The present study aimed to analyze poisonings through illegally marketed sanitary products that were reported in the Poison Control Center of the Regional University Hospital in Maringá, Paraná, Brazil. This is a quantitative study using retrospective analysis of epidemiological records of people intoxicated by these agents from January, 2005, to December, 2009. Of the 118 cases reported, 75 (63.5%) occurred in males, 105 (88.9%) required assistance in care units and highly complex emergency room admissions. In 14 (11.8%) cases there was the need for intensive care unit hospitalization, with five deaths registered - all caused by intentional poisoning. The data found demonstrates the severity and lethality of this type of poisoning. We also indicate actions for urgent supervisory, fiscal, and control measures for Brazilian Health Surveillance, as well as measures for consumer education which emphasize the educational role of nursing
Sanitizing products; Chemical compounds; Health surveillance
