Epidemiological characteristics of pesticide poisoning in Jiangsu Province, China, from 2007 to 2016

To investigate the characteristics of pesticide poisoning in Jiangsu province and provide a scientific basis for measures for the prevention of pesticide poisoning. Information from pesticide poisoning report cards from 2007 to 2016 was derived from the Occupational Disease and Occupational Health Information Monitoring System, and the characteristics of pesticide poisoning patients were assessed via descriptive analysis. A total of 30,789 pesticide poisoning cases were reported in Jiangsu Province. Of these cases, 23,557 were non-occupational poisonings, accounting for 76.5% of the reported cases. There were 1705 deaths from pesticide poisoning, and the fatality rate was 5.5%. Numerous cases occurred in northeast Jiangsu. Pesticide poisoning cases were primarily concentrated in individuals 36–60 years of age. Pesticide poisoning primarily occurred in the summer. The top types of pesticides causing poisoning were organophosphates. The fatality rate of intentional pesticide poisoning was the lowest among the age group of 0 to 14 years, while the highest was noted among people over 61 years. Therefore, pesticide poisoning is a major problem in Jiangsu Province. We need to strengthen the management of highly toxic pesticides and implement effective health education on the use of pesticides.