Subject(s)
Nicotiana/poisoning , Plant Poisoning/complications , Cooking , Female , Humans , Middle Aged , Plant Poisoning/diagnosisABSTRACT
To gain better insight into the problem of accidental occupational exposure to phytosanitary products, a retrospective study of experience at the Poison Control Center in Marseille, France, was conducted for the period between January 1, 2008, and December 31, 2010. A 129-case series was compiled. The study population was overwhelmingly male (83%), and the most common cause was insecticides (56.6% with a half pyrethrin and 21% organophosphate) and herbicides (26%). Although various exposure routes were observed, the most common were inhalation (43%) and skin contact (34%). The symptoms were mainly neurologic, digestive, and/or cutaneous. The severity of poisoning was generally mild, with no deaths or sequels. Only 5% of cases required hospitalization.
Subject(s)
Insecticides/poisoning , Occupational Exposure/statistics & numerical data , Poisoning/epidemiology , Administration, Inhalation , Adult , Female , France/epidemiology , Humans , Male , Middle Aged , Poison Control Centers/statistics & numerical data , Poisoning/etiology , Poisoning/therapy , Pyrethrins/poisoning , Retrospective StudiesABSTRACT
Paraquat, a widely used herbicide in the world, has caused severe and fatal poisonings. Because of its high toxicity, the European Union withdrew paraquat from its market in July 2007. The purpose of this report is to describe cases of paraquat poisoning recorded at the Poison Control Center in Marseille over the 9-year period starting and ending 4.5 years before and after the paraquat ban. Data analysis showed that the most severe exposures were linked to ingestion. The fatality rate of deliberate consumption was near 50 % (34 suicide attempts and 15 deaths). Our data showed a marginal decline in total number of poisonings observed after the paraquat ban (38 vs 33 after the ban) mostly due to a decrease in the number of unintentional exposure (21 vs 16 after the ban). However, there was no apparent change in the number suicidal attempts using paraquat. Regarding geographical distribution, data showed that most poisonings in mainland France were unintentional, while poisonings in overseas French territories were mostly voluntary. Despite the European ban and the preventive measures, paraquat continues to contribute to severe and life-threatening poisonings in Southeastern and overseas France.
