Acute pesticide poisoning among agricultural workers in the United States, 1998–2005

Abstract

The findings from this study suggest that acute pesticide poisoning in the agricultural industry continues to be an important problem. These findings reinforce the need for heightened efforts to better protect farmworkers from pesticide exposure.

Pesticide Exposure of Farmworkers’ Children

“…We should consider examining pesticide exposures of children whose parents are not farmworkers but may face even higher pesticide exposures. For example, in a recent analysis of the 1998-2005 US Acute Pesticide Poisonings, farmers have an incidence rate of 4.8/100,000 full time equivalents compare to 74.8 for farmworkers and 362.6 for processing/packing plant workers (Calvert et al 2008). …”

“…Koch et al (2002) also fails to report an association with parental occupation and children's pesticide metabolite levels in an agricultural community in Washington, however, they grouped packing shed workers into the same category as truck drivers and sales people. As packing shed workers are also exposed to high levels of pesticides, this could have confounded their analysis (Calvert et al 2008). …”

Fungicides and Their Effects on Animals

“…However, fungicides frequently used around the home constitute a major hazard to pets and livestock due to accidents, carelessness, or deliberate misuse (Osweiler et al, 1985;Gupta & Aggarwal, 2007;Oruc et al, 2009). For example, fungicides have caused systemic poisoning in animals such as sheep (Garcia-Fernández et al, 1996;Ortolani et al, 2004;Oruc et al, 2009), poultry (Guitart et al, 1996(Guitart et al, & 1999, and humans (Israeli et al, 1983;Kintz et al, 1997;Chodorowski, 2003;Kayacan et al, 2007;Calvert et al, 2008;Mortazavi & Jafari-Javid, 2009). Incorrect application and failure to use protective gear while applying fungicides are probably responsible for a disproportionate number of irritant injuries to skin and mucous membranes, as well as dermal sensitization.…”

Introduction to the Summary of Notifiable Noninfectious Conditions and Disease Outbreaks — United States

“…Underreporting of noninfectious conditions and disease outbreaks to local and state health departments occurs, and completeness of reporting and therefore of notification to CDC varies by condition (3)(4)(5)(6)(7)(8)(9)(10)(11)(12)(13)(14)(15).…”