Short-term experience of the newly established poison control centre of Cairo.

1 During the first 31 weeks of operation, the Cairo Poison Control Centre received 463 enquiries. 2 Accidental poisoning predominated with 54% of cases involving children under 5 years of age whilst attempted suicide was reported in only 21%. 3 When these early experiences are compared with the observations from the European Poison COntrol Centres, there are a number of marked differences including the types of drugs and chemicals involved. 4 Problems associated with drugs considered obsolete in Europe, inadequately labelled chemicals and inappropriate treatments have already been highlighted, and preventive measures are being considered.