| Author/s | Perry L, Bennett AR, Adams RD, Jackson G, Vale JA, Thompson J, Lam H, Eddleston M |
| Year | 2013 |
| Type of publication | Conference proceeding |
| Link | https://doi.org/10.3109/15563650.2013.785188 |
| Abstract | Objective: Pesticide regulation is enforced regionally by agencies such as the Environmental Protection Agency in the USA and the Health and Safety Executive in the UK. The objective of this analysis is to evaluate the safety of two pesticides where a disparity exists between regulatory body recommendations using National Poison Information Service (NPIS) data. Bendiocarb, a potent acetylcholinesterase inhibitor, is currently banned in the USA while clopyralid, an herbicide with the potential to cause severe eye damage, is subject to strict regulations in several US states. Both are authorised for use in the UK. Method: Since April 2004, the NPIS has monitored pesticide exposures as part of a pesticide surveillance study. Between April 2004 and April 2012 the NPIS collected information on 6689 pesticide exposures, of which 175 (2.6%) were to bendiocarb and 30 (0.4%) to clopyralid. Poisoning severity was assessed using the Poisoning Severity Score.1 Results: Of the 175 bendiocarb exposures reported, 17 (9.7%) were graded as 2 (Moderate). No grade 3 (Severe) or 4 (Fatal) cases occurred. Of the remaining 158, 70 (40%) were graded as 2 (Minor), 84 (48%) as 0 (None) and four (2.3%) were unclassified. Regarding product class, 103 (58.9%) and 43 (24.6%) exposures were to amateur or professional products, respectively (3 (1.7%) were unknown and 26 (14.9%) other). Of the 43 exposures to professional products, 27 occurred following their use in the home. Of the 30 clopyralid exposures, two (6.7%) were graded 2 (Moderate). No exposures were graded 3 (Severe) or 4 (Fatal). Of the others, 19 (63.3%) were graded 1 (Minor), 8 (26.7%) 0 (None) and one (3.33%) was unclassified. Four eye exposures occurred but all were graded 1(Minor). Conclusion: Overall, exposure incidence and severity was low for both pesticides. Despite safety concerns, all eye exposures to clopyralid were minor. However, the data highlights a potential area of concern regarding exposures to professional bendiocarb products being used in the home. |