Epidemiological characteristics of pesticide poisoning in Jiangsu Province, China, from 2007 to 2016

Ning Wang,Qingtao Jiang,Xin Liu,Baoli Zhu,Hengdong Zhang,Lei Han

doi:10.1038/s41598-019-44986-7

Abstract

To investigate the characteristics of pesticide poisoning in Jiangsu province and provide a scientific basis for measures for the prevention of pesticide poisoning. Information from pesticide poisoning report cards from 2007 to 2016 was derived from the Occupational Disease and Occupational Health Information Monitoring System, and the characteristics of pesticide poisoning patients were assessed via descriptive analysis. A total of 30,789 pesticide poisoning cases were reported in Jiangsu Province. Of these cases, 23,557 were non-occupational poisonings, accounting for 76.5% of the reported cases. There were 1705 deaths from pesticide poisoning, and the fatality rate was 5.5%. Numerous cases occurred in northeast Jiangsu. Pesticide poisoning cases were primarily concentrated in individuals 36–60 years of age. Pesticide poisoning primarily occurred in the summer. The top types of pesticides causing poisoning were organophosphates. The fatality rate of intentional pesticide poisoning was the lowest among the age group of 0 to 14 years, while the highest was noted among people over 61 years. Therefore, pesticide poisoning is a major problem in Jiangsu Province. We need to strengthen the management of highly toxic pesticides and implement effective health education on the use of pesticides.

Highlights

To investigate the characteristics of pesticide poisoning in Jiangsu province and provide a scientific basis for measures for the prevention of pesticide poisoning
The number of deaths attributed to non-occupational pesticide poisoning was 1,666, which led to a fatality rate of 7.1%
One study found that the health effects of a more comprehensive ban on highly toxic pesticides is needed to create a balance between increased agricultural costs and reduced health care costs and deaths[12]

Summary

Introduction

To investigate the characteristics of pesticide poisoning in Jiangsu province and provide a scientific basis for measures for the prevention of pesticide poisoning. A total of 30,789 pesticide poisoning cases were reported in Jiangsu Province. In developing countries, where there are incomplete regulations, a lack of monitoring systems, low enforcement, lack of training, inadequate access to information systems, poorly managed or non-existent personal protective equipment, and large agricultural-based populations, the incidence of pesticide poisoning is expected to be higher than in developed countries[4,5]. More than 168,000 people die from pesticide suicide every year, the majority of whom are from developing countries[6]. Pesticides are dangerous to use and poorly managed. Due to their easy access and widespread application in agriculture, death by pesticide consumption is an extremely universal approach to suicide[9]. It is estimated that there are 258,000 suicides per year[10]

Methods

Results

Conclusion