Analysis on Pesticide Poisonings in One District of Beijing, 2011-2014

Objective To describe the pesticide poisoning situation and causes in a district of Beijing in recent years, and to provide scientific evidence for making effective preventive measures.

Methods The registration data of pesticide poisonings in one district of Beijing during 2011-2014 were retrieved from Beijing occupational diseases reporting network to perform statistical analysis. The causes of occupational pesticide poisoning were also investigated.

Results A total of 359 cases of pesticide poisoning were reported from 2011 to 2014 in the district with an overall poisoning rate of 90.3/100 000. The poisoning rate of female (106.4/100 000) was higher than that of male (74.4/100 000) (χ²=11.3,P<0.05). There were 43 cases reported in urban section and 316 cases in rural section, and the poisoning rate in rural section (110.0/100 000) was higher than that in urban section (39.0/100 000) (χ²=39 940.054, P<0.001). The poisoning patients aged between 30-70 years old accounted for 68.2% (245/359) of total cases. Moreover, 124 cases were reported in slack farming season, and 235 cases in busy farming season; there was a statistical difference in the distribution of pesticide poisonings between the two seasons (χ²=314.287, P<0.001). Not using protective equipment, not stepping back when applying pesticides, not reading labels, not spraying pesticides in alternative rows, and preparing pesticides without gloves were the top five causes of occupational pesticide poisoning.

Conclusion Health education and health promotion are suggested to reduce various kinds of pesticide poisoning among the farmers between 30-70 years old in busy farming season.