Accidental occupational exposure to phytosanitary products: experience of the Poison Control Center in Marseille from 2008 to 2010

J Agromedicine. 2013;18(2):117-21. doi: 10.1080/1059924X.2013.766144.

Abstract

To gain better insight into the problem of accidental occupational exposure to phytosanitary products, a retrospective study of experience at the Poison Control Center in Marseille, France, was conducted for the period between January 1, 2008, and December 31, 2010. A 129-case series was compiled. The study population was overwhelmingly male (83%), and the most common cause was insecticides (56.6% with a half pyrethrin and 21% organophosphate) and herbicides (26%). Although various exposure routes were observed, the most common were inhalation (43%) and skin contact (34%). The symptoms were mainly neurologic, digestive, and/or cutaneous. The severity of poisoning was generally mild, with no deaths or sequels. Only 5% of cases required hospitalization.

MeSH terms

  • Administration, Inhalation
  • Adult
  • Female
  • France / epidemiology
  • Humans
  • Insecticides / poisoning*
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Occupational Exposure / statistics & numerical data*
  • Poison Control Centers / statistics & numerical data
  • Poisoning / epidemiology*
  • Poisoning / etiology
  • Poisoning / therapy
  • Pyrethrins / poisoning
  • Retrospective Studies

Substances

  • Insecticides
  • Pyrethrins