CDC: Poisoning a risk for adults 34 -56

NEWARK, N.J., July 18 (UPI) -- The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says adults between the ages of 34 and 56 are more likely to die of poisoning than an auto accident.

The federal agency says in its Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report that poisoning deaths can range from drug overdoses to fatalities caused by various biologic substances, vapors or gases, a University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey release said Friday.

The agency said between 2005 and 2006, the poisoning death rate among the targeted age group was significantly higher than the death rate from motor vehicle traffic accidents.

The center said drug overdoses accounted for 92 percent of the poisoning deaths during the time period. Additional specifics regarding the study were not reported.

Bruce Ruck, the New Jersey Poison Information & Education System's director of drug information, said the report findings were indicative of trends in states such as New Jersey.

"New Jersey has experienced a steady increase in unintentional poisoning deaths," he said. "Prescription drug abuse is increasing among all ages, from children through adults."