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Characteristics and magnitude of acute pesticide‐related illnesses and injuries associated with pyrethrin and pyrethroid exposures—11 states, 2000–2008
Author(s) -
Hudson Naomi L.,
Kasner Edward J.,
Beckman John,
Mehler Louise,
Schwartz Abby,
Higgins Sheila,
BonnarPrado Joanne,
Lackovic Michelle,
Mulay Prakash,
Mitchell Yvette,
Larios Leo,
Walker Rob,
Waltz Justin,
MoragaMcHaley Stephanie,
Roisman Rachel,
Calvert Geoffrey M.
Publication year - 2014
Publication title -
american journal of industrial medicine
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.7
H-Index - 104
eISSN - 1097-0274
pISSN - 0271-3586
DOI - 10.1002/ajim.22216
Subject(s) - medicine , pyrethroid , odds ratio , incidence (geometry) , pesticide , confidence interval , toxicology , population , logistic regression , adverse effect , environmental health , emergency medicine , biology , physics , optics , agronomy
Abstract Background Excluding disinfectants, pyrethrins and pyrethroids are the pesticides used most commonly in and around homes. Respiratory effects and paresthesia are among the concerns about pyrethrin/pyrethroid exposures. Methods Acute pesticide‐related illness/injury cases were identified from the Sentinel Event Notification System for Occupational Risks‐Pesticides Program and the California Department of Pesticide Regulation from 2000–2008. Characteristics and incidence rates were determined for acute pyrethrin/pyrethroid‐related illness/injury cases. Logistic regression analyses were performed to determine odds of respiratory and dermal symptoms in persons with illness/injury following pyrethrin/pyrethroid exposure compared to persons with illness/injury following exposure to other pesticides. Results A total of 4,974 cases of acute pyrethrin/pyrethroid‐related illness were identified. Incidence rates increased over time, reaching 8 cases/million population in 2008. The majority of cases were low severity (85%) and 34% were work‐related. Respiratory effects were the most common symptoms reported (48%). Risk of acute respiratory effects were significantly elevated among persons exposed only to pyrethrins (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] 1.79; 95% confidence interval [95% CI]: 1.49–2.16), only to pyrethroids (aOR 1.99 95% CI: 1.77–2.24), to a mixture of pyrethroids (aOR 2.36; 95% CI: 1.99–2.81) or to a mixture containing both pyrethrins and pyrethroids (aOR 2.99; 95% CI: 2.33–3.84) compared to those with illness arising from exposure to other pesticides. The most common factors contributing to pyrethrin/pyrethroid‐related illness included exposure from spills/splashes, improper storage, and failure to evacuate during pesticide application. Conclusions The magnitude of acute pyrethrin/pyrethroid‐related illness/injury is relatively low but is increasing. As such, additional measures to prevent them are needed. Am. J. Ind. Med. 57:15–30, 2014. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.