Decline in pesticide poisonings in the United States from 1995 to 2004

Background. Trends in rates of unintentional pesticide illnesses and injuries by type were estimated for the United States from 1995 to 2004. Methods. Poison Control Center data were examined for the years 1995 through 2004. Rates were calculated for pesticide type and selected pesticide classes based on estimated total United States population and proportion of population served. Pesticides as a proportion of poisonings to all substances over the years and vital statistics on deaths were examined to validate trends. Results. Incidence rates of serious pesticide poisonings and injuries have declined 42% from 1995 to 2004 and death rates declined 62% over the same period. Selected, more toxic pesticides such as organophosphate and carbamate insecticides, strychnine rodenticides, and paraquat herbicides have shown greater declines, ranging 63% to 79%. Conclusions. Pesticide poisonings and injuries appear to have declined in the past decade.