Agricultural pesticide accidents and prevention in Ecuador

Accidents due to the misuse and abuse of agricultural pesticides is a worldwide problem. Although data gaps exist, there is an ever-growing body of information on the incidence and nature of pesticide-caused poisonings in the developing countries of the world. The information gathered in a field study in Ecuador, South America, among rural-based users of pesticides contributes to the understanding of the problem. Factors that contribute to accidental poisonings are detailed and described and are related to accident prevention efforts.