Pesticide poisoning - 10 years retrospective analysis

Abstract

Background: According to the World Health Organization, the incidence of pesticide poisoning is estimated between 1 and 5 million victims with 300,000 lethal cases annually. Thus, it is recognized as a major public health related problem around the world. Aims and Objectives: The socioeconomic status, religious and cultural influences, and the availability of pesticide poisons determine the pattern of pesticide poisoning, which will help to manage the poisoning cases. Materials and Methods: A retrospective study of deaths due to pesticide poisoning cases was conducted in Forensic medicine and Toxicology department, Government Medical College, Amritsar (Punjab) from January 1, 2006, to December 31, 2015. During this period out of total 10217 autopsies that were conducted that alleged to have died due to pesticide poisoning, 483 cases of pesticide poisoning deaths had been studied. The present study was approved by the institutional ethical committee of Government Medical College, Amritsar. All information has been taken under consideration of medical ethical committee. Results: Young males from rural areas in the age group of 21–40 years are more prone and have high more mortality as a result of pesticide poisoning. The most common fatal pesticide poisons found in the study were aluminum phosphide, organo phosphorus, organo chloro compound, and zinc phosphide, widely used in agriculture. Conclusion: Health education and strict legal intervention regarding storage, handling and transportation of poisonous substances to restrict the easy availability should be mandatory.