Poisonings Among Arizona Residents, 2010

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 1U17CE002023-01, Core Violence and Injury Prevention 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
November 2011

Table of Contents
Executive Summary ...................................................................................................... 2
Overview of Poisonings Among Arizona Residents .................................................. 3
Poison Control Centers Serving Arizona .................................................................... 4
Five-Year Trends in Poisonings Among Arizona Residents, 2006-2010 .................. 6
Mortality ....................................................................................................................... 6
Non-Fatal Inpatient Hospitalizations ............................................................................ 9
Poisoning-Related Mortality, 2010 ............................................................................. 12
Unintentional Poisoning Fatalities .............................................................................. 18
Poisoning-Related Suicides ....................................................................................... 21
Non-Fatal Poisoning-Related Inpatient Hospitalizations, 2010 ............................... 23
Non-Fatal Unintentional Poisoning-Related Inpatient Hospitalizations ...................... 27
Non-Fatal Self-Inflicted Poisoning-Related Inpatient Hospitalizations ....................... 31
Non-Fatal Poisoning-Related Emergency Department Visits, 2010 ........................ 35
Non-Fatal Unintentional Poisoning-Related Emergency Department Visits ............... 39
Non-Fatal Self-Inflicted Poisoning-Related Emergency Department Visits ................ 42
Poisoning and Prescription Drug Overdoses as an Arizona Public Health Concern
...................................................................................................................................... 46
Poisoning Prevention Tips and Resources .............................................................. 47
Methodology ................................................................................................................ 48

1

Executive Summary
Poisonings were the underlying cause of death for 1,176 Arizona residents in 2010. Males ages
45 through 54 years had the highest rate of poisoning-related deaths with 47.5 deaths per
100,000 residents. Poisoning mortality rates were highest among American Indians (25.0
deaths per 100,000 residents) and non-Hispanic Whites (23.7 deaths per 100,000 residents).
Seventy-six percent of the poisoning-related deaths in 2010 were due to unintentional injuries
(n=890); 16 percent were due to suicide (n=186); and eight percent were of an undetermined
manner of death (n=99). The poisons most commonly specified on death certificates in 2010
were alcohol (18 percent, n=207), Oxycodone or Hydrocodone (15 percent, n=180), and
benzodiazepines (13 percent, n=155). Among counties with at least 20 poisoning-related deaths
in 2010, Mohave County had the highest fatality rate (32.0 deaths per 100,000 residents).
In 2010, there were 6,907 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 193.4 cases per 100,000 residents, and females 35
through 44 years of age had a rate of 168.1 cases per 100,000 residents. Non-fatal poisoningrelated inpatient hospitalization rates were highest among Non-Hispanic Whites (138.5 cases
per 100,000 residents) and African Americans (132.0 cases per 100,000 residents). Selfinflicted poisonings accounted for 48 percent of non-fatal inpatient hospitalizations (n=3,226),
and unintentional poisonings comprised an additional 45 percent (n=3,075). Hospital charges
for non-fatal poisoning-related inpatient hospitalizations totaled more than $179.6 million in
2010, and Arizona residents spent a total of 20,606 days hospitalized for these injuries. Graham
and Gila Counties had the highest age-adjusted rates of inpatient hospitalizations due to nonfatal poisonings (157.4 and 129.6 hospitalizations per 100,000 residents, respectively).
In 2010, there were 11,894 non-fatal poisoning-related emergency department visits among
Arizona residents. Twenty percent of the visits were among children ages 14 years and younger
(n=2,348), and 86 percent of these visits were attributed to unintentional poisonings (n=2,018).
The highest number of non-fatal emergency department visits for poisoning-related injuries were
among residents ages 15 through 24 years (24 percent, n=2,915). The highest age-specific rate
of non-fatal poisoning-related emergency department visits among males younger than five
years of age (390.4 visits per 100,000 residents), and the highest rate among females was in
the 15 through 24 year age group (363.8 visits per 100,000 residents). Fifty-two percent of the
non-fatal poisoning-related emergency department visits were the result of unintentional
poisonings (n=6,140), and 35 percent of the visits resulted from self-inflicted injuries (n=4,143).
Hospital charges for non-fatal poisoning-related emergency department visits totaled over $46.9
million in 2010.
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. Beginning in
2007, poisoning-related deaths surpassed motor-vehicle crashes as the leading injury-related
cause of death among Arizonans.1 As this report shows, the burden of poisoning-related injuries
has increased in recent years, accounting for a greater percentage of injury-related morbidity
and mortality. Figure 1 presents an overview of the number of poisoning-related events by
outcome and illustrates the limitations of currently available data sources and the inability to
enumerate the true number of poisonings.

Figure 1. Poisoning Outcomes Pyramid, Arizona 2010

Deaths
1,176
Non-Fatal
Inpatient
Hospitalizations
6,907
Non-Fatal Emergency
Department Visits
11,894

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 2010, as well as poisoning trends during the five years since 2006. To help better
understand the data, information about poison control centers 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.

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.2 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 36-1163, the Arizona Department of Health Services is
responsible for establishing a poison and drug information system consisting of two poison
control centers. While the poison control centers are charged with serving as a resource for
poison identification and treatment, it is also tasked with educating the public about poisoning
prevention.
As of October 2011, two of the nation‟s 57 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 Good Samaritan Poison & Drug
Information Center (BGSPDIC) is located in Phoenix. The BGSPDIC serves Maricopa County,
including the metropolitan Phoenix area. The APDIC serves the remainder of the state. While
the BGSPDIC 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 BGSPDIC 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 2010, the APDIC documented 25,973 calls for human exposures to toxins and poisons, out of
57,073 total calls (45.5 percent). 23 of these cases resulted in death and 33 percent (n=8,650)
of the calls were managed in a healthcare facility.
In 2010, the BGSPDIC documented 47,157 calls for human exposures to toxins and poisons,
out of more than 109,000 total calls (43 percent). Twenty-two percent of the calls for poison
exposures were managed in a healthcare facility, and 75 percent of calls were managed at
home.
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. BGSPDIC estimates that 29,000
callers may have sought medical treatment at an emergency department in 2010 if they had not
been able to consult with the poison control center and care for themselves at home.3
2

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.
3
Banner Good Samaritan Poison & Drug Information Center 2010 Summary, accessed Oct. 7th, 2011 at
www.bannerhealth.com/Locations/Arizona/Banner+Good+Samaritan+Poison+and+Drug+Information+Center/About+Us/By+the+Nu
mbers.htm

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.4

4

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, 2006-2010
Mortality
While injuries account for approximately 10 percent of deaths among Arizonans each year, the
types of injury have changed over time. Since 2006, the proportion of poisoning-related deaths
has increased from 19 percent of all injury-related deaths (n=914) to 26 percent of injury-related
deaths in 2010 (n=1,176). Over this five-year period, the number of injury-related deaths has
decreased slightly, and the increase in poisoning-related deaths was offset by substantial
decreases in motor vehicle traffic fatalities. Figure 1 shows the distribution of injury-related
deaths by mechanism of injury over the five year period from 2006 through 2010.

Figure 1. Proportion of Injury-Related Fatalities by Mechanism of Injury
Arizona, 2006-2010
100%
90%

19%

80%

6%

22%

23%

7%

7%

70%
20%
60%

20%

20%

27%

26%

7%

8%
Poison

19%

20%

50%
40%

Firearm
25%

21%

18%

16%

15%

10%

Motor Vehicle Traffic
Fall

30%
20%

Suffocation

15%

16%

17%

17%

17%

16%

16%

16%

14%

13%

2006
(n=4,889)

2007
(n=4,672)

2008
(n=4,553)

2009
(n=4,423)

2010
(n=4,499)

Other Causes

0%

Between 2006 and 2010, the age-adjusted poisoning-related mortality rate increased 22 percent
for Arizona residents. In the same time period, the rate of unintentional poisoning deaths
increased by a larger percentage than that of poisoning-related deaths by suicide. There was a
27 percent increase of unintentional poisoning-related fatalities, and a 5 percent increase of
suicides. Figure 2 shows the age-adjusted poisoning-related mortality rates by manner of death
for Arizona residents from 2006 to 2010.

6

Figure 2. Age-Adjusted Poisoning-Related Mortality Rates per
100,000 Residents by Intent, Arizona 2006-2010
16.0
14.0
11.2
12.0
10.0
8.0
6.0
2.8
4.0
2.0
0.0
2006

11.7

12.1

3.3

3.2

2007

2008

13.7

14.2

3.3

2.9

2009

Unintentional

2010

Suicide

Between 2006 and 2010, 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 2006 to 2010.

Figure 3. Age-Adjusted Poisoning-Related Mortality Rates
per 100,000 Residents by Sex, Arizona 2006-2010
25.0

22.4

22.0
20.0

19.0

20.1

20.0
14.1

15.0
11.5

15.0

12.6

12.1

10.0
5.0
0.0
2006

2007

2008
Male

2009

2010

Female

While rates increased for Native American (by 131 percent) and White, Non-Hispanic residents
(by 32 percent), poisoning-related fatality rates among African American Arizonans decreased
44 percent. Figure 4 shows the age-adjusted poisoning-related mortality rates by race/ethnicity
for Arizona residents from 2006 to 2010. There were 29 poisoning-related fatalities among
Asian residents from 2006 through 2010, so age-adjusted rates have not been presented here,
as the small number of deaths would result in an unstable rate over time. Age-adjusted mortality
rates could not be calculated for the 41 poisoning-related deaths among Arizonans of other or
unknown race/ethnicities because a denominator could not be characterized.

7

Figure 4. Age-Adjusted Posioning-Related Mortality Rates per
100,000 Residents, by Race/Ethnicity, Arizona 2006-2010
30.0
25.0

White, Non-Hispanic

20.0

White, Hispanic
African-American

15.0

Native American
10.0

Total

5.0
0.0
2006

2007

2008

2009

2010

While the trend is not supported in all counties, the age-adjusted rate of poisoning-related
fatalities in Arizona increased between 2006 and 2010. Table 1 shows the age-adjusted fatality
rate per 100,000 residents for poisoning-related deaths by county of residence from 2006 to
2010. Ten of the state‟s 15 counties had at least one year in which there were fewer than 20
deaths, making those counties‟ rates unstable over time.
Table 1. Age-Adjusted Fatality Rate per 100,000 Residents
for Poisoning-Related Deaths by County of Residence,
Arizona 2006-2010
2006
2007
2008
2009
2010
Apache*
8.8
24.4
23.2
23.1
28.8
Cochise*
15.8
16.8
13.0
17.3
16.6
Coconino*
5.7
9.7
18.6
18.4
18.6
Gila*
20.8
18.6
18.0
27.1
21.2
Graham*
9.7
22.0
14.7
16.5
17.5
Greenlee*
9.5
20.7
10.1
50.1
11.4
La Paz*
26.3
8.2
20.0
25.2
58.4
Maricopa
15.2
16.2
16.0
16.7
16.6
Mohave
13.3
13.7
21.3
31.1
32.0
Navajo*
20.1
16.7
16.5
26.0
25.8
Pima
20.6
17.2
17.7
20.8
22.6
Pinal
11.3
15.5
13.6
13.4
16.3
Santa Cruz*
7.2
4.9
6.7
18.5
7.7
Yavapai
13.4
18.3
20.5
21.1
27.8
Yuma*
8.2
16.3
12.3
13.0
14.0
Statewide Total
15.3
16.1
16.4
18.1
18.7
*Rates are unstable for counties indicated, as they had fewer than 20 deaths in at least
one year.

8

Non-Fatal Inpatient Hospitalizations
Between 2006 and 2010, the age-adjusted rate of non-fatal poisoning-related inpatient
hospitalizations among Arizona residents increased 43 percent, from 76.5 cases per 100,000
residents in 2006 to 109.2 cases in 2010. While the increase was still apparent when
hospitalizations were divided by injury intent, cases resulting from self-inflicted poisonings
increased more than cases of unintentional poisoning (a 67 percent increase and a 27 percent
increase, respectively). Figure 5 shows the age-adjusted poisoning-related rates for non-fatal
inpatient hospitalizations by injury intent for Arizona residents from 2006 to 2010.

Figure 5. Age-Adjusted Non-Fatal Poisoning-Related Inpatient
Hospitalization Rates per 100,000 Residents
by Intent, Arizona 2006-2010
60.0

51.6

48.3

50.0
41.2

42.3

47.3

40.0

39.7

36.0

30.0
28.4

52.3

32.3

20.0
10.0
0.0
2006

2007

2008
Unintentional

2009

2010

Suicide

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. Rates increased among both males and females during the five years from 2006
through 2010, with a 44 percent increase in the rate among males and a 41 percent increase in
the rate among females. Figure 6 shows the age-adjusted rates by sex for non-fatal poisoningrelated inpatient hospitalizations from 2006 through 2010.

9

Figure 6. Age-Adjusted Non-Fatal Poisoning-Related
Inpatient Hospitalization Rates per 100,000 Residents
by Sex, Arizona 2006-2010
140.0
Male

120.0

105.4

99.5

91.9

100.0
84.1

80.0

118.8

111.5

Female

89.2
73.0

78.5

69.1

60.0
40.0
20.0
0.0
2006

2007

2008

2009

2010

The age-adjusted rate of poisoning-related inpatient hospitalizations increased among Native
American (82 percent), African American (56 percent), non-Hispanic White (52 percent), and
Hispanic residents (26 percent), and decreased six percent among Asian residents between
2006 and 2010. Figure 7 shows the age-adjusted non-fatal poisoning-related inpatient
hospitalization rates by race/ethnicity for Arizona residents from 2006 to 2010.

Figure 7. Age-Adjusted Non-Fatal Posioning-Related Inpatient
Hospitalization Rates per 100,000 Residents,
by Race/Ethnicity, Arizona 2006-2010
160.0
140.0
120.0
100.0
80.0
60.0
40.0
20.0
0.0

2006

White, Non-Hispanic
White, Hispanic
African-American
Native American
Asian
Total

2007

2008

2009

2010

The age-adjusted rate of non-fatal poisoning-related inpatient hospitalizations in Arizona
increased between 2006 and 2010 among all counties with at least 20 hospitalizations in a
given year. Though they have relatively small populations, Graham and Gila Counties had
poisoning-related hospitalization rates consistently higher than the remainder of the state. Table
2 shows the age-adjusted fatality rate per 100,000 residents for non-fatal poisoning-related
inpatient hospitalizations by county of residence from 2006 to 2010. Four of the state‟s 15

10

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. Age-Adjusted Rate per 100,000 Residents for Non-Fatal
Poisoning-Related Inpatient Hospitalizations by County of
Residence, Arizona 2006-2010
2006
2007
2008
2009
2010
Apache*
35.1
26.8
45.4
55.7
58.4
Cochise
52.7
36.2
53.1
68.3
66.7
Coconino
60.8
60.4
63.1
59.2
73.8
Gila
97.9
92.4
97.8
101.3
129.6
Graham
96.0
114.1
139.2
187.6
157.4
Greenlee*
51.2
54.3
89.9
76.3
37.0
La Paz*
59.1
46.8
39.9
113.5
52.8
Maricopa
75.9
85.4
94.6
102.5
114.5
Mohave
104.5
101.0
104.3
124.9
112.8
Navajo
74.5
56.8
76.6
83.3
95.2
Pima
84.5
92.9
103.6
107.0
116.8
Pinal
90.1
83.1
90.9
117.0
109.3
Santa Cruz*
37.5
31.5
44.2
47.6
48.9
Yavapai
69.2
75.5
74.2
78.3
105.3
Yuma
53.5
53.3
67.4
68.8
67.9
Statewide Total
76.5
82.4
91.9
100.3
109.2
*Rates are unstable for counties indicated, as they had fewer than 20 cases in at least
one year.

11

Poisoning-Related Mortality, 2010
There were 1,176 deaths among Arizona residents attributed to poisoning in 2010. Fifty-nine
percent of deaths were among males (n=697), and 41 percent were among females (n=479).
Residents ages 45 through 54 years had the highest number of deaths of any age group, and
accounted for 29 percent of the poisoning fatalities in 2010 (n=336). Though they accounted for
only 26 percent of the general population, residents ages 35 through 54 years comprised 49
percent of the poisoning-related deaths in 2010 (n=573). Figure 8 shows the number and
percentage of fatalities by age group.

Figure 8. Poisoning Mortality by Age Group,
Arizona 2010 (n=1,176)
55-64 Years
16% (n=191)
45-54 Years
29% (n=336)

65+ Years
6% (n=75)
0-14 Years
0% (n=2)
15-24 Years
11% (n=128)

35-44 Years
20% (n=237)

25-34 Years
18% (n=207)

In 2010, the age-adjusted poisoning mortality rate among Arizona females was 15.0 deaths per
100,000 residents; the rate among males was 1.5 times higher (22.4 deaths per 100,000
residents). When looking at poisoning deaths by age group, males had higher mortality rates
than females in each age group, though the ratio of deaths among males and females varied.
Adults 45 through 54 years of age had the highest rate of fatalities among both males and
females. Though their mortality rates were lower than most groups of adults, young adults had
the highest ratio of deaths among males versus females. Deaths among males 15 through 24
years outnumbered those among females in that age group by a factor of 2.4. Figure 9 shows
the poisoning-related mortality rates per 100,000 Arizona residents by age group and sex.

12

Figure 9. Poisoning Mortality Rates per 100,000 Residents by
Age Group and Sex, Arizona 2010
50.0
45.0

47.5

Male (n=697)
Female (n=479)

40.0
32.5

34.4

35.0
29.5

30.0

28.1
24.7

23.1

25.0
19.7

20.0

18.6

15.0
9.2 7.9

8.2

10.0
5.0
0.0

0.4 0.0
<5
Years

0.2 0.0
5-14
Years

15-24
Years

25-34
Years

35-44
Years

45-54
Years

55-64
Years

65+
Years

American Indian residents had the highest age-adjusted poisoning-related mortality rate in 2010
(25.0 deaths per 100,000 residents), followed closely by White, non-Hispanic residents (23.7
deaths per 100,000 residents). Hispanic Arizonans had the lowest stable poisoning-related
mortality rate in 2010 with 10.1 deaths per 100,000 residents. Though Asian residents had a
very low mortality rate, the rate is not stable due to the low number of deaths. Figure 10 shows
the age-adjusted poisoning-related mortality rates by race/ethnicity for Arizona residents in
2010.

Figure 10. Age-Adjusted Poisoning Mortality Rate per
100,000 Residents by Race/Ethnicity, Arizona 2010
30.0
25.0

25.0

23.7
18.7

20.0
13.4

15.0

10.1

10.0

2.8

5.0
0.0
American
Indian
(n=66)

White, NonHispanic
(n=887)

African
American
(n=34)

Hispanic
(n=158)

Asian
(n=6)

All
race/ethnicities
(n=1,176)

There were 25 deaths among individuals of other or unknown race/ethnicity.

As in previous years, the majority of poisoning-related deaths were determined to be
unintentional. In 2010, 76 percent of poisoning-related deaths among Arizona residents were
unintentional (n=890). With 186 suicides, 2010 had the lowest percentage of poisoning-related

13

suicide deaths in any year from 2006 through 2010. Figure 11 shows the proportion of
poisoning-related deaths by manner in each year from 2006 through 2010.

Figure 11. Proportion of Poisoning-Related Fatalities by Intent,
Arizona, 2006-2010
100%
8%

7%

7%

6%

8%

18%

21%

20%

18%

16%

90%
80%
70%
60%

Undetermined

50%
40%

Homicide
Suicide

76%

73%

72%

74%

75%

2006
(n=914)

2007
(n=1,007)

2008
(n=1,044)

2009
(n=1,175)

Unintentional

30%
20%
10%
0%
2010
(n=1,176)

Every poisoning-related fatality has its own circumstances, including the type of poison used.
Multiple drugs may be listed as contributing to a single death. Table 3 lists the poisons most
commonly specified on the 2010 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 2006-2010
Poisons*

Alcohol
Benzodiazepines
Carbon Monoxide
Carisoprodol
Cocaine
Diphenhydramine
Fentanyl
Helium
Heroin
Methadone
Methamphetamine
Morphine
Oxycodone/Hydrocodone
Serotonin-Norepinephrine
Reuptake Inhibitors (SNRIs)
Selective Serotonin

2006
(n=914)
#
%
135 15%
56
6%
45
5%
2
<1%
164 18%
13
1%
21
2%
3
<1%
49
5%
85
9%
97
11%
87
10%
91
10%

2007
(n=1,007)
#
%
155 15%
54
5%
36
4%
10
1%
125 12%
22
2%
22
2%
5
<1%
56
6%
79
8%
104 10%
81
8%
119 12%

2008
(n=1,044)
#
%
186
18%
97
9%
41
4%
15
1%
87
8%
30
3%
37
4%
6
1%
67
6%
105
10%
91
9%
115
11%
162
16%

2009
(n=1,175)
#
%
223
19%
149
13%
24
2%
15
1%
104
9%
33
3%
22
2%
10
1%
91
8%
113
10%
101
9%
114
10%
206
18%

2010
(n=1,176)
#
%
207
18%
155
13%
23
2%
14
1%
65
6%
29
2%
29
2%
12
1%
89
8%
101
9%
96
8%
104
9%
180
15%

4

<1%

10

1%

11

1%

15

1%

14

1%

22

2%

44

4%

55

5%

46

4%

52

4%

14

Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRIs)
Tramadol

4

<1%

13

1%

10

1%

20

2%

28

2%

*More than one poison may have been identified for each death

Poisoning-related fatalities were not distributed evenly throughout the week or the calendar
year. If deaths were distributed evenly among days and months, each day would contain 14.3
percent of the deaths and each month would contain 8.3 percent of the deaths. In 2010,
Saturdays and Mondays had the highest number of deaths with 16.4 percent and 15.9 percent
of poisoning-related deaths respectively (n=1993, n=187). Thursdays had the lowest number of
deaths, accounting for 12.9 percent (n=152). The month of August had the highest number of
deaths (10.2 percent, n=120), and February had the lowest number of deaths (6.5 percent,
n=77). There were differences of the distribution of deaths among males and females with the
greatest discrepancy on Thursdays and during the month of November. Figures 12 and 13 show
the distribution of poisoning-related deaths in 2010 by sex and day or month of death.

Figure 12. Poisoning Mortality by Day of Week and Sex, Arizona 2010 (n=1,176)
18.0%
16.0%

15.5%
14.6%

16.4%

15.0%

15.2%
14.0%

14.0%
12.3%

12.0%

13.4%
11.8%

14.5%

16.5% 16.3%

13.9%

10.7%

10.0%
8.0%
6.0%
4.0%
2.0%
0.0%
Sunday
(n=176)

Monday
(n=187)

Tuesday
(n=153)

Male (n=697)

Wednesday
(n=146)

Female (n=479)

Thursday
(n=152)

Friday
(n=169)

Saturday
(n=193)

Total (n=1,176)

15

Figure 13. Poisoning Mortality by Calendar Month and Sex,
Arizona 2010 (n=1,176)
12.0%
10.5%
10.0%
8.9%
8.0%

8.5%

7.3%
6.5%6.7%

10.0%
9.2%

9.0%
8.1%

8.6%8.6%
7.7% 8.0%
7.3%

10.4%
9.4%
8.8%8.8%
7.9%
7.2%
6.3%

8.6%
7.8%

6.0%
4.0%
2.0%
0.0%
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
(n=97) (n=77) (n=98) (n=100) (n=91) (n=101) (n=117) (n=120) (n=103) (n=88) (n=89) (n=95)

Male (n=697)

Female (n=479)

Poisoning fatalities were distributed among residents of Arizona‟s counties as shown in Figure
14. 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.5

5

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

16

Figure 14. Age-Adjusted Poisoning-Related Mortality Rates per 100,000 Residents
by County of Residence, Arizona 2010 (n=1,176)*

*Fifteen deaths without residential county information are not pictured.
**Rates are unstable for counties with fewer than 20 deaths per year.

17

Unintentional Poisoning Fatalities
There were 890 deaths among Arizona residents attributed to unintentional poisoning in 2010.
Sixty-two percent of the deaths were among males (n=552), and 38 percent were among
females (n=338). Residents ages 45 through 54 years had the highest number of deaths of any
age group, and accounted for 29 percent of the unintentional poisoning fatalities in 2010
(n=261). Residents ages 35 through 44 years accounted for 20 percent of the deaths (n=180);
and residents ages 25 through 34 years accounted for 19 percent of the deaths (n=169).
Though they accounted for only 26 percent of the general population, residents age 35 through
54 years comprised 49 percent of the unintentional poisoning-related deaths in 2010. Figure 15
shows the number and percentage of fatalities by age group.

Figure 15. Unintentional Poisoning Mortality by
Age Group, Arizona 2010 (n=890)

45-54 Years
29% (n=261)

55-64 Years
15% (n=133)
65+ Years
5% (n=39)
0-14 Years
0% (n=1)
15-24 Years
12% (n=107)

35-44 Years
20% (n=180)

25-34 Years
19% (n=169)

In 2010, the age-adjusted unintentional poisoning mortality rate among Arizona females was
10.7 deaths per 100,000 residents; the rate among males was 1.7 times higher (17.7 deaths per
100,000 residents). When looking at unintentional poisoning deaths by age group, males had
higher mortality rates than females in each age group, though the ratio of deaths among males
and females varied. Adults 45 through 54 years of age had the highest rate of fatalities among
both males and females. Though their mortality rates were lower than most groups of adults,
young adults had the highest ratio of deaths among males versus females. Deaths among
males 15 through 24 years outnumbered those among females in that age group by a factor of
3.8. Figure 16 shows the unintentional poisoning-related mortality rates per 100,000 Arizona
residents by age group and sex.

18

Figure 16. Unintentional Poisoning Mortality Rates per 100,000
Residents by Age Group and Sex, Arizona 2010
40.0

37.6

Male (n=552)
35.0

Female (n=338)

30.0
26.2

25.1

25.0

24.6
20.0

18.4

20.0

17.5

16.8

14.1

15.0
10.0

0.0

5.2 3.7

4.8

5.0
0.2 0.0

0.0 0.0
<5
Years

5-14
Years

15-24
Years

25-34
Years

35-44
Years

45-54
Years

55-64
Years

65+
Years

American Indian Arizona residents had the highest age-adjusted unintentional poisoning-related
mortality rate in 2010 (21.8 deaths per 100,000 residents), followed by White, Non-Hispanic
residents (17.6 deaths per 100,000 residents). Hispanic residents had the lowest age-adjusted
mortality rate among race/ethnicities with greater than 20 deaths (8.6 deaths per 100,000
residents). Figure 17 shows the age-adjusted unintentional poisoning-related mortality rates by
race/ethnicity for Arizona residents in 2010.

Figure 17. Age-Adjusted Unintentional Poisoning Mortality
Rate per 100,000 Residents by Race/Ethnicity, Arizona 2010
25.0

21.8

20.0

17.6
14.2

15.0

11.8

10.0

8.6

5.0
1.3

0.0
American
Indian
(n=58)

White, NonHispanic
(n=647)

African
American
(n=30)

Hispanic
(n=133)

Asian
(n=3)

All
race/ethnicities
(n=890)

There were 19 deaths among individuals of other or unknown race/ethnicity.

Table 4 lists the poisons most commonly specified on the 2010 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.

19

Table 4. Poisons Commonly Listed on Death Certificates for Unintentional
Poisoning Fatalities, Arizona 2010
Poisons*
Number
Percent
Alcohol
173
19%
Benzodiazepines
117
13%
Carisoprodol
11
1%
Cocaine
59
7%
Diphenhydramine
14
2%
Fentanyl
26
3%
Heroin
86
10%
Methadone
95
11%
Methamphetamine
88
10%
Morphine
81
9%
Oxycodone/Hydrocodone
136
15%
Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRIs)
34
4%
Tramadol
18
2%
*More than one poison may have been identified for each death

Mohave County had the highest stable rate of unintentional poisoning fatalities in 2010 (22.6
deaths per 100,000 residents, n=43). Unintentional poisoning fatalities were distributed among
residents of Arizona‟s counties as shown in Table 5.
Table 5. Number and Age-Adjusted Rate per 100,000 Residents of
Unintentional Poisoning Fatalities by County of Residence, Arizona 2010
County of Residence
Number of
Age-Adjusted Fatality Rate
Deaths
per 100,000 Residents
Apache*
14
22.7
Cochise*
18
14.2
Coconino*
15
12.3
Gila*
7
16.7
Graham*
7
17.5
Greenlee*
1
11.4
La Paz*
7
44.6
Maricopa
467
12.4
Mohave
43
22.6
Navajo
20
20.3
Pima
173
18.1
Pinal
38
10.9
Santa Cruz*
3
6.2
Yavapai
40
21.4
Yuma
23
13.5
Unknown County**
14
Statewide Total
890
14.2
*Rates are unstable for counties with fewer than 20 deaths per year.
**Rates could not be calculated because the denominator could not be characterized.

20

Poisoning-Related Suicides
There were 186 deaths among Arizona residents attributed to poisoning in 2010. Fifty-five
percent of the deaths were among males (n=103), and 45 percent were among females (n=83).
Residents ages 45 through 54 years had the highest number of deaths of any age group, and
accounted for 28 percent of the poisoning-related suicides in 2010 (n=53). Residents ages 55
through 64 years accounted for 19 percent of the deaths (n=36); and residents ages 35 through
44 years accounted for 18 percent of the deaths (n=33). Though they accounted for only 26
percent of the general population, residents ages 35 through 54 years comprised 47 percent of
the poisoning-related suicides in 2010. There were no poisoning-related suicides in 2010 among
children ages 14 years and younger. Figure 18 shows the number and percentage of fatalities
by age group.

Figure 18. Poisoning-Related Suicides by Age
Group, Arizona 2010 (n=186)
55-64 Years
19% (n=36)

65+ Years
15% (n=27)
15-24 Years
8% (n=14)

25-34 Years
12% (n=23)
45-54 Years
28% (n=53)

35-44 Years
18% (n=33)

Except for young adults age 15 through 24 years, males had higher poisoning-related suicide
rates than females. The 45 through 54 year age group had the highest rate of fatalities among
males and females. Figure 19 shows the poisoning-related suicide rates per 100,000 Arizona
residents by age group and sex.

21

Figure 19. Poisoning-Related Suicide Rates per 100,000
Residents by Age Group and Sex, Arizona 2010
8.0

Male (n=103)
7.0

7.2

Female (n=83)

6.0

5.5

5.4

5.5

5.0
4.5
3.7

4.0
2.7

3.0

2.6
2.5

2.5

2.3
2.0
1.0

0.9

0.0
15-24
Years

25-34
Years

35-44
Years

45-54
Years

55-64
Years

65+
Years

White, Non-Hispanic Arizona residents had the highest age-adjusted poisoning-related suicide
rate in 2010 (4.1 deaths per 100,000 residents), followed by Hispanic residents (0.9 deaths per
100,000 residents). Among all race/ethnicities, the age-adjusted poisoning-related suicide rate
was 2.9 deaths per 100,000 Arizona residents. Age-adjusted rates among other race/ethnicities
were not calculated, as the number of deaths was too small to produce a reliable rate.
Table 6 lists the poisons most commonly specified on the 2010 death certificates for poisoningrelated 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 6. Poisons Commonly Listed on Death Certificates for Poisoning-Related
Suicides, Arizona 2010
Poisons*
Number
Percent
Alcohol
24
13%
Benzodiazepines
34
18%
Carbon Monoxide
18
10%
Diphenhydramine
11
6%
Helium
11
6%
Methadone
5
3%
Morphine
14
8%
Oxycodone/Hydrocodone
34
18%
Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRIs)
9
5%
Serotonin-Norepinephrine Reuptake Inhibitors (SNRIs)
5
3%
Tramadol
7
4%
Zolpidem
5
3%
*More than one poison may have been identified for each death

22

Non-Fatal Poisoning-Related Inpatient Hospitalizations, 2010
There were 6,907 non-fatal inpatient hospitalizations among Arizona residents attributed to
poisoning in 2010. Forty-five percent of the events were among males (n=3,131), and 55
percent were among females (n=3,776). Residents ages 45 through 54 years had the highest
number of non-fatal inpatient hospitalizations of any age group, and accounted for 22 percent of
the non-fatal poisoning-related inpatient hospitalizations in 2010 (n=1,487). Residents ages 35
through 44 years accounted for 18 percent of the non-fatal inpatient hospitalizations (n=1,219).
Though they accounted for only 26 percent of the general population, residents ages 35 through
54 years comprised 40 percent of non-fatal poisoning-related inpatient hospitalizations in 2010.
Figure 20 shows the number and percentage of non-fatal inpatient hospitalizations by age
group.

Figure 20. Non-Fatal Poisoning-Related Inpatient
Hospitalizations by Age Group, Arizona 2010
(n=6,907)
45-54 Years
22% (n=1,487)

35-44 Years
18% (n=1,219)

25-34 Years
17% (n=1,160)

55-64 Years
13% (n=918)
65+ Years
10% (n=723)
0-14 Years
4% (n=309)
15-24 Years
16% (n=1,091)

Except for children ages one through four years, females had higher rates of non-fatal inpatient
hospitalizations than males across the lifespan. The 45 through 54 year age group had the
highest rate among both males and females. Figure 21 shows the non-fatal poisoning-related
inpatient hospitalization rates per 100,000 Arizona residents by age group and sex.

23

Figure 21. Non-Fatal Poisoning-Related Inpatient
Hospitalization Rates per 100,000 Residents
by Age Group and Sex, Arizona 2010
250.0

Male (n=3,131)
Female (n=3,776)

193.4

200.0
168.1
144.4

150.0
119.3 122.1

126.8

159.1

140.6

128.8
110.8
89.6

100.0
72.9
50.0

40.4
35.0
11.5 19.0

0.0
<5
Years

5-14
Years

15-24
Years

25-34
Years

35-44
Years

45-54
Years

55-64
Years

65+
Years

White, Non-Hispanic Arizona residents had the highest age-adjusted poisoning-related rate of
non-fatal inpatient hospitalizations in 2010 (138.5 cases per 100,000 residents), followed by
African American residents (132.0 deaths per 100,000 residents). Asian residents had the
lowest poisoning-related rate of non-fatal inpatient hospitalizations in 2010 with 35.5 cases per
100,000 residents. Figure 22 shows the age-adjusted non-fatal poisoning-related inpatient
hospitalization rates by race/ethnicity for Arizona residents in 2010.

Figure 22. Age-Adjusted Non-Fatal Poisoning-Related
Inpatient Hospitalization Rate per 100,000 Residents by
Race/Ethnicity, Arizona 2010
160.0
140.0
120.0
100.0
80.0
60.0
40.0
20.0
0.0

138.5

132.0
109.2
95.0
59.0
35.5

White, NonHispanic
(n=5,138)

African
American
(n=339)

American Indian
(n=274)

Hispanic
(n=981)

Asian
(n=69)

All
race/ethnicities
(n=6,907)

There were 106 hospitalizations among individuals of other or unknown race/ethnicity.

Unintentional and self-inflicted poisonings accounted for 91 percent of non-fatal poisoningrelated inpatient hospitalizations, but neither category accounted for a majority of cases. Fortyseven percent of inpatient hospitalizations were attributed to self-inflicted poisonings (n=3,226),
44 percent resulted from unintentional poisonings (n=3,075), poisonings of undetermined intent

24

accounted for nine percent of hospitalizations (n=602), and there were four visits from
poisonings due to assaults or other intents (legal intervention).
Graham and Gila Counties had the highest rates of inpatient hospitalizations for non-fatal
poisonings in 2010, with 157.4 and 129.6 cases per 100,000 county residents, respectively.
However, Mohave County was the only county to rank among the five counties with the highest
rate of poisonings for both fatalities and non-fatal hospitalizations. The number and rate of nonfatal poisoning-related inpatient hospitalizations were distributed among residents of Arizona‟s
counties as shown in Figure 23.

25

Figure 23. Age-Adjusted Rate per 100,000 Residents of Non-Fatal PoisoningRelated Inpatient Hospitalizations by County of Residence, Arizona 2010
(n=6,907)*

*Three deaths without residential county information are not pictured.
**Rates are unstable for counties with fewer than 20 cases per year.

26

In 2010, the average non-fatal poisoning-related inpatient hospitalization totaled $26,017 in
hospital charges and lasted for 3 days (median = $17,741, 2 days). Arizona residents spent a
total of 20,606 days in the hospital for non-fatal poisoning-related events. The longest hospital
stay for a non-fatal case was 56 days. Hospital charges for non-fatal inpatient hospitalizations
due to poisonings totaled over $179.6 million for Arizona residents in 2010. The single most
costly hospitalization totaled $445,180 in hospital charges. Seventy percent of hospital fees for
non-fatal poisoning-related inpatient hospitalizations were reportedly paid by Medicare,
Medicaid, or the Arizona Health Care Cost Containment System (AHCCCS) (4,642 cases; more
than $125.7 million). Hospital charges do not reflect hospital reimbursement rates, nor do they
include charges or costs related to emergency medical services, outpatient care, rehabilitation,
legal fees, or lost work or school time.

Non-Fatal Unintentional Poisoning-Related Inpatient Hospitalizations
There were 3,075 non-fatal inpatient hospitalizations among Arizona residents attributed to
unintentional poisoning in 2010. Forty-nine percent of the deaths were among males (n=1,507),
and 51 percent were among females (n=1,568). Residents age 45 through 54 years had the
highest number of non-fatal inpatient hospitalizations of any age group, and accounted for 22
percent of the non-fatal unintentional poisoning cases in 2010 (n=675). Residents ages 55
through 64 years accounted for 18 percent of the cases (n=558); and residents age 65 years
and older accounted for 17 percent of the cases (n=528). Though they accounted for only 13
percent of the general population, residents age 45 through 54 years had 22 percent of the nonfatal unintentional poisoning-related inpatient hospitalizations in 2010. Figure 24 shows the
number and percentage of cases by age group.

Figure 24. Unintentional Poisoning-Related NonFatal Inpatient Hospitalizations by Age Group,
Arizona 2010 (n=3,075)
45-54 Years
22% (n=675)

55-64 Years
18% (n=558)
65+ Years
17% (n=528)

35-44 Years
14% (n=414)

25-34 Years
12% (n=368)

0-14 Years
7% (n=213)
15-24 Years
10% (n=319)

The 45 through 54 year age group had the highest rate of non-fatal inpatient hospitalizations
related to unintentional poisonings among both males and females. Males ages 44 years and
younger had higher rates than females, and females 45 years and older had higher
hospitalization rates than males. Figure 25 shows the non-fatal unintentional poisoning-related
inpatient hospitalization rates per 100,000 Arizona residents by age group and sex.

27

Figure 25. Non-Fatal Unintentional Poisoning-Related Inpatient
Hospitalization Rates per 100,000 Residents
by Age Group and Sex, Arizona 2010
100.0
90.0

Male (n=1,507)

85.4

87.7

Female (n=1,568)

80.0
72.3

67.4

70.0
60.0

52.6

50.0

44.1

37.8
40.0

48.0

33.6

65.2
53.5

48.0

37.7
25.8

30.0
20.0
7.8

10.0

3.2

0.0
<5
Years

5-14
Years

15-24
Years

25-34
Years

35-44
Years

45-54
Years

55-64
Years

65+
Years

African American Arizona residents had the highest age-adjusted non-fatal unintentional
poisoning-related inpatient hospitalization rate in 2010 (68.1 cases per 100,000 residents),
followed by White, non-Hispanic residents (56.4 cases per 100,000 residents). Asian residents
had the lowest age-adjusted non-fatal inpatient hospitalization rate due to unintentional
poisonings in 2010 with 14.6 cases per 100,000 residents. Figure 26 shows the age-adjusted
non-fatal unintentional poisoning-related inpatient hospitalization rates by race/ethnicity for
Arizona residents in 2010.

Figure 26. Age-Adjusted Non-Fatal Unintentional
Poisoning-Related Inpatient Hospitalization Rate per 100,000
Residents by Race/Ethnicity, Arizona 2010
80.0
70.0
60.0
50.0
40.0
30.0
20.0
10.0
0.0

68.1
56.4
47.3

42.8
29.8
14.6

African
American
(n=166)

White, NonHispanic
(n=2,262)

American Indian
(n=117)

Hispanic
(n=457)

Asian
(n=26)

All
race/ethnicities
(n=3,075)

There were 47 hospitalizations among individuals of other or unknown race/ethnicity.

Though Graham County had the highest overall rate of non-fatal poisoning-related inpatient
hospitalizations in 2010, it was not among the five counties with the highest rates of
unintentional poisoning-related hospitalizations. Arizona‟s two most populous counties had the

28

highest rates of unintentional non-fatal poisoning-related inpatient hospitalizations in 2010: Pima
County had the highest rate (52.1 cases per 100,000 residents, n=528), and Maricopa County
had the second highest rate (51.6 cases per 100,000 residents, n=1,972). Unintentional nonfatal poisoning-related inpatient hospitalizations were distributed among residents of Arizona‟s
counties as shown in Figure 27.

29

Figure 27. Age-Adjusted Rate per 100,000 Residents of Non-Fatal Unintentional
Poisoning-Related Inpatient Hospitalizations by County of Residence, Arizona
2010 (n=3,075)*

*One death without residential county information is not pictured.
**Rates are unstable for counties with fewer than 20 cases per year.

30

In 2010, the average non-fatal unintentional poisoning-related inpatient hospitalization totaled
$26,424 in hospital charges and lasted for 3 days (median = $17,902, 2 days). Though slightly
lower, these figures are not significantly different from the average and median charges and
length of stay among all non-fatal poisoning-related inpatient hospitalizations. Arizona residents
spent a total of 8,763 days in the hospital for non-fatal unintentional poisoning-related events.
Hospital charges for non-fatal inpatient hospitalizations due to unintentional poisonings among
Arizona residents totaled over $81.2 million in 2010. Seventy-three percent of those hospital
fees were reportedly paid by Medicare, Medicaid, or the Arizona Health Care Cost Containment
System (AHCCCS) (2,190 cases; more than $59.3 million). Hospital charges do not reflect
hospital reimbursement rates, nor do they include charges or costs related to emergency
medical services, rehabilitation, legal fees, or lost work or school time.

Non-Fatal Self-Inflicted Poisoning-Related Inpatient Hospitalizations
There were 3,226 non-fatal self-inflicted poisoning-related inpatient hospitalizations among
Arizona residents in 2010. Forty-one percent of the hospitalizations were among males
(n=1,312), and 59 percent were among females (n=1,914). Residents ages 35 through 44 years
had the highest number of non-fatal self-inflicted poisoning-related inpatient hospitalizations of
any age group in 2010 (21 percent, n=693). Residents ages 25 through 34 years also
accounted for 21 percent of the hospitalizations (n=691); and residents ages 15 through 24
years accounted for 21 percent of the events (n=671). Though they accounted for only 54
percent of the general population, residents ages 15 through 54 years were responsible for 84
percent of the non-fatal self-inflicted poisoning-related inpatient hospitalizations in 2010, with
similar numbers of cases in each of the four 10-year age groups. Figure 28 shows the number
and percentage of non-fatal inpatient hospitalizations for self-inflicted poisoning-related injuries
by age group.

Figure 28. Non-Fatal Self-Inflicted PoisoningRelated Inpatient Hospitalizations by Age Group,
Arizona 2010 (n=3,226)
35-44 Years
21% (n=693)

45-54 Years
21% (n=669)
55-64 Years
9% (n=277)
65+ Years
5% (n=146)
0-14 Years
2% (n=79)

25-34 Years
21% (n=691)

15-24 Years
21% (n=671)

Among non-fatal inpatient hospitalizations for self-inflicted poisonings, females had higher rates
of non-fatal inpatient hospitalizations than males in all age groups. The 35 through 44 year age
group had the highest rate of events among females, and the 45 through 54 year age group had
the highest rate of non-fatal self-inflicted poisoning-related inpatient hospitalizations among
males. Figure 29 shows the non-fatal self-inflicted poisoning-related inpatient hospitalization
rates per 100,000 Arizona residents by age group and sex.

31

Figure 29. Non-Fatal Self-Inflicted Poisoning-Related
Inpatient Hospitalization Rates per 100,000 Residents
by Age Group and Sex, Arizona 2010
120.0

Male (n=1,312)
100.0

104.8

95.0

Female (n=1,914)

90.3

87.3
80.0
66.9

61.9

64.2

68.2

60.0
43.1
40.0

32.7

0.0

13.7 19.0

14.9

20.0
0.4

2.4

0.4

<5
Years

5-14
Years

15-24
Years

25-34
Years

35-44
Years

45-54
Years

55-64
Years

65+
Years

White, Non-Hispanic Arizona residents had the highest age-adjusted rate of non-fatal selfinflicted poisoning-related inpatient hospitalizations in 2010 (69.2 events per 100,000 residents),
followed by African American residents (54.1 events per 100,000 residents). Among all
race/ethnicities, the age-adjusted rate of non-fatal self-inflicted poisoning-related inpatient
hospitalizations was 52.3 events per 100,000 Arizona residents. Figure 30 shows the ageadjusted rate of non-fatal self-inflicted poisoning-related inpatient hospitalizations by
race/ethnicity for Arizona residents in 2010.

Figure 30. Age-Adjusted Non-Fatal Self-Inflicted
Poisoning-Related Inpatient Hospitalization Rate per 100,000
Residents by Race/Ethnicity, Arizona 2010
80.0
70.0
60.0
50.0
40.0
30.0
20.0
10.0
0.0

69.2
54.1
52.3

46.3
24.7
19.4

White, NonHispanic
(n=2,402)

African
American
(n=148)

American Indian
(n=138)

Hispanic
(n=447)

Asian
(n=40)

All
race/ethnicities
(n=3,226)

There were 51 hospitalizations among 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 Figure 31.

32

Figure 31. Age-Adjusted Rate per 100,000 Residents of Non-Fatal Self-Inflicted
Poisoning-Related Inpatient Hospitalizations by County of Residence, Arizona
2010 (n=3,226)*

*Two deaths without residential county information are not pictured.
**Rates are unstable for counties with fewer than 20 cases per year.

33

In 2010, the average non-fatal self-inflicted poisoning-related inpatient hospitalization totaled
$24,942 in hospital charges and lasted for 3 days (median = $17,438, 2 days). These figures
are not significantly different from the average and median charges and length of stay among all
non-fatal poisoning-related inpatient hospitalizations. Arizona residents spent a total of 9,924
days in the hospital for non-fatal self-inflicted poisoning-related events. Hospital charges for
non-fatal inpatient hospitalizations due to self-inflicted poisonings among Arizona residents
totaled over $80.4 million in 2010. Sixty-five percent of those hospital fees were reportedly paid
by Medicare, Medicaid, or the Arizona Health Care Cost Containment System (AHCCCS)
(2,017 cases; more than $52.4 million). Hospital charges do not reflect hospital reimbursement
rates, nor do they include charges or costs related to emergency medical services,
rehabilitation, legal fees, or lost work or school time.

34

Non-Fatal Poisoning-Related Emergency Department Visits, 2010
There were 11,894 non-fatal emergency department visits among Arizona residents attributed to
non-fatal poisoning in 2010. Forty-five percent of the visits were among males (n=5,391), and
55 percent were among females (n=6,503). Residents ages 15 through 24 years had the
highest number of non-fatal emergency department visits of any age group, and accounted for
25 percent of the non-fatal poisoning-related emergency department visits in 2010 (n=2,915).
Children ages birth through 14 years accounted for 20 percent of the non-fatal emergency
department visits (n=2,348) and residents ages 25 through 34 years accounted for 17 percent of
the cases (n=2,056). Though they accounted for only 14 percent of the general population,
residents ages 15 through 24 years comprised 25 percent of the non-fatal poisoning-related
emergency department visits in 2010. Figure 32 shows the number and percentage of non-fatal
emergency department visits by age group.

Figure 32. Non-Fatal Poisoning-Related
Emergency Department Visits by Age Group,
Arizona 2010 (n=11,892)
35-44 Years
13% (n=1,591)

45-54 Years
13% (n=1,525)
55-64 Years
7% (n=815)

25-34 Years
17% (n=2,056)

65+ Years
5% (n=642)
15-24 Years
25% (n=2,915)

0-14 Years
20% (n=2,348)

Excludes 2 males of unknown age.

Except for children ages one through four years, females had higher rates of non-fatal
emergency department visits than males. Children younger than five years of age one had the
highest rate of emergency department visits 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 life-threatening
events had positive toxicology screenings, even when parents denied medicating the child.6
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 life-threat were screened for potential poisons.
Figure 33 shows the non-fatal poisoning-related emergency department visits rates per 100,000
Arizona residents by age group and sex.

6

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.

35

Figure 33. Non-Fatal Poisoning-Related
Emergency Department Visit Rates per 100,000 Residents
by Age Group and Sex, Arizona 2010
450.0
400.0

Male (n=5,391)

390.4

Female (n=6,503)

363.8

354.0
350.0
283.6

300.0

266.9
250.0
214.2
200.0

219.0
168.5

150.0

206.3
155.0
124.5
98.7

82.3

100.0
62.1

82.1
61.7

50.0
0.0
<5
Years

5-14
Years

15-24
Years

25-34
Years

35-44
Years

45-54
Years

55-64
Years

65+
Years

Excludes 2 males of unknown age.

African American Arizona residents had the highest age-adjusted rate of non-fatal poisoningrelated emergency department visits in 2010 (239.2 events per 100,000 residents), followed by
White, non-Hispanic residents (235.1 events per 100,000 residents). Among all race/ethnicities,
the age-adjusted rate of non-fatal poisoning-related emergency department visits was 188.3
events per 100,000 Arizona residents. Figure 34 shows the age-adjusted rate of non-fatal
poisoning-related emergency department visits by race/ethnicity for Arizona residents in 2010.

Figure 34. Age-Adjusted Rate of Non-Fatal Poisoning-Related
Emergency Department Visits per 100,000 Residents
by Race/Ethnicity, Arizona 2010
300.0
250.0

239.2

235.1
188.3

200.0

157.3

150.0

134.3

100.0

64.8

50.0
0.0
African
American
(n=660)

White, NonHispanic
(n=7,798)

American Indian
(n=488)

Hispanic
(n=2,658)

Asian
(n=128)

All
race/ethnicities
(n=11,894)

There were 162 emergency department visits among individuals of other or unknown race/ethnicity.

Unlike the distribution among inpatient hospitalizations, a slight majority of non-fatal poisoningrelated emergency department visits were identified as being unintentional injuries (52 percent,
n=6,140). Thirty-five percent of emergency department visits were attributed to self-inflicted

36

poisonings (n=4,143), poisonings of undetermined intent accounted for 13 percent of visits
(n=1,586), and there were 25 visits from poisonings due to assaults or other intents (legal
intervention).
Mohave County had the highest rate of non-fatal poisoning-related emergency department visits
in 2010 (341.9 visits per 100,000 residents, n=579), and was the only county to rank among the
highest poisoning rates for both fatal and non-fatal poisonings. Non-fatal poisoning-related
emergency department visits were distributed among residents of Arizona‟s counties as shown
in Figure 35.

37

Figure 35. Age-Adjusted Rate per 100,000 Residents of Non-Fatal PoisoningRelated Emergency Department Visits by County of Residence, Arizona 2010
(n=11,894)*

*Four deaths without residential county information are not pictured.
**Rates are unstable for counties with fewer than 20 visits per year.

38

In 2010, the average non-fatal poisoning-related emergency department visit resulted in $3,950
in hospital charges (median=$3,603). Hospital charges for non-fatal emergency department
visits due to poisonings among Arizona residents totaled more than $46.9 million in 2010. Fiftysix percent of those hospital charges were reportedly paid by Medicare, Medicaid, or the
Arizona Health Care Cost Containment System (AHCCCS) (6,733 visits; more than $26.5
million). The single most costly emergency department visit resulted in $124,785 in hospital
charges. Hospital charges do not reflect hospital reimbursement rates, nor do they include
charges or costs related to emergency medical services, rehabilitation, legal fees, or lost work
or school time.

Non-Fatal Unintentional Poisoning-Related Emergency Department Visits
There were 6,140 emergency department visits among Arizona residents attributed to non-fatal
poisonings in 2010. Forty-eight percent of the events were among males (n=2,975), and 52
percent were among females (n=3,165). Children ages birth through 14 years had the highest
number of non-fatal emergency department visits of any age group, and accounted for 33
percent of the non-fatal unintentional poisoning-related emergency department visits in 2010
(n=2,018). Residents ages 15 through 24 years accounted for 17 percent of the visits (n=1,040)
and residents ages 25 through 34 years accounted for 13 percent of the visits (n=788). Though
they account for only 21 percent of the general population, children ages birth through 14 years
had 33 percent of the non-fatal unintentional poisoning-related emergency department visits in
2010. Figure 36 shows the number and percentage of cases by age group.

Figure 36. Unintentional Non-Fatal PoisoningRelated Emergency Department Visits by Age
Group, Arizona 2010 (n=6,138)
15-24 Years
17% (n=1,040)

25-34 Years
13% (n=788)
35-44 Years
10% (n=632)
45-54 Years
11% (n=657)

0-14 Years
33% (n=2,018)

55-64 Years
8% (n=484)
65+ Years
8% (n=519)
Excludes 2 males of unknown age.

Children younger than five years of age 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 among Arizona
residents in each age group 25 years and older. Figure 37 shows the non-fatal unintentional
poisoning-related emergency department visit rates per 100,000 Arizona residents by age group
and sex.

39

Figure 37. Non-Fatal Unintentional Poisoning-Related
Emergency Department Visit Rates per 100,000 Residents
by Age Group and Sex, Arizona 2010
450.0
400.0
350.0

Male (n=2,975)

382.3

Female (n=3,165)
346.0

300.0
250.0
200.0
150.0

117.4 112.5

100.0

86.6 97.6

86.9

87.0
68.7

67.0

56.1

42.6 36.4

50.0

76.2
50.5

65.8

0.0
<5
Years

5-14
Years

15-24
Years

25-34
Years

35-44
Years

45-54
Years

55-64
Years

65+
Years

Excludes 2 males of unknown age.

African American Arizona residents had the highest age-adjusted rate of non-fatal unintentional
poisoning-related emergency department visits in 2010 (120.4 events per 100,000 residents),
followed by White, non-Hispanic residents (119.0 events per 100,000 residents). Among all
race/ethnicities, the age-adjusted rate of non-fatal unintentional poisoning-related emergency
department visits was 95.6 events per 100,000 Arizona residents. Figure 38 shows the ageadjusted rate of non-fatal unintentional poisoning-related emergency department visits by
race/ethnicity for Arizona residents in 2010.

Figure 38. Age-Adjusted Rate of Non-Fatal Unintentional
Poisoning-Related Emergency Department Visits per 100,000
Residents by Race/Ethnicity, Arizona 2010
140.0
120.0

120.4

119.0
95.6

100.0

80.1

80.0

73.4

60.0
34.0

40.0
20.0
0.0
African
American
(n=321)

White, NonHispanic
(n=3,951)

American Indian
(n=248)

Hispanic
(n=1,469)

Asian
(n=65)

All
race/ethnicities
(n=6,140)

There were 86 visits among individuals of other or unknown race/ethnicity.

Unintentional non-fatal poisoning-related emergency department visits were distributed among
residents of Arizona‟s counties as shown in Figure 39.

40

Figure 39. Age-Adjusted Rate per 100,000 Residents of Non-Fatal Unintentional
Poisoning-Related Emergency Department Visits by County of Residence,
Arizona 2010 (n=6,140)*

*Two deaths without residential county information are not pictured.
**Rates are unstable for counties with fewer than 20 visits per year.

41

Though unintentional poisonings accounted for 52 percent of poisoning-related emergency
department visits among Arizona residents in 2010, these visits comprised only 39 percent of
total poisoning-related emergency department charges; hospital charges for unintentional
poisoning visits among Arizona residents totaled more than $18.3 million in 2010. The average
non-fatal unintentional poisoning-related emergency department visit resulted in $2,987 in
hospital charges (median=$2,154). Fifty-seven percent of those hospital charges were
reportedly paid by Medicare, Medicaid, or the Arizona Health Care Cost Containment System
(AHCCCS) (3,490 visits; more than $10.4 million). Hospital charges do not reflect hospital
reimbursement rates, nor do they include charges or costs related to emergency medical
services, rehabilitation, legal fees, or lost work or school time.

Non-Fatal Self-Inflicted Poisoning-Related Emergency Department Visits
There were 4,143 non-fatal self-inflicted poisoning-related emergency department visits among
Arizona residents in 2010. Thirty-eight percent of the visits were among males (n=1,574), and
62 percent were among females (n=2,569). 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 33 percent of these events in 2010 (n=1,379). Residents ages 25
through 34 years accounted for 22 percent of the events (n=925) and residents ages 35 through
44 years accounted for 17 percent of the events (n=715). Though they account for only 14
percent of the general population, residents ages 15 through 24 years were responsible for 33
percent of the non-fatal self-inflicted poisoning-related emergency department visits in 2010.
Figure 40 shows the number and percentage of non-fatal emergency department visits by age
group.

Figure 40. Non-Fatal Self-Inflicted PoisoningRelated Emergency Department Visits
by Age Group, Arizona 2010 (n=4,143)
35-44 Years
17% (n=715)

45-54 Years
15% (n=633)
55-64 Years
6% (n=226)

25-34 Years
22% (n=925)

65+ Years
2% (n=70)
0-14 Years
5% (n=195)

15-24 Years
33% (n=1,379)

Females had higher rates of non-fatal emergency department visits than males among all age
groups. The 15 through 24 year age group had the highest rate of events among both males
and females. Figure 41 shows the non-fatal self-inflicted poisoning-related emergency
department visits rates per 100,000 Arizona residents by age group and sex.

42

Figure 41. Non-Fatal Self-Inflicted Poisoning-Related
Emergency Department Visit Rates per 100,000 Residents
by Age Group and Sex, Arizona 2010
250.0

Male (n=1,574)
Female (n=2,569)

203.7

200.0

150.0
130.1
104.5

104.3

86.8

100.0

69.9
50.0

0.0

87.7
62.2

34.8
0.4 0.9

8.3

<5
Years

5-14
Years

27.5

34.4
5.7

15-24
Years

25-34
Years

35-44
Years

45-54
Years

55-64
Years

9.8

65+
Years

African American Arizona residents had the highest age-adjusted rate of non-fatal self-inflicted
poisoning-related emergency department visits in 2010 (89.2 events per 100,000 residents),
followed by White, non-Hispanic residents (83.2 events per 100,000 residents). Among all
race/ethnicities, the age-adjusted rate of non-fatal self-inflicted poisoning-related emergency
department visits was 66.9 events per 100,000 Arizona residents. Figure 42 shows the ageadjusted rate of non-fatal self-inflicted poisoning-related emergency department visits by
race/ethnicity for Arizona residents in 2010.

Figure 42. Age-Adjusted Rate of Non-Fatal Self-Inflicted
Poisoning-Related Emergency Department Visits per 100,000
Residents by Race/Ethnicity, Arizona 2010
100.0

89.2

83.2

80.0
66.9

60.0

46.3

45.1

40.0
24.0

20.0
0.0
African
American
(n=256)

White, NonHispanic
(n=2,749)

American Indian
(n=149)

Hispanic
(n=884)

Asian
(n=49)

All
race/ethnicities
(n=4,143)

There were 56 visits among individuals of other or unknown race/ethnicity.

Self-inflicted non-fatal poisoning-related emergency department visits were distributed among
residents of Arizona‟s counties as shown in Figure 43.

43

Figure 43. Age-Adjusted Rate per 100,000 Residents of Non-Fatal Self-Inflicted
Poisoning-Related Emergency Department Visits by County of Residence,
Arizona 2010 (n=4,143)*

*Two deaths without residential county information are not pictured.
**Rates are unstable for counties with fewer than 20 visits per year.

44

In 2010, the average non-fatal self-inflicted poisoning-related emergency department visit
totaled $5,254 in hospital charges (median=$4,867). Hospital charges for non-fatal emergency
department visits due to self-inflicted poisonings totaled more than $21.7 million for Arizona
residents in 2010. Fifty-six percent of those hospital fees were reportedly paid by Medicare,
Medicaid, or the Arizona Health Care Cost Containment System (AHCCCS) (2,326 visits, more
than $12.1 million). Hospital charges do not reflect hospital reimbursement rates, nor do they
include charges or costs related to emergency medical services, rehabilitation, legal fees, or lost
work or school time.

45

Poisoning and Prescription Drug Overdoses as an Arizona Public Health Concern
Deaths
Between 2006 and 2010, the age-adjusted poisoning-related mortality rate increased 22 percent for
Arizona residents, from 15.3 deaths per 100,000 residents in 2006 to 18.7 deaths per 100,000 residents
in 2010.
In 2010, poisoning were the leading cause of injury-related deaths, accounting for more deaths among
Arizonans than car crashes, falls, or firearm injuries.
Prescription drugs, often combined with alcohol, were responsible for many poison-related deaths. The
poisons most commonly specified on death certificates in 2010 were alcohol (18 percent, n=207),
Oxycodone or Hydrocodone (15 percent, n=180), and benzodiazepines (13 percent, n=155).
Poisoning-related fatality rates increased among Native American (by 131 percent) and White, NonHispanic residents (by 32 percent) between 2006 and 2010.

Non-Fatal Hospitalizations and Emergency Department Visits
Between 2006 and 2010, the age-adjusted rate of non-fatal poisoning-related inpatient hospitalizations
among Arizona residents increased 43 percent, from 76.5 cases per 100,000 residents in 2006 to 109.2
cases in 2010.
Adult women had the highest rates of non-fatal poisoning-related inpatient hospitalizations. Females 45
through 54 years of age had a rate of 193.4 cases per 100,000 residents, and females 35 through 44
years of age had a rate of 168.1 cases per 100,000 residents.
In 2010, there were 11,894 non-fatal poisoning-related emergency department visits among Arizona
residents and 20 percent of the visits were among children ages 14 years and younger (n=2,348).
Though the highest number of non-fatal emergency department visits for poisoning-related injuries were
among teens and young adults (15 through 24 years: 24 percent, n=2,915), the highest rates were
among children younger than five years of age (372.6 visits per 100,000 residents, 1,698 visits)
Hospital charges for non-fatal poisoning-related inpatient hospitalizations totaled more than $179.6
million in 2010, and Arizona residents spent a total of 20,606 days hospitalized for non-fatal poisonings.
Hospital charges for non-fatal poisoning-related emergency department visits totaled over $46.9 million
in 2010.

Arizona‟s Response
Arizona has multi-faceted strategies in place to address each of the White House‟s 4 approaches to
countering prescription drug abuse:
o Patient and provider education: Arizona has two nationally affiliated poison control centers
providing education and drug exposure response throughout the state.
o Prescription monitoring: Arizona‟s Controlled Substances Prescription Monitoring Program is
managed by the Arizona State Board of Pharmacy. Dispensing pharmacies and practitioners
are required under Arizona law to report information on Schedule II, III, and IV prescriptions to
the database. (http://www.azpharmacy.gov/CS-Rx_Monitoring/aboutpmp.asp)
o Drug disposal: Since 2008, sites throughout Arizona have offered drug drop-off services as both
individual and ongoing events.
o Law enforcement against improper prescribing: The federal Drug Enforcement Agency actively
targets doctors improperly prescribing potentially addictive medications in Arizona. In 2009, the
Phoenix DEA‟s Tactical Diversion Squad charged a Golden Valley doctor with 14 felony
charges for operating a „pill mill‟.
(http://www.azcentral.com/news/articles/2009/07/14/20090714rxdrugbust.html)

46

Poisoning Prevention Tips and Resources
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 medication
interactions
Properly 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
 Ask your pharmacist if you‟re unsure about proper disposal
o To dispose of all other medications:
 Remove the medication from the original packaging
 Crush the pills and mix them with kitty litter, coffee grounds, or sand
 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
Participate in National Poison Prevention Week, held annually during the 3rd week
of March
o The federal Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) provides an
Event Planner Kit to help your agency or business get involved. Visit
www.poisonprevention.org for more information.
Visit Arizona‟s Poison Control Centers on the internet at:
Arizona Poison and Drug Information Center, Tucson, Arizona
http://www.pharmacy.arizona.edu/outreach/poison/index.php
Banner Good Samaritan Poison and Drug Information Center, Phoenix, Arizona
http://www.bannerhealth.com/Locations/Arizona/Banner+Poison+Control+Center/_Banner+Pois
on+Control+Center.htm

Methodology
Mortality data for 2006 through 2010 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
th
assigned an International Classification of Diseases, 10 Revision (ICD-10) code for poisoning as the
underlying cause of death was included in the count. Poisonings due to envenomation by animals, plants,
or insects (X20 – X29) were excluded from this report. Table 7 shows the ICD-10 codes included in this
report.

Table 7. International Classification of Diseases, 10th Revision (ICD-10)
Codes Used in This Report
ICD-10 Code
X40
X41
X42
X43
X44
X45
X46
X47
X48
X49
X60
X61
X62
X63
X64
X65
X66
X67
X68
X69
X85
X86
X87
X88
X89
X90
Y10
Y11
Y12
Y13
Y14
Y15
Y16

ICD-10 Code Description
Unintentional poisoning by non-opioid 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 alcohol meant for ingestion
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-opioid 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 alcohol meant for ingestion
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-opioid 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
Poisoning by alcohol meant for ingestion, undetermined intent
Poisoning by organic solvents, undetermined intent

48

Y17
Y18
Y19

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 2006 through
2010 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. Hospital discharge data include hospital transfers and
readmissions. Therefore, a single injured individual may be counted more than once. These data should
be interpreted as episodes of medical treatment, not individual injuries.
th

Records for Arizona residents assigned an International Classification of Diseases, 9 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 E-Code ranges were included: E850 – E858, E860 –
E869, E950 – E952, E962, E972, E980 – E982. Table 15 lists the general categories of poisonings
included in these ICD-9-CM E-Codes. Poisonings due to envenomation 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

Rates for 2006 through 2009 were calculated using Arizona population data compiled by the Arizona
Department of Health Services‟ Bureau of Public Health Statistics, available on the internet at:
www.azdhs.gov/plan/menu/info/pd.htm. Rates for 2010 were calculated using the 2010 United States
Decennial Census figures for Arizona (Summary File 1), available on the internet from the U.S. Census
Bureau‟s American FactFinder: http://factfinder2.census.gov/faces/nav/jsf/pages/index.xhtml.
To help compare groups over time, 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 age-adjusted
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.

49