Deaths from pesticide poisoning in England and Wales 1990-1991

1. Data on deaths from pesticide poisoning occurring in England and Wales in 1990 and 1991 have been collated. Pesticides were responsible for 44 of 3978 deaths from poisoning (excluding carbon monoxide and other gases) over this period. 2. At least 66% of all pesticide fatalities were due to suicide and overall there was a predominance of males (male:female ratio 2.4:1). Eighty per cent of deaths occurred in those more than 44 years old and no child under 10 years old died, although almost 50% of suspected pesticide poisoning incidents involve this age group. 3. Herbicides were responsible for 35 of the 44 deaths; seven were caused by insecticides, one by a molluscicide and one by an unspecified agent. The herbicide, paraquat, was responsible for 33 of 44 deaths (75%) and, although fewer fatalities have occurred from this cause in recent years, paraquat remains the most common cause of fatal pesticide poisoning in England and Wales.