Characterization of notifications of exogenous intoxications by pesticides in Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil, 2011-2018

Abstract

Objective. To describe the profile of exogenous pesticide poisoning notifications in Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil, from 2011 to 2018. Methods. Descriptive study that analyzed data from National Information System for Notifiable Disease. Sociodemographic, clinical and pesticide-related variables were included, presented in absolute and relative frequencies. Results. 3,122 suspected cases of pesticide poisoning in Rio Grande do Sul (RS) were reported. The main toxic agent was pesticide for agricultural use (60%). Spraying (42%) and diluition (18%) proved to be the activities with the greatest exposure to pesticides. The residence was the main place of occurrence (59%), and accidental contamination (40%) the main reason of intoxication. Most intoxications were acute single (82%) and clinical evaluation (61%) was the most used criterion for the diagnosis. Conclusion. In RS, most of the records of exogenous pesticide poisoning are related to its agricultural production model.