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Pesticide Poisoning Among Children in India: The Need for an Urgent Solution

Prinston Varghese1, Timothy B Erickson2

  • 1Loyola University Medical Center, Maywood, IL, USA.

Global Pediatric Health
|April 11, 2022
PubMed

Insights

Pesticide poisoning is a major cause of death in India, particularly among children. Reducing pesticide access and improving education on safe use can prevent these tragic incidents.

Area of Science:

  • Environmental Health
  • Pediatric Toxicology
  • Public Health Policy

Background:

  • Pesticides are a significant cause of illness and death globally, especially in developing nations.
  • Intentional pesticide self-poisoning accounts for half of all suicides in India.
  • Children face risks from accidental pesticide exposure, while adolescents are vulnerable to intentional ingestion for self-harm.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To highlight the critical issue of pesticide poisoning within India's pediatric population.
  • To propose policy recommendations for mitigating pesticide-related harm in children.
  • To address a significant global public health challenge.

Main Methods:

  • This paper reviews existing data and literature on pesticide poisoning in Indian children.
  • It analyzes the patterns of exposure, including accidental ingestion and intentional self-harm.
  • Policy recommendations are developed based on the identified problem areas.

Main Results:

  • Pesticide poisoning represents a substantial public health burden in India, affecting children of all ages.
  • Young children are primarily affected by accidental exposure, whereas adolescents engage in intentional self-harm via pesticide ingestion.
  • Urgent interventions are needed to curb the high rates of pesticide-related morbidity and mortality.

Conclusions:

  • Reducing children's access to pesticides is crucial for preventing poisoning incidents.
  • Public education on safe pesticide storage and usage is essential for farmers and communities.
  • Establishing more poison control centers in India can improve emergency response and treatment outcomes.

Keywords:
HerbicidesIndiaInsectidesOrganophosphatesPediatricsPesticidesRodenticides

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