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Predictors of pesticide poisoning
J A Ferguson1, C Sellar, M A McGuigan
1Dept. of Public Health and Primary Care, University of Oxford, England.
Insights
Young children are at higher risk for rodenticide poisoning, while older children face greater risks of severe symptoms and higher exposure levels from pesticide poisoning. Treatment referrals were also less frequent for younger children.
Area of Science:
- Environmental Health
- Pediatric Toxicology
- Public Health
Background:
- Pesticide poisoning is a significant public health concern, particularly in pediatric populations.
- Understanding risk factors associated with pesticide exposure is crucial for prevention and intervention.
Purpose of the Study:
- To analyze trends and identify predictors of pesticide poisoning in children.
- To compare poisoning characteristics between different age groups.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective analysis of 1,026 suspected pesticide poisoning reports from a regional Poison Control Centre.
- Statistical analysis to identify significant predictor variables for poisoning severity and referral.
Main Results:
- Children under six years old constituted 58.2% of cases.
- Age was a strong predictor: young children had a 3.1-fold risk of rodenticide vs. insecticide poisoning.
- Children over five years old had a 10-fold increased risk of symptoms and a 5.9-fold increased risk of moderate/large pesticide exposure.
- Older children had a 5.7-fold higher risk of treatment referral.
Conclusions:
- Age is a critical factor in pesticide poisoning outcomes, influencing type of exposure, severity, and medical intervention.
- Inquiry source, season, and location also predict poisoning risks.
- Targeted prevention strategies are needed for different age groups.
Abstract:
The analysis of 1,026 reports of suspected pesticide poisonings to the regional Poison Control Centre at the Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto consisted of 597 (58.2%) cases less than six years of age. Age was the strongest predictor: there was a risk of 3.1 that young children would encounter rodenticide poisoning compared to that of insecticides; a ten-fold risk of having symptoms from pesticide poisoning if the victim was over five years of age; an increased risk of 5.9 of exposure to moderate or large amounts of pesticide, compared to small quantities, for those over five years of age; and there was less treatment referral for young children, and a 5.7 risk of being referred if the victim was over the age of five years. Other significant predictor variables include the type of person making the inquiry (lay or physician/nurse), the calendar season of the event, and the location (metropolitan or nonmetropolitan) of the event.