Pesticide poisoning in rural area in Huzhou, Zhejiang,2008-2012

Objective To understand the incidence of pesticide poisoning in rural area in Huzhou, Zhejiang province, and provide evidence to take measures to prevent pesticide poisoning in rural area. Methods The statistical analysis was conducted on the incidence data of pesticide poisoning in Huzhou rural area from 2008-2012, which was obtained from national disease reporting information system, with SPSS 12.0 software. Results A total of 2945 pesticide poisoning cases were reported during this period, in which, 556 were occupational poisoning (18.88%), including 2 deaths (0.36%). In these cases, more cases occurred in males (434, 78.06%) than in females (122, 21.94%) Most cases occurred in people aged 35-60 years and>65 years. The seasonality of the pesticide poisoning was obvious, the cases mainly occurred during July-September. The remaining cases (2389) occurred due to daily contact of pesticide. In these cases, 1308 were in females (54.75%) and 1081 were in males (45.25%) and 113 were fatal (4.73%). Age group 25-45 years was mostly affected. Phosphate pesticide, especially acephatemet, dichlorvos and omethoate, was the major agent to cause poisoning, which was responsible for 73.99% of the poisoning. Conclusion The findings indicated that the incidence and case fatality of occupational pesticide poisoning declined in Huzhou. However, more attention should be paid to non-occupational pesticide poisoning. The relevant departments should conduct intervention to reduce the incidence and death of pesticide poisoning.