ORIGINAL PAPER
Pesticide poisonings in 2004−2014 in Łódź, Poland − an analysis of selected clinical and sociodemographic parameters
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1
Nofer Institute of Occupational Medicine, Łódź, Poland (Toxicology Clinic, Department of Toxicology)
2
University of Lodz, Łódź, Poland
(Faculty of Economics and Sociology, Department of Computer Science in Economics)
3
Nofer Institute of Occupational Medicine, Łódź, Poland
(Toxicology Clinic, Poison Information Centre)
4
Medical University of Gdansk, Gdańsk, Poland
(University Clinical Centre, Neurosurgery Department)
Online publication date: 2019-11-19
Corresponding author
Katarzyna Kobza-Sindlewska
Nofer Institute of Occupational Medicine, Toxicology Clinic,
Poison Information Centre, św. Teresy 8, 91-348 Łódź, Poland
Med Pr Work Health Saf. 2019;70(6):655-67
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ABSTRACT
Background: Acute pesticide poisonings constitute an important toxicological problem in numerous countries. This report refers
to patients treated for poisonings at the Toxicology Unit, Łódź, Poland, in the period 2004−2014. Material and Methods: Data to be
analyzed were obtained from medical records of hospitalized people. A group of 24 301 patients aged ≥ 15 were selected. In the group
of 149 people poisoned with pesticides (0.61% of all poisoning cases), there were 40 women and 109 men. Logistic regression analysis
was used to evaluate the impact of age on suicide attempts using pesticides. Results: Suicide attempts significantly more frequently
concerned younger people. In this type of behavior, coumarin derivatives were significantly more often used than organophosphorus
compounds or pesticides classified as “others.” The patients with suicidal pesticide poisonings stayed in the ward significantly longer
than those poisoned unintentionally. Conclusions: In the analyzed population inhabiting an area with a high degree of urbanization,
in terms of the place of residence and employment, pesticide poisonings were more common in men than in women. Suicide attempts
using pesticides more frequently concerned younger people. Information found in this study may prove useful for education
purposes, and also in informing clinicians. Med Pr. 2019;70(6):655–67