1 Adult hospital admissions following acute exposures to pesticides are very uncommon and are more often due to parasuicide than to accidents.
2 Most accidental pesticide incidents are work-related.
3 Males are more likely to be involved than females (2.9:1).
4 Life-threatening and fatal consequences developed in 24% of 54 incidents.
5 Of the 10 fatalities, eight were caused by paraquat, eight were due to parasuicide and two to non-work related accidents.
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References
1.
British Agrochemicals Association. Annual Report and Handbook 1986/87.
2.
Agriculture Committee.Second Special Report. The Effects of Pesticides on Human Health. London: HMSO, 1987.
3.
Schuman SH, Caldwell ST, Whitlock NH & Brittain AJEtiology of hospitalized pesticide poisonings in South Carolina, 1979-82. Journal of the South Carolina Medical Association1986; 82: 73-7.
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Rettig BA, Klein DK & Sniezek JEThe incidence of hospitalisations and emergency room visits resulting from exposure to chemicals used in agriculture. Nebraska Medical Journal1987; 72: 215-9.
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Vale JA, Meredith TJ & Buckley BMAcute pesticide poisoning in England and Wales. Health Trends1987; 19: 5-7.
