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- Title
Influence of pesticide regulation on acute poisoning deaths in Sri Lanka.
- Authors
Roberts, Darren M.; Karunarathna, Ayanthi; Buckley, Nick A.; Manuweera, Gamini; Sheriff, M. H. Rezvi; Eddleston, Michael
- Abstract
To assess in a developing Asian country the impact of pesticide regulation on the number of deaths from poisoning. These regulations, which were implemented in Sri Lanka from the 1970s, aimed to reduce the number of deaths — the majority from self-poisoning — by limiting the availability and use of highly toxic pesticides. The fall in CFP amidst a rising incidence of self-poisoning suggests that Sri Lanka’s programmes of pesticide regulation were beneficial. However, a closer inspection of pesticide-induced deaths in one hospital revealed switching to other highly toxic pesticides, as one was banned and replaced in agricultural practice by another. Future regulation must predict this switching and bear in mind the ease of treatment of replacement pesticides. Furthermore, such regulations must be implemented alongside other strategies, such as integrated pest management, to reduce the overall pesticide availability for self-harm.
- Subjects
SRI Lanka; RISK mitigation of pesticides; TOXIC substance exposure; SELF-poisoning; SUICIDE prevention; SUICIDAL behavior; AGRICULTURAL policy; PESTICIDES
- Publication
Bulletin of the World Health Organization, 2003, Vol 81, Issue 11, p789
- ISSN
0042-9686
- Publication type
Article