| Author/s | Perry L, Bennett A, Adams RD, Jackson G, Thomas SHL, Thompson JP, Vale JA, Eddleston M |
| Year | 2014 |
| Type of publication | Conference proceeding |
| Link | https://doi.org/10.3109/15563650.2014.906213 |
| Abstract | Objective: Professional grade pesticides are more hazardous than their consumer grade counterparts and should only be used occupationally. It is legally required that those who use professional pesticides receive training/certification and use protective equipment. National Poisons Information Service (NPIS) surveillance has historically indicated a high incidence of non-occupational use of professional pesticides. Our objective was to evaluate the repercussions of such inappropriate use. Method: The NPIS has monitored pesticide exposures as part of a pesticide surveillance study since April 2004. Data is collected by monitoring NPIS unit calls and TOXBASE® accesses. The WHO/IPCS/EC/EAPCCT poisoning severity scores (PSS) for exposures relating to both occupational and non-occupational use of professional products were analysed. Results: Between April 2004 and April 2013, information on 7052 unintentional pesticide exposures was collected; 1312 were due to professional products. Of these exposures, 643 (49%) were reported as occurring during non-occupational use, 556 (42.4%) during occupational use, and in 113 cases circumstances were unknown. The severity grading for these exposures is shown. Most non-occupational exposures elicited none or few features. Significantly more occupational exposures resulted in the development of PSS 1/2 (X2 = 128.889, d.f. = 1, p < 0.05). Severe or fatal cases were uncommon for both exposure types. Conclusion: Occupational exposure to professional grade pesticides was more likely to result in the development of features of poisoning; usually of minor or moderate severity. Reference
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