DETERMINANTS OF LETHALITY FROM SUICIDAL PESTICIDE POISONING IN METROPOLITAN HSINCHU

Acute pesticide poisoning is a global health problem, especially in de veloping countries. Although Taiwan has quickly industrialized during the last several decades, pesticide use is still prevalent in the agri cultural sector. We reviewed 187 consecutive hospitalized cases of the Provincial HsinChu hospital from January 1989 through December 1995 t o explore the determinants of acute pesticide poisoning in Metropolita n HsinChu. The annual incidence rate of acute pesticide poisoning was 3.2/100,000 with an overall fatality rate of 23% which was more severe than the rates found in developed countries. The major agents involve d were organophosphates, and the major cause of poisoning was suicide. Alcohol abuse, history of major medical illnesses, and history of sui cide were significantly associated with suicidal poisoning; quarrel wa s the immediate risk factor. Causes of poisoning (suicide vs non-suici de) and selection of the pesticides were major determinants of lethali ty. More stringent legislation and enforcement regarding the sale and distribution of extremely toxic pesticides are needed to reduce fatali ties due to acute pesticide poisoning.