Epidemiology of acute pesticide poisoning in Mali

摘要

Background: The unsafe use of pesticides represents a problem for human health in both developed and developing countries. Aims: This study was conducted to describe the main characteristics of acute pesticide poisoning in Mali. Methods: This is a retrospective analysis of pesticide poisoning cases, recorded between 2000 and 2010, in the medical records and the consultation register at 15 hospitals in Mali. Results: There were 124 cases suffering from acute pesticide poisoning in Mali, which was 4.1% of all poisoning cases reported during the study period. Of these, 33% were under the age of 15 years. The average age of victims was 22±17 years. Nearly 89% of reported cases resulted from oral exposure, 10.5% from inhalation and only 0.8% from dermal exposure. The risk was mainly related to the use of organophosphates. According to recorded data, pesticides were used as a means of suicide in 17,7% of cases. The poisoning symptoms were varied, depending on the characteristics of the product and type of exposure. Among all diagnosed cases, 8.1% died. Conclusions: Many situations involving pesticide exposure are linked to education and certain socio-economic conditions. These conditions tend to occur more often in developing countries. Preventive measures should be taken to rationalize pesticide use.