Hospital admission for accidental pesticide poisoning among adults of working age in England, 1998–2003

Abstract

AIMS: To explore the circumstances associated with hospital admission of adults of working age for accidental pesticide poisoning in England. METHODS: From Hospital Episode Statistics we identified all adults aged 16-69 years who completed hospital admissions nationally for accidental pesticide poisoning during April 1998 to March 2003. Further information was obtained through a postal questionnaire completed by the treating consultant. RESULTS: Questionnaires were returned for 62% of 237 identified admissions, including 89 in which definite or possible accidental pesticide poisoning was confirmed. Fifty-four percent of episodes arose from an identifiable mishap, and 26% from unsatisfactory storage or transport of pesticides. Only two incidents resulted from exposure to spray drift. Three patients needed intensive care, but none died. DISCUSSION: Serious accidental pesticide poisoning is rare among adults in England. There is an important contribution from poor storage of pesticides. Non-occupational acute poisoning by spray drift is seldom if ever a cause of hospital admission.