
8.1
Gila*
16.8
9.3
9.2
18.2
17.9
Graham*
14.5
5.6
5.6
8.4
19.3
Greenlee*
23.3
0
0
12.1
12.1
La Paz*
9.7
23.7
18.9
23.3
9.2
Maricopa
11.6
12.0
13.3
14.6
15.3
Mohave
9.4
12.2
16.5
11.3
12.9
Navajo*
12.5
14.9
5.5
16.0
13.0
Pima
19.5
18.3
19.4
19.9
16.2
Pinal
13.4
13.3
9.3
10.4
15.0
Santa Cruz*
7.3
14.3
0
6.6
4.3
Yavapai
17.1
25.4
15.6
11.8
17.3
Yuma*
2.9
4.4
8.4
7.2
11.9
Statewide Total
12.7
13.2
13.8
14.5
15.0
*Rates are unstable for counties indicated, as they had fewer than 15 deaths in at least one year.

Non-Fatal Inpatient Hospitalizations
Between 2004 and 2007, the age-adjusted rate of total non-fatal inpatient
hospitalizations increased one percent for Arizona residents. Figure 5 shows the ageadjusted poisoning-related rates for non-fatal inpatient hospitalizations by injury intent
for Arizona residents from 2004 to 2007.

50.0

Figure 5. Age-Adjusted Non-Fatal Poisoning-Related Inpatient
Hospitalization Rates per 100,000 Residents
by Intent, Arizona 2004-2007
44.0

44.0

28.1

29.2

41.2

42.3

40.0
30.0

27.4

31.1

20.0
10.0
0.0
2004

2005
Unintentional

2006

2007

Suicide

8

While age-adjusted poisoning-related mortality rates were consistently higher among
males, similar rates for non-fatal poisoning-related inpatient hospitalizations were higher
for females then for males. Figure 6 shows the age-adjusted rates by sex for non-fatal
poisoning-related inpatient hospitalizations.

Figure 6. Age-Adjusted Non-Fatal Poisoning-Related
Inpatient Hospitalization Rates per 100,000 Residents
by Sex, Arizona 2004-2007
100.0
80.0

94.7

93.8
70.2

69.0

65.8

91.2

85.2
71.2

60.0
40.0
20.0
0.0
2004

2005
Male

2006
Female

2007

While rates decreased for Native American (by 43 percent), African American (by 17
percent), Asian (by 11 percent), and Hispanic residents (by seven percent), a rate
increase of 14 percent for non-fatal poisoning-related inpatient hospitalizations among
White, Non-Hispanic residents supported the slight increase shown among the total
population. Figure 7 shows the age-adjusted non-fatal poisoning-related inpatient
hospitalization rates by race/ethnicity for Arizona residents from 2004 to 2007.
Figure 7. Age-Adjusted Non-Fatal Posioning-Related Inpatient
Hospitlization Rates per 100,000 Residents,
by Race/Ethnicity, Arizona 2004-2007
140.0

White, Non-Hispanic

120.0

White, Hispanic

100.0

African-American

80.0

Native American

60.0

Asian

40.0

Total

20.0
0.0

2004

2005

2006

2007

9

While the trend is not supported in all counties, the crude rate of non-fatal poisoningrelated inpatient hospitalizations in Arizona increased between 2004 and 2007. Table 2
shows the crude fatality rate per 100,000 residents for non-fatal poisoning-related
inpatient hospitalizations by county of residence from 2004 to 2007. Four of the state’s
15 counties had at least one year in which there were fewer than 20 events, making the
rate for that county unstable over time.

Table 2. Crude Fatality Rate per 100,000 residents for Non-Fatal
Poisoning-Related Inpatient Hospitalizations
by County of Residence, Arizona 2004-2007
2004
2005
2006
2007
Apache*
33.7
33.9
28.1
23.8
Cochise
53.8
57.7
51.9
35.6
Coconino
48.6
51.3
55.0
54.0
Gila
68.4
93.7
88.9
80.7
Graham
80.5
64.9
92.0
113.0
Greenlee*
47.9
72.3
36.2
48.4
La Paz*
89.9
75.5
51.2
41.3
Maricopa
77.2
80.0
73.8
82.9
Mohave
95.4
87.2
99.0
97.7
Navajo
113.6
74.6
62.1
52.0
Pima
96.5
92.8
83.2
91.6
Pinal
88.4
91.6
86.7
80.1
Santa Cruz*
40.5
49.9
37.5
30.1
Yavapai
70.2
67.8
64.9
74.5
Yuma
57.9
64.4
48.6
49.6
Statewide Total
79.2
80.1
73.9
80.0
*Rates are unstable for counties indicated, as they had fewer than 20 events in at least one year.

10

Poisoning-Related Mortality, 2007
There were 966 deaths among Arizona residents attributed to poisoning in 2007. Sixtytwo percent of the deaths were among males, and 38 percent were among females.
Residents ages 45 through 54 years had the highest number of deaths of any age
group, and accounted for 31 percent of the poisoning fatalities in 2007 (n=310).
Residents ages 35 through 44 years accounted for 23 percent of the deaths (n=224);
residents ages 25 through 34 years accounted for 16 percent of the deaths (n=157);
and residents ages 55 through 64 years made up 12 percent of the fatalities (n=112).
Though they accounted for only 27 percent of the general population, residents ages 35
through 54 years comprised 54 percent of the poisoning-related deaths in 2007. Figure
8 shows the number and percentage of fatalities by age group.
Figure 8. Poisoning Mortality by Age Group,
Arizona 2007 (n=966)
65+ Years
7% (n=64)
55-64 Years
12% (n=112)

45-54 Years
31% (n=310)

0-14 Years
1% (n=6)

15-24 Years
10% (n=93)
25-34 Years
16% (n=157)

35-44 Years
23% (n=224)

Except for children ages one through 14 years, males had higher rates of mortality than
females. The 45 through 54 year age group had the highest rate of fatalities among both
males and females. Figure 9 shows the poisoning-related mortality rates per 100,000
Arizona residents by age group and sex.

11

Figure 9. Poisoning Mortality Rates per 100,000 Residents
by Age Group and Sex, Arizona 2007
50
45.5

45

Male (n=602)

40

Female (n=364)

35

30.8

30
25

21.4

21.8

19.7

20

13.1

14.4

15

11.9

10
5

29.3

10.5 8.4 8.9
6.0

6.1
1.9

0

2.5 1.5

0.5 0.5 0.2 0.4

0
<1

1-4

5-14

15-24

25-34

35-44

45-54

55-64

65-74

75-84

85+

White, Non-Hispanic Arizona residents had the highest age-adjusted poisoning-related
mortality rate in 2007 (19.1 deaths per 100,000 residents), followed closely by African
American residents (18.3 deaths per 100,000 residents). American Indians had the
lowest poisoning-related mortality rate in 2007 with 8.9 deaths per 100,000 residents.
Figure 10 shows the age-adjusted poisoning-related mortality rates by race/ethnicity for
Arizona residents in 2007.

Figure 10. Age-Adjusted Poisoning Mortality Rate per
100,000 Residents by Race/Ethnicity, Arizona 2007
20

19.1

18.3

15.5

15

9.1

8.9

10
5
0
White, NonHispanic
(n=753)

Hispanic
(n=142)

American
African
All
Indian (n=24) American race/ethnicities
(n=41)
(n=966)

Excludes 6 individuals of other or unknown race/ethnicity.

Figure 11 shows the distribution of poisoning-related mortality by manner among
Arizona residents in 2007.

12

Figure 11. Poisoning-Related Fatalities by Intent, Arizona 2007
(n=966)
Suicide
22% (n=212)

Unintentional 71%
(n=689)

Homicide
0% (n=1)
Undetermined
7% (n=64)

Every poisoning-related fatality has its own circumstances and type of poison. Multiple
drugs may be listed as contributing to a death. Table 3 lists the poisons most commonly
specified on the 2007 death certificates. Because some death certificates may simply
state that the cause of death was a “drug overdose” or “combined drug intoxication”, the
figures listed below may be an underestimate of the number of deaths involving a
particular substance.
Table 3. Poisons Commonly Listed on Death Certificates, Arizona 2007
Poisons*
Number
Percent
Cocaine
125
13%
Oxycodone/Hydrocodone
118
12%
Alcohol**
115
12%
Methamphetamine
106
11%
Methadone
79
8%
Heroin
56
6%
Benzodiazepines
50
5%
Carbon Monoxide
36
4%
Diphenhydramine
22
2%
Fentanyl
22
2%
*More than one poison may have been identified for each death
**While deaths attributed solely to alcohol have been excluded from this report, deaths involving
alcohol in combination with other agents are counted.

Poisoning fatalities were distributed among residents of Arizona’s counties as shown in
Table 4. While this report does not examine the distribution of mortality across counties
by type of substance, results of such an analysis from New Mexico suggest that
unintentional deaths resulting from illegal drugs were more prevalent in urbanized
areas, and deaths from prescription drugs were more common in suburban or rural
settings.6

6

CDC. Unintentional Deaths from Drug Poisoning by Urbanization of Area – New Mexico, 1994-2003. MMWR 2005; 54(35):870873.

13

Table 4. Number and Crude Rate per 100,000 Residents of
Poisoning Fatalities by County of Residence, Arizona 2007
County of Residence
Number of Deaths Crude Fatality Rate per
100,000 Residents
Apache*
7
9.3
Cochise
21
15.3
Coconino*
11
8.1
Gila*
10
17.9
Graham*
7
19.3
Greenlee*
1
12.1
La Paz*
2
9.2
Maricopa
594
15.3
Mohave
26
12.9
Navajo*
15
13.0
Pima
163
16.2
Pinal
44
15.0
Santa Cruz*
2
4.3
Yavapai
38
17.3
Yuma
24
11.9
Unknown County**
1
Statewide Total
966
15.0
*Rates are unstable for counties with fewer than 20 deaths per year.
**Rates could not be calculated because the denominator could not be characterized.

Unintentional Poisoning Fatalities
There were 689 deaths among Arizona residents attributed to poisoning in 2007. Sixtyeight percent of the deaths were among males, and 32 percent were among females.
Residents ages 45 through 54 years had the highest number of deaths of any age
group, and accounted for 33 percent of the unintentional poisoning fatalities in 2007
(n=222). Residents ages 35 through 44 years accounted for 25 percent of the deaths
(n=172); and residents ages 25 through 34 years accounted for 18 percent of the
deaths (n=124). Though they accounted for only 27 percent of the general population,
residents ages 35 through 54 years comprised 58 percent of the unintentional
poisoning-related deaths in 2007. Figure 12 shows the number and percentage of
fatalities by age group.

14

Figure 12. Unintentional Poisoning Mortality by
Age Group, Arizona 2007 (n=689)
0-14 Years
1% (n=4)

65+ Years
4% (n=30)

55-64 Years
8% (n=58)

15-24 Years
11% (n=79)
25-34 Years
18% (n=124)

45-54 Years
33% (n=222)

35-44 Years
25% (n=172)

Except for adults over 85 years of age and children ages five through 14 years, males
had higher rates of mortality than females. The 45 through 54 year age group had the
highest rate of fatalities among both males and females. Figure 13 shows the
unintentional poisoning-related mortality rates per 100,000 Arizona residents by age
group and sex.

Figure 13. Unintentional Poisoning Mortality Rates per
100,000 Residents by Age Group and Sex, Arizona 2007
40
36.3

Male (n=467)
35

Female (n=222)
30
24.8

25
20

18.3

17.4
13.9

15

13.1

12.9

10

7.9
5.1 5.5 4.0

4.5
5
0

3.0 3.0
0 0
<1

0.5

0.5 0.5

0

1-4

5-14

0
15-24

25-34

35-44

45-54

55-64

65-74

75-84

1.5

85+

African-American Arizona residents had the highest age-adjusted unintentional
poisoning-related mortality rate in 2007 (15.6 deaths per 100,000 residents), followed by
White, Non-Hispanic residents (13.3 deaths per 100,000 residents). Hispanic residents
had the lowest age-adjusted mortality rate due to unintentional poisonings in 2007 with

15

7.5 deaths per 100,000 residents. Figure 14 shows the age-adjusted unintentional
poisoning-related mortality rates by race/ethnicity for Arizona residents in 2007.

Figure 14. Age-Adjusted Unintentional Poisoning Mortality
Rate per 100,000 Residents by Race/Ethnicity, Arizona 2007
16
14
12
10
8
6
4
2
0

15.6

13.3

11.1
7.5

White, NonHispanic
(n=509)

Hispanic
(n=120)

7.8

All
American
African
Indian (n=21) American race/ethnicities
(n=689)
(n=35)

Excludes 4 individuals of other or unknown race/ethnicity.

Table 5 lists the poisons most commonly specified on the 2007 death certificates for
unintentional poisoning-related fatalities. Because some death certificates may simply
state that the cause of death was a “drug overdose” or “combined drug intoxication”, the
figures listed below may be an underestimate of the number of deaths involving a
particular substance.
Table 5. Poisons Commonly Listed on Death Certificates for Unintentional
Poisoning Fatalities, Arizona 2007
Poisons*
Number
Percent
Cocaine
118
17%
Methamphetamine
101
15%
Alcohol**
91
13%
Oxycodone/Hydrocodone
79
11%
Methadone
67
10%
Heroin
54
8%
Benzodiazepines
31
4%
Fentanyl
14
2%
Diphenhydramine
8
1%
Carbon Monoxide
6
1%
*More than one poison may have been identified for each death
**While deaths attributed solely to alcohol have been excluded from this report, deaths involving
alcohol in combination with other agents are counted.

Unintentional poisoning fatalities were distributed among residents of Arizona’s counties
as shown in Table 6.

16

Table 6. Number and Crude Rate per 100,000 Residents of Unintentional
Poisoning Fatalities by County of Residence, Arizona 2007
County of Residence
Number of Deaths Crude Fatality Rate per
100,000 Residents
Apache*
6
7.9
Cochise*
13
9.4
Coconino*
7
5.2
Gila*
9
16.1
Graham*
6
16.5
Greenlee*
0
0
La Paz*
2
9.2
Maricopa
406
10.5
Mohave*
17
8.4
Navajo*
14
12.1
Pima
135
13.5
Pinal
36
12.3
Santa Cruz*
2
4.3
Yavapai*
18
8.2
Yuma*
17
8.4
Unknown County**
1
Statewide Total
689
10.7
*Rates are unstable for counties with fewer than 20 deaths per year.
**Rates could not be calculated because the denominator could not be characterized.

Poisoning-Related Suicides
There were 212 deaths among Arizona residents attributed to poisoning in 2007. Fortyeight percent of the deaths were among males, and 52 percent were among females.
Residents ages 45 through 54 years had the highest number of deaths of any age
group, and accounted for 32 percent of the poisoning-related suicides in 2007 (n=67).
Residents ages 55 through 64 years accounted for 22 percent of the deaths (n=46); and
residents ages 35 through 44 years accounted for 18 percent of the deaths (n=38).
Though they accounted for only 27 percent of the general population, residents ages 35
through 54 years comprised 50 percent of the poisoning-related suicides in 2007. Figure
15 shows the number and percentage of fatalities by age group.

17

Figure 15. Poisoning-Related Suicides by Age
Group, Arizona 2007 (n=212)
15-24 Years
3% (n=7)

65+ Years
12% (n=26)

25-34 Years
13% (n=28)

55-64 Years
22% (n=46)

35-44 Years
18% (n=38)

45-54 Years
32% (n=67)

Except for adults over 85 years of age and children ages five through 14 years, males
had higher rates of mortality than females. The 45 through 54 year age group had the
highest rate of fatalities among females, and the 55 through 64 year age group had the
highest rate of poisoning-related suicides among males. Figure 16 shows the poisoningrelated suicide rates per 100,000 Arizona residents by age group and sex.

Figure 16. Poisoning-Related Suicide Rates per 100,000
Residents by Age Group and Sex, Arizona 2007
10

9.3

9

Male (n=101)

8

Female (n=111)

7.7
6.8

7

6.5

6

5.2

4.6

5
4.0
4
2.7

3.5

3.4

3.1

3
2
1

2.4

2.5

0.7 0.9
0

0
15-24

25-34

35-44

45-54

55-64

65-74

75-84

85+

White, Non-Hispanic Arizona residents had the highest age-adjusted poisoning-related
suicide rate in 2007 (4.5 deaths per 100,000 residents), followed by Hispanic residents
(1.3 deaths per 100,000 residents). Among all race/ethnicities, the age-adjusted
poisoning-related suicide rate was 3.3 deaths per 100,000 Arizona residents.

18

Table 7 lists the poisons most commonly specified on the 2007 death certificates for
poisoning-related suicides. Because some death certificates may simply state that the
cause of death was a “drug overdose” or “combined drug intoxication”, the figures listed
below may be an underestimate of the number of deaths involving a particular
substance.
Table 7. Poisons Commonly Listed on Death Certificates for PoisoningRelated Suicides, Arizona 2007
Poisons*
Number
Percent
Carbon Monoxide
30
14%
Oxycodone/Hydrocodone
28
13%
Alcohol**
18
8%
Diphenhydramine
11
5%
Benzodiazepines
14
7%
Methadone
7
3%
Fentanyl
3
1%
Methamphetamine
3
1%
Cocaine
2
1%
*More than one poison may have been identified for each death
**While deaths attributed solely to alcohol have been excluded from this report, deaths involving
alcohol in combination with other agents are counted.

19

Non-Fatal Poisoning-Related Inpatient Hospitalizations, 2007
There were 5,148 non-fatal inpatient hospitalizations among Arizona residents attributed
to poisoning in 2007. Forty-four percent of the events were among males (n=2,269), and
56 percent were among females (n=2,879). Residents ages 45 through 54 years had
the highest number of non-fatal inpatient hospitalizations of any age group, and
accounted for 20 percent of the non-fatal poisoning-related inpatient hospitalizations in
2007 (n=1,008). Residents ages 35 through 44 years accounted for 19 percent of the
non-fatal inpatient hospitalizations (n=1,007); residents ages 15 through 24 years
accounted for 18 percent of the cases (n=912); and residents ages 25 through 34 years
made up 17 percent of the cases (n=897). Though they accounted for only 27 percent of
the general population, residents ages 35 through 54 years comprised 39 percent of
non-fatal poisoning-related inpatient hospitalizations in 2007. Figure 17 shows the
number and percentage of non-fatal inpatient hospitalizations by age group.
Figure 17. Non-Fatal Poisoning-Related Inpatient
Hospitalizations by Age Group, Arizona 2007
(n=5,148)
55-64 Years
11% (n=570)

65+ Years
11% (n=571)

0-14 Years
4% (n=183)
15-24 Years
18% (n=912)

45-54 Years
20% (n=1,008)
35-44 Years
19% (n=1,007)

25-34 Years
17% (n=897)

Except for children ages one through four years, females had higher rates of non-fatal
inpatient hospitalizations than males. The 45 through 54 year age group had the highest
rate among both males and females. Figure 18 shows the non-fatal poisoning-related
inpatient hospitalization rates per 100,000 Arizona residents by age group and sex.

20

Figure 18. Non-Fatal Poisoning-Related Inpatient
Hospitalization Rates per 100,000 Residents
by Age Group and Sex, Arizona 2007
140
120

Female (n=2,879)

113.6

111.4
100.4

100

139.8

128.2

Male (n=2,269)

102.2

92.5

92.3
82.9

82.8

81.0

80.1

80

70.3
58.1

56.7

60
40

64.0

32.5
19.7

20

11.9

7.7 7.9

3.8

0
<1

1-4

5-14

15-24

25-34

35-44

45-54

55-64

65-74

75-84

85+

White, Non-Hispanic Arizona residents had the highest age-adjusted poisoning-related
rate of non-fatal inpatient hospitalizations in 2007 (98.4 cases per 100,000 residents),
followed by African American residents (88.3 deaths per 100,000 residents). Asian
residents had the lowest poisoning-related rate of non-fatal inpatient hospitalizations in
2007 with 39.6 cases per 100,000 residents. Figure 19 shows the age-adjusted nonfatal poisoning-related inpatient hospitalization rates by race/ethnicity for Arizona
residents in 2007.
Figure 19. Age-Adjusted Non-Fatal Poisoning-Related
Inpatient Hospitalization Rate per 100,000 Residents by
Race/Ethnicity, Arizona 2007
100

98.4

88.3

81.2

80

51.8
60

47.7

39.6

40
20
0
White, Non- Hispanic American
African Asian (n=66)
All
Hispanic
(n=761) Indian (n=169)American
race/ethnicities
(n=3,835)
(n=214)
(n=5,148)
Excludes 103 individuals of other or unknown race/ethnicity.

21

Figure 20 shows the distribution of non-fatal poisoning-related inpatient hospitalizations
by manner among Arizona residents in 2007.

Figure 20. Non-Fatal Poisoning-Related Inpatient
Hospitalizations by Intent, Arizona 2007 (n=5,148)
Self-Inflicted
52% (n=2,654)

Assault
0% (n=3)

Unintentional
39% (n=2,008)

Undetermined
9% (n=483)

Non-fatal poisoning-related inpatient hospitalizations were distributed among residents
of Arizona’s counties as shown in Table 8.
Table 8. Number and Crude Rate per 100,000 Residents of
Non-Fatal Poisoning-Related Inpatient Hospitalizations
by County of Residence, Arizona 2007
County of Residence
Number of
Crude Fatality Rate per
Hospitalizations
100,000 Residents
Apache*
18
23.8
Cochise
49
35.6
Coconino
73
54.0
Gila
45
80.7
Graham
41
113.0
Greenlee*
4
48.4
La Paz*
9
41.3
Maricopa
3,215
82.9
Mohave
197
97.7
Navajo
60
52.0
Pima
920
91.6
Pinal
235
80.1
Santa Cruz*
14
30.1
Yavapai
164
74.5
Yuma
100
49.6
Unknown County**
4
Statewide Total
5,148
80.0
*Rates are unstable for counties with fewer than 20 cases per year.
**Rates could not be calculated because the denominator could not be characterized.

In 2007, the average non-fatal poisoning-related inpatient hospitalization totaled
$20,701 in hospital charges and lasted for 2.8 days. Arizona residents spent a total of

22

14,538 days in the hospital for non-fatal poisoning-related events. The longest hospital
stay for a non-fatal case was 54 days. Hospital charges for non-fatal inpatient
hospitalizations due to poisonings totaled $106.5 million for Arizona residents in 2007.
Sixty percent of those hospital fees were reportedly paid by Medicare, Medicaid, or the
Arizona Health Care Cost Containment System (AHCCCS). The single most costly
hospitalization totaled $794,472 in hospital charges.

Non-Fatal Unintentional Poisoning-Related Inpatient Hospitalizations
There were 2,008 deaths among Arizona residents attributed to poisoning in 2007.
Forty-nine percent of the deaths were among males (n=983), and 51 percent were
among females (n=1,025). Residents age 65 years and older had the highest number of
non-fatal inpatient hospitalizations of any age group, and accounted for 21 percent of
the non-fatal unintentional poisoning cases in 2007 (n=428). Residents ages 45 through
54 years accounted for 19 percent of the cases (n=385); and residents ages 35 through
44 years accounted for 15 percent of the cases (n=294). Though they accounted for
only 13 percent of the general population, residents age 65 years and older had 21
percent of the non-fatal unintentional poisoning-related inpatient hospitalizations in
2007. Figure 21 shows the number and percentage of cases by age group.
Figure 21. Unintentional Poisoning-Related NonFatal Inpatient Hospitalizations by Age Group,
Arizona 2007 (n=2,008)
65+ Years
21% (n=428)

55-64 Years
14% (n=284)

45-54 Years
19% (n=385)

0-14 Years
7% (n=133)

15-24 Years
11% (n=223)

25-34 Years
13% (n=261)
35-44 Years
15% (n=294)

The 85 years and older age group had the highest rate of non-fatal inpatient
hospitalizations related to unintentional poisonings among both males and females.
Males age 85 years and older had a rate of 46.8 non-fatal inpatient hospitalizations per
100,000 residents, and females age 85 years and older had a rate of 61.9 non-fatal
inpatient hospitalizations per 100,000 residents. Figure 22 shows the non-fatal
unintentional poisoning-related inpatient hospitalization rates per 100,000 Arizona
residents by age group and sex.

23

Figure 22. Non-Fatal Unintentional Poisoning-Related
Inpatient Hosptialization Rates per 100,000 Residents
by Age Group and Sex, Arizona 2007
70

Male (n=983)

61.9

57.1

60

56.6

Female (n=1,025)

52.3

50
43.2

40.2
40
32.3

30.5

34.1

29.3

30

44.2
42.7

43.2

46.8

32.4

23.4
20.5

19.1
20
7.7
10

5.9
1.7

4.3

0
<1

1-4

5-14

15-24

25-34

35-44

45-54

55-64

65-74

75-84

85+

White, Non-Hispanic Arizona residents had the highest age-adjusted non-fatal
unintentional poisoning-related inpatient hospitalization rate in 2007 (36.4 cases per
100,000 residents), followed by African American residents (36.3 cases per 100,000
residents). Asian residents had the lowest age-adjusted non-fatal inpatient
hospitalization rate due to unintentional poisonings in 2007 with 15.3 cases per 100,000
residents. Figure 23 shows the age-adjusted non-fatal unintentional poisoning-related
inpatient hospitalization rates by race/ethnicity for Arizona residents in 2007.
Figure 23. Age-Adjusted Non-Fatal Unintentional
Poisoning-Related Inpatient Hospitalization Rate per 100,000
Residents by Race/Ethnicity, Arizona 2007
40
35
30
25
20
15
10
5
0

36.4

31.1

36.3
21.6
16.6
15.3

White, Non- Hispanic American
African Asian (n=24)
All
Hispanic
(n=302) Indian (n=50) American
race/ethnicities
(n=1,512)
(n=83)
(n=2,008)
Excludes 37 individuals of other or unknown race/ethnicity.

Unintentional non-fatal poisoning-related inpatient hospitalizations were distributed
among residents of Arizona’s counties as shown in Table 9.

24

Table 9. Number and Crude Rate per 100,000 Residents of
Non-Fatal Inpatient Hospitalizations due to Unintentional Poisoning
by County of Residence, Arizona 2007
County of Residence
Number of Cases Crude Rate per 100,000
Residents
Apache*
8
10.6
Cochise*
16
11.6
Coconino
26
19.2
Gila*
16
28.7
Graham*
9
24.8
Greenlee*
1
12.1
La Paz*
7
32.1
Maricopa
1,239
31.9
Mohave
68
33.7
Navajo
21
18.2
Pima
384
38.3
Pinal
96
32.7
Santa Cruz*
7
15.0
Yavapai
70
31.8
Yuma
38
18.9
Unknown County**
2
Statewide Total
2,008
31.2
*Rates are unstable for counties with fewer than 20 deaths per year.
**Rates could not be calculated because the denominator could not be characterized.

Non-Fatal Self-Inflicted Poisoning-Related Inpatient Hospitalizations
There were 2,654 non-fatal self-inflicted poisoning-related inpatient hospitalizations
among Arizona residents in 2007. Thirty-nine percent of the hospitalizations were
among males (n=1,035), and 61 percent were among females (n=1,619). Residents
ages 15 through 24 years had the highest number of non-fatal self-inflicted poisoningrelated inpatient hospitalizations of any age group, and accounted for 23 percent of
these hospitalizations in 2007 (n=623). Residents ages 35 through 44 years accounted
for 23 percent of the events (n=606); and residents ages 25 through 34 years accounted
for 21 percent of the events (n=559). Though they accounted for only 42 percent of the
general population, residents ages 15 through 44 years were responsible for 67 percent
of the non-fatal self-inflicted poisoning-related inpatient hospitalizations in 2007. Figure
24 shows the number and percentage of non-fatal inpatient hospitalizations by age
group.

25

Figure 24. Non-Fatal Self-Inflicted PoisoningRelated Inpatient Hospitalizations by Age Group,
Arizona 2007 (n=2,654)
65+ Years
4% (n=104)

55-64 Years
8% (n=212)

0-14 Years
2% (n=42)

15-24 Years
23% (n=623)

45-54 Years
19% (n=508)
25-34 Years
21% (n=559)
35-44 Years
23% (n=606)

Except for adults over 75 years of age, females had higher rates of non-fatal inpatient
hospitalizations than males. The 15 through 24 year age group had the highest rate of
events among females, and the 85 years and older age group had the highest rate of
non-fatal self-inflicted poisoning-related inpatient hospitalizations among males. Figure
25 shows the non-fatal self-inflicted poisoning-related inpatient hospitalization rates per
100,000 Arizona residents by age group and sex.

Figure 25. Non-Fatal Self-Inflicted Poisoning-Related
Inpatient Hospitalization Rates per 100,000 Residents
by Age Group and Sex, Arizona 2007
90

87.3

86.6

80.5

Male (n=1,035)

80
70.9

Female (n=1,619)

70
60

54.3

50

51.4

51.1

41.5

37.1

40
27.9
30
17.2 16.2

20
11.5
10
1.1

15.1

10.4 8.9

4.9

0
0-14
Years

15-24
Years

25-34
Years

35-44
Years

45-54
Years

55-64
Years

65-74
Years

75-84
Years

85+
Years

White, Non-Hispanic Arizona residents had the highest age-adjusted rate of non-fatal
self-inflicted poisoning-related inpatient hospitalizations in 2007 (53.4 events per
26

100,000 residents), followed by African American residents (41.4 events per 100,000
residents). Among all race/ethnicities, the age-adjusted rate of non-fatal self-inflicted
poisoning-related inpatient hospitalizations was 42.3 events per 100,000 Arizona
residents. Figure 26 shows the age-adjusted rate of non-fatal self-inflicted poisoningrelated inpatient hospitalizations by race/ethnicity for Arizona residents in 2007.
Figure 26. Age-Adjusted Non-Fatal Self-Inflicted
Poisoning-Related Inpatient Hospitalization Rate per 100,000
Residents by Race/Ethnicity, Arizona 2007
60

53.4

42.3

50
40
30

28.8
20.5

41.4
20.8

20
10
0
White, Non- Hispanic American
African Asian (n=36)
All
Hispanic
(n=380) Indian (n=98) American
race/ethnicities
(n=1,980)
(n=105)
(n=2,654)
Excludes 55 individuals of other or unknown race/ethnicity.

Self-inflicted non-fatal poisoning-related inpatient hospitalizations were distributed
among residents of Arizona’s counties as shown in Table 10.
Table 10. Number and Crude Rate per 100,000 Residents of
Non-Fatal Inpatient Hospitalizations due to Self-Inflicted Poisoning
by County of Residence, Arizona 2007
County of Residence
Number of Cases Crude Rate per 100,000
Residents
Apache*
8
10.6
Cochise
29
21.1
Coconino
42
31.1
Gila
24
43.0
Graham
26
71.7
Greenlee*
3
36.3
La Paz*
1
4.6
Maricopa
1,676
43.2
Mohave
115
57.0
Navajo
32
27.7
Pima
438
43.6
Pinal
121
41.3
Santa Cruz*
6
12.9
Yavapai
75
34.1
Yuma
56
27.8
Unknown County**
2
Statewide Total
2,654
41.3
*Rates are unstable for counties with fewer than 20 events per year.
**Rates could not be calculated because the denominator could not be characterized.

27

Non-Fatal Poisoning-Related Emergency Department Visits, 2007
There were 10,671 non-fatal emergency department visits among Arizona residents
attributed to poisoning in 2007. Forty-three percent of the visits were among males
(n=4,572), and 57 percent were among females (n=6,098). Residents ages 15 through
24 years had the highest number of non-fatal emergency department visits of any age
group, and accounted for 26 percent of the non-fatal poisoning-related emergency
department visits in 2007 (n=2,731). Children ages birth through 14 years accounted for
21 percent of the non-fatal emergency department visits (n=2,198); residents ages 25
through 34 years accounted for 17 percent of the cases (n=1,779); and residents ages
35 through 44 years made up 15 percent of the cases (n=1,625). Though they
accounted for only 14 percent of the general population, residents ages 15 through 24
years comprised 26 percent of the non-fatal poisoning-related emergency department
visits in 2007. Figure 27 shows the number and percentage of non-fatal emergency
department visits by age group.
Figure 27. Non-Fatal Poisoning-Related
Emergency Department Visits by Age Group,
Arizona 2007 (n=10,671)
55-64 Years
5% (n=568)

65+ Years
4% (n=432)

45-54 Years
13% (n=1,335)

0-14 Years
21% (n=2,198)

35-44 Years
15% (n=1,625)
25-34 Years
17% (n=1,779)

15-24 Years
25% (n=2,731)

Excludes 3 individuals of unknown age.

Except for children ages one through four years, females had higher rates of non-fatal
emergency department visits than males. The one through four year age group had the
highest rate of cases among males and the 15 to 24 year age group had the highest
rate among females. One study has shown that a substantial proportion of young
children brought to an urban tertiary-care emergency department with apparent lifethreatening events had positive toxicology screenings, even when parents denied
medicating the child.7 Though the rate of non-fatal poisoning events among Arizona’s
young children is very high, the results of that study suggest that the rate may be higher
still if all young children presenting in the emergency department with an apparent lifethreat were screened for potential poisons. Figure 28 shows the non-fatal poisoningrelated emergency department visits rates per 100,000 Arizona residents by age group
and sex.
7

Pitetti RD, Whitman E, Zaylor A. Accidental and Nonaccidental Poisonings As A Cause of Apparent Life-Threatening Events in
Infants. Pediatrics 2008; 122:e539-e362.

28

Figure 28. Non-Fatal Poisoning-Related Emergency
Department Visits Rates per 100,000 Residents
by Age Group and Sex, Arizona 2007
400

375.6
339.9

350

369.3

Male (n=4,572)
Female (n=6,098)

300
250.2

250

239.0
220.1
188.3

200
150

134.5
134.5

147.7

149.3

132.2
100.0
74.0

88.5

100

52.3

50

58.4 48.4
39.6

62.6
46.8 47.1

0
<1

1-4

5-14

15-24

25-34

35-44

45-54

55-64

65-74

75-84

85+

Excludes 3 males of unknown age and 1 individual of unknown gender.

Figure 29 shows the distribution of non-fatal poisoning-related emergency department
visits by manner among Arizona residents in 2007.
Figure 29. Non-Fatal Poisoning-Related Emergency
Department Visits by Intent, Arizona 2007 (n=10,671)
Self-Inflicted
37% (n=3,988)
Assault
0% (n=12)

Unintentional
49% (n=5,204)

Other or
Undetermined
14% (n=1,467)

Non-fatal poisoning-related emergency department visits were distributed among
residents of Arizona’s counties as shown in Table 11.

29

Table 11. Number and Crude Rate per 100,000 Residents of
Non-Fatal Poisoning-Related Emergency Department Visits
by County of Residence, Arizona 2007
County of Residence
Number of
Crude Fatality Rate per
Hospitalizations
100,000 Residents
Apache
89
117.7
Cochise
311
225.8
Coconino
270
199.9
Gila
88
157.8
Graham
134
369.4
Greenlee*
16
193.7
La Paz
46
211.2
Maricopa
6,170
159.1
Mohave
381
188.9
Navajo
200
173.4
Pima
1,595
158.9
Pinal
543
185.1
Santa Cruz
101
217.0
Yavapai
442
200.8
Yuma
275
136.5
Unknown County**
10
Statewide Total
10,671
165.9
*Rates are unstable for counties with fewer than 20 cases per year.
**Rates could not be calculated because the denominator could not be characterized.

In 2007, the average non-fatal poisoning-related emergency department visit totaled
$2,801 in hospital charges. Hospital charges for non-fatal emergency department visits
due to poisonings totaled $29.9 million for Arizona residents in 2007. Forty-three
percent of those hospital fees were reportedly paid by Medicare, Medicaid, or the
Arizona Health Care Cost Containment System (AHCCCS). The single most costly
emergency department visit totaled $69,374 in hospital charges.

Non-Fatal Unintentional Poisoning-Related Emergency Department Visits
There were 5,204 emergency department visits among Arizona residents attributed to
non-fatal poisonings in 2007. Forty-nine percent of the events were among males
(n=2,533), and 51 percent were among females (n=2,670). Children ages birth through
14 years had the highest number of non-fatal emergency department visits of any age
group, and accounted for 36 percent of the non-fatal unintentional poisoning-related
emergency department visits in 2007 (n=1,857). Residents ages 15 through 24 years
accounted for 17 percent of the visits (n=886); and residents ages 45 through 54 years
accounted for 12 percent of the visits (n=600). Though they account for only 22 percent
of the general population, children ages birth through 14 years had 36 percent of the
non-fatal unintentional poisoning-related emergency department visits in 2007. Figure
30 shows the number and percentage of cases by age group.

30

Figure 30. Unintentional Poisoning-Related NonFatal Emergency Department Visits
by Age Group, Arizona 2007 (n=5,204)
65+ Years
7% (n=360)

55-64 Years
6% (n=331)
45-54 Years
12% (n=600)

0-14 Years
36% (n=1,857)

35-44 Years
11% (n=573)
15-24 Years
17% (n=886)

25-34 Years
11% (n=597)

The one to four year age group had the highest rate of non-fatal emergency department
visits related to unintentional poisonings among both males and females. Females had
higher rates of non-fatal, unintentional poisoning-related emergency department visits in
every age group except ages one to four years. Figure 31 shows the non-fatal
unintentional poisoning-related emergency department visit rates per 100,000 Arizona
residents by age group and sex.

Figure 31. Non-Fatal Unintentional Poisoning-Related
Emergency Department Visit Rates per 100,000 Residents
by Age Group and Sex, Arizona 2007
400

366.7

350

Male (n=2,533)
330.1

Female (n=2,670)

300
250
200
150

128.6
126.9

93.5 106.3

100

60.0

37.4 37.5
50

79.2
70.6
68.8
52.5
53.4
65.0
46.9
59.4
48.4
40.2
36.9 45.7
33.1

0
<1

1-4

5-14

15-24

25-34

35-44

45-54

55-64

65-74

75-84

85+

Excludes 1 individual of unknown sex.

Unintentional non-fatal poisoning-related emergency department visits were distributed
among residents of Arizona’s counties as shown in Table 12.

31

Table 12. Number and Crude Rate per 100,000 Residents of
Non-Fatal Emergency Department Visits due to Unintentional Poisoning
by County of Residence, Arizona 2007
County of Residence
Number of Cases Crude Rate per 100,000
Residents
Apache
44
58.2
Cochise
171
124.2
Coconino
129
95.5
Gila
42
75.3
Graham
63
173.7
Greenlee*
7
84.8
La Paz
24
110.2
Maricopa
2,843
73.3
Mohave
237
117.5
Navajo
93
80.6
Pima
859
85.6
Pinal
270
92.1
Santa Cruz
52
111.7
Yavapai
219
99.5
Yuma
148
73.5
Unknown County**
3
Statewide Total
5,204
80.9
*Rates are unstable for counties with fewer than 20 deaths per year.
**Rates could not be calculated because the denominator could not be characterized.

Non-Fatal Self-Inflicted Poisoning-Related Emergency Department Visits
There were 3,988 non-fatal self-inflicted poisoning-related emergency department visits
among Arizona residents in 2007. Thirty-three percent of the visits were among males
(n=1,319), and 67 percent were among females (n=2,669). Residents ages 15 through
24 years had the highest number of non-fatal self-inflicted poisoning-related emergency
department visits of any age group, and accounted for 35 percent of these events in
2007 (n=1,379). Residents ages 25 through 34 years accounted for 23 percent of the
events (n=898); and residents ages 35 through 44 years accounted for 20 percent of the
events (n=800). Though they account for only 42 percent of the general population,
residents ages 15 through 44 years were responsible for 77 percent of the non-fatal
self-inflicted poisoning-related emergency department visits in 2007. Figure 32 shows
the number and percentage of non-fatal emergency department visits by age group.

32

Figure 32. Non-Fatal Self-Inflicted PoisoningRelated Emergency Department Visits
by Age Group, Arizona 2007 (n=3,988)
65+ Years
1% (n=34)

55-64 Years
4% (n=156)
45-54 Years
13% (n=517)

0-14 Years
5% (n=204)
15-24 Years
34% (n=1,379)

35-44 Years
20% (n=800)

25-34 Years
23% (n=898)

Except for children under five years of age, females had higher rates of non-fatal
emergency department visits than males. The 15 through 24 year age group had the
highest rate of events among both males and females. Figure 33 shows the non-fatal
self-inflicted poisoning-related emergency department visits rates per 100,000 Arizona
residents by age group and sex.

Figure 33. Non-Fatal Self-Inflicted Poisoning-Related
Emergency Department Visit Rates per 100,000 Residents
by Age Group and Sex, Arizona 2007
250

Male (n=1,319)

210.3

Female (n=2,669)

200

150

136.4

122.9

104.5
100

82.8
60.2

50

0

59.6

41.1

35.3

32.1
15.4

1.5 1.0 9.0
1-4
Years

5-14
Years

15-24
Years

25-34
Years

35-44
Years

45-54
Years

55-64
Years

4.0 7.1 1.5 4.2
65-74
Years

75-84
Years

0 1.5
85+
Years

Self-inflicted non-fatal poisoning-related emergency department visits were distributed
among residents of Arizona’s counties as shown in Table 13.

33

Table 13. Number and Crude Rate per 100,000 Residents of
Non-Fatal Emergency Department Visits due to Self-Inflicted Poisoning
by County of Residence, Arizona 2007
County of Residence
Number of Cases Crude Rate per 100,000
Residents
Apache
29
38.4
Cochise
111
80.6
Coconino
78
57.7
Gila
27
48.4
Graham
56
154.4
Greenlee*
7
84.8
La Paz*
15
68.9
Maricopa
2,473
63.8
Mohave
102
50.6
Navajo
66
57.2
Pima
510
50.8
Pinal
220
75.0
Santa Cruz
37
79.5
Yavapai
163
74.0
Yuma
90
44.7
Unknown County**
4
Statewide Total
3,988
62.0
*Rates are unstable for counties with fewer than 20 events per year.
**Rates could not be calculated because the denominator could not be characterized.

34

Poisoning Prevention Tips and Resources
Nationally, call 1-800-222-1222 to be connected to a local Poison Control Center.
You can prevent poisonings!
• Store household cleaners in their original containers, away from children
o Pills, vitamins, antifreeze, nail polish remover, or insecticide may look
similar to children’s candy or beverages. Teach children not to eat or drink
something without first asking an adult.
o Teach children to identify medication, and don’t refer to pills as ‘candy’
•

Identify poisonous plants around your home and remove from children’s reach
o Visit the Cornell University Department of Animal Science website on
poisonous plants at http://www.ansci.cornell.edu/plants or contact your
local PCC to learn about poisonous plants

•

Read the label and follow directions for using household products or medications

•

Check with your doctor or pharmacist to prevent dangerous interactions between
medications

•

Discard unused, unneeded, or expired medication
o Look for drug disposal events in your community. These provide a safe,
easy way to responsibly get rid of unneeded medication. Such events may
be sponsored by local hospitals, pharmacies, police or fire departments.
o Only flush drugs down the toilet if the label specifically says to do so
ƒ Ask your pharmacist if you’re unsure about proper disposal
o To dispose of all other medications:
ƒ Remove the medication from the original packaging
ƒ Crush the pills and mix them with kitty litter, coffee grounds, or sand
ƒ Seal the mixture in a plastic bag and dispose of it with your
household trash

•

Properly discard unused or unneeded household poisons and their containers
o Check with your city or county for hazardous waste collection events and
locations.
o Household poisons can include paints and solvents, auto fluids, household
cleaners, pesticide, and pool chemicals

•

National Poison Prevention Week is held annually during the 3rd week of March.
o The federal Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA)
provides an Event Planner Kit if your agency or business wants to get
involved. Visit www.poisonprevention.org for more information.

35

To learn more about Arizona’s Poison Control Centers, visit them on the internet at:
Arizona Poison and Drug Information Center, Tucson, Arizona
http://www.pharmacy.arizona.edu/outreach/poison/index.php
Banner Poison Control Center, Phoenix, Arizona
http://www.bannerhealth.com/Locations/Arizona/Banner+Poison+Control+Center/_Bann
er+Poison+Control+Center.htm

36

Methodology
Mortality data for 2003 through 2007 were compiled from the death certificates
registered with the Arizona Department of Health Services Office of Vital Registration.
Any death record for an Arizona resident assigned an International Classification of
Diseases, 10th Revision (ICD-10) code for poisoning as the underlying cause of death
was included in the count. Poisonings due to alcohol meant for ingestion (X45, X65,
Y15) or envenomations by animals, plants, or insects (X20 – X29) were excluded from
this report. Table 14 shows the ICD-10 codes included in this report.
Table 14. International Classification of Diseases, 10th Revision (ICD-10)
Codes Used in This Report
ICD-10 Code
X40
X41
X42
X43
X44
X46
X47
X48
X49
X60
X61
X62
X63
X64
X66
X67
X68
X69
X85
X86
X87
X88
X89
X90
Y10
Y11
Y12
Y13
Y14

ICD-10 Code Description
Unintentional poisoning by non-opiod analgesics, including aspirin and ibuprofen
Unintentional poisoning by sedative or hypnotic drugs, including antidepressants
and barbiturates
Unintentional poisoning by narcotic or hallucinogenic drugs, including marijuana,
heroin, and methadone
Unintentional poisoning by drugs acting on the autonomic nervous system
Unintentional poisoning by other and unspecified drugs
Unintentional poisoning by organic solvents
Unintentional poisoning by other gases, including carbon monoxide and motor
vehicle exhaust
Unintentional poisoning by pesticides or herbicides
Unintentional poisoning by other and unspecified chemicals
Suicide by poisoning using non-opiod analgesics, including aspirin and ibuprofen
Suicide by poisoning using sedative or hypnotic drugs, including antidepressants
and barbiturates
Suicide by poisoning using narcotic or hallucinogenic drugs, including marijuana,
heroin, and methadone
Suicide by poisoning using drugs acting on the autonomic nervous system
Suicide by poisoning using other and unspecified drugs
Suicide by poisoning using organic solvents
Suicide by poisoning using other gases, including carbon monoxide and motor
vehicle exhaust
Suicide by poisoning using pesticides or herbicides
Suicide by poisoning using other and unspecified chemicals
Homicide by poisoning using drugs or a biological substance
Homicide by poisoning using corrosive gas
Homicide by poisoning using pesticide
Homicide by poisoning using gas or vapors
Homicide by poisoning using other specified chemicals
Homicide by poisoning using unspecified chemicals
Poisoning by non-opiod analgesics, including aspirin and ibuprofen, undetermined
intent
Poisoning by sedative or hypnotic drugs, including antidepressants and
barbiturates, undetermined intent
Poisoning by narcotic or hallucinogenic drugs, including marijuana, heroin, and
methadone, undetermined intent
Poisoning by drugs acting on the autonomic nervous system, undetermined intent
Poisoning by other and unspecified drugs, undetermined intent

37

Y16
Y17
Y18
Y19

Poisoning by organic solvents, undetermined intent
Poisoning by other gases, including carbon monoxide or motor vehicle exhaust,
undetermined intent
Poisoning by pesticides or herbicides, undetermined intent
Poisoning by other and unspecified chemicals, undetermined intent

Inpatient hospitalization discharge data and emergency department discharge data from
2004 through 2007 were compiled from the Arizona Hospital Discharge Database at the
Arizona Department of Health Services. The discharge database contains information
from private, acute-care facilities in the state of Arizona, and do not include visits to
federal facilities, such as Veterans’ Affairs Hospitals or Indian Health Services facilities.
The discharge databases do not contain data from urgent care facilities, private
physician practices, or medical clinics.
Records for Arizona residents assigned an International Classification of Diseases, 9th
Revision, Clinical Modification (ICD-9-CM) External Cause of Injury Code (E-Code) for
poisoning as the primary cause of injury were included in this report. The following ECode ranges were included: E850 – E858, E860 – E869, E950 – E952, E962, E972,
E980 – E982. Table 15 lists the general categories of poisonings included in these ICD9-CM E-Codes. Poisonings due to alcohol meant for ingestion (ICD-9-CM code E860.0)
or envenomations by animals, plants, or insects (E905.0 – E905.9) were excluded from
this report, as were cases in which medications caused an adverse reaction after
therapeutic use (E930 – E949). Medications were counted as poisoning events only if
they were administered incorrectly or with the intent to harm. This could include the
administration of the wrong drug, or an incorrect dose of a prescribed medication.
Table 15. International Classification of Diseases, 9th Revision, Clinical Modification
(ICD-9-CM) Codes Used in This Report
ICD-9-CM Codes
E850 – E858
E860 – E869
E950 – E952
E962
E972
E980 – E982

ICD-9-CM Category Description
Unintentional poisoning by drugs, medicinal substances, and biologicals
Unintentional poisoning by other solid and liquid substances, gases, and vapors
Suicide and self-inflicted poisoning by solid or liquid substances, gases in domestic
use, and other gases or vapors
Assault by poisoning
Injury due to legal intervention by gas, including poisoning by gas
Poisoning by solid or liquid substances, gases in domestic use, and other gases,
undetermined whether unintentionally or purposely inflicted

To help compare groups over time, some rates have been age-adjusted. Age-adjusting
is a statistical procedure used to remove the effect of age differences between
populations. All age-adjusted rates in this report were computed using the ‘direct’
method in which the age-specific rates for a given year are weighted by the age
distribution of the 2000 standard population. For information on how to calculate an ageadjusted rate, or to see the 2000 standard age distribution, visit the National Cancer
Institute Surveillance Epidemiology and End Results (SEER) program at
http://seer.cancer.gov/seerstat/tutorials/aarates/definition.html

38