Abstract
Workers and customers in retail establishments face a potential risk of pesticide poisoning while performing work-related activities or shopping; however little information is presently available concerning this hazard. The magnitude and incidence of acute pesticide-related poisoning among retail workers will be estimated in this analysis. Surveillance data from 1998–2002 were collected from the Sentinel Event Notification System for Occupational Risks and the California Department of Pesticide Regulation. Cases were 15–64 years old who met the case definition of acute pesticide poisoning. Incidence rates of pesticide-related illness and incidence rate ratios (IRR) comparing rates to nonagricultural, nonretail workers are used to assess risk magnitude. There were 208 cases identified (198 retail employees [95%] and 10 customers [5%]). Common exposures were from disinfectants (N = 99, 48%) and insecticides (N = 94, 45%). Illness severity was low for 175 cases (84%), moderate for 30 (14%), high for two (1%) and one fatality was identified. There was a significant decrease in incidence rates among retail workers (8.16/million FTEs in 1998 to 4.02/million FTEs in 2002, p < 0.01 ). Retail employees had a significantly reduced rate of illness compared to nonagricultural, nonretail workers (IRR = 0.34, 95% CI = 0.29, 0.39). Occupations most commonly exposed were stock handlers/baggers (N = 51, 26%), sales workers (N = 44, 22%), and clerks/cashiers (N = 37, 19%). Stock handlers/baggers had a significant illness risk as compared to non-agricultural, nonretail workers (IRR = 1.97, 95% CI = 1.49, 2.60). Retail employees at miscellaneous general stores additionally displayed a significant risk for pesticide poisoning (IRR = 2.04, 95% CI = 1.23, 3.39). Additional preventive measures are needed to decrease the risk of pesticide-related exposures in specific retail settings. Interventions include educational efforts regarding appropriate risk prevention, requirements that pesticide containers be unbreakable and tear-resistant, and greater adaptation of integrated pest management practices.
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