Pesticide poisoning is a serious public health issue worldwide, including in China. Researchers conducted an epidemiological study in Zhejiang Province and examined pesticide poisoning trends between 2008 and 2022.
The study used data from the National Occupational Disease and Occupational Health Information Monitoring System to analyze when, where, and in whom these poisonings occurred. Over 15 years, Zhejiang Province reported 64,605 pesticide poisoning cases. The case fatality rate was 5.28%. The incidence rate stood at 7.23 per 100,000 people.
Most poisonings—nearly 65%—were intentional. These cases had a much higher fatality rate than occupational or accidental poisonings. Several risk factors increase the chance of death. Older age, male gender, and the poisoning intention were the most important factors. Where patients were treated also mattered. Those seen at township hospitals had a higher risk of dying than those treated at county or city-level facilities.
These findings point to a critical health crisis in Zhejiang Province. The authors suggested a tighter control of pesticide use, better safety monitoring, mental health education, and early psycho-social support.
A stronger, multi-layered public health response could lower the number and severity of these poisonings.

Link: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/40213998/ Link: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/40221692/