Overview of Pesticide Poisoning in South Korea

The purpose of this article is to provide an overview of pesticide poisoning in South Korea and the relevant epidemiologic characteristics. During the period of 1996–2005, an approximate average of twenty-five hundred fatalities occurred per year due to pesticide poisoning, while age-standardized mortality rates by pesticide poisoning significantly increased from 4.42 to 6.42 per 100,000 population. Intentional self-poisoning was the primary cause of death due to pesticides (84.8% of total pesticide poisoning deaths). The prevalence of non-fatal pesticide poisoning among farmers varied from 5.7% to 86.7%. Paraquat was the leading causative agent for pesticide poisoning, followed by organophosphate insecticides. A variety of work-related factors such as pesticide usage, pesticide application days, hazardous practices and poor personal hygiene were significantly related with pesticide poisoning. The majority of the poisoned were male, elderly individuals possessing low levels of education and residing in rural areas. The number of pesticide poisoning cases was the highest during the growing season of May to August. Further evaluation of the incidence and risk factors of pesticide poisoning at the national level in South Korea is warranted to reduce the number of victims of pesticide poisoning.