PESTICIDE POISONING IN THE ASIA-PACIFIC REGION AND THE ROLE OF A REGIONAL INFORMATION NETWORK

Pesticide poisoning is an important cause of morbidity and mortality i n many countries in the world. It has been estimated that 95% of fatal pesticide poisonings occur in developing countries, many of which are in the Asia-Pacific region. Agriculture based economies, easy availab ility of pesticides, poverty related socioeconomic problems, lack of a dequate protective clothing, and limited treatment facilities are some of the factors contributing to the high morbidity nod mortality. Ther e is a lack of easily accessible information on pesticide related ill health in the countries of Asia-Pacific Region. Although Poison Center s are active in some countries, lack of resources is a major constrain t on the provision of an efficient service. There are several intercou ntry projects and information networks in the region dealing with agri culture and environment but no such information facilities are availab le concerning pesticide poisoning. A Regional Pesticide Poisoning Info rmation Network for the Asia-Pacific Region could disseminate informat ion on pesticide related illness to any individual or institution via print and electronic media. Such a network could work towards close co operation between all poisons centers and toxicologists in the region to reduce the rising morbidity and mortality from pesticide poisoning.