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Recent epidemics of pesticide poisoning were reviewed. The general characteristics of toxic epidemics were described. Toxic epidemics have been caused by a variety of chemicals, the presence of which is frequently unsuspected. Of the types of chemicals that have produced epidemics over the past 50 years, the most frequently implicated were pesticides, probably because of their high toxicity and widespread use. The most important causes of pesticide poisoning epidemics have been accidental contamination of foods by pesticides (alimentary epidemics), cutaneous, and occupational exposure. Alimentary epidemics can be caused by four mechanisms: contamination of food during transport or storage, ingestion of seed treated for sowing, use of pesticides in food preparation because of their organoleptic similarity to foodstuffs of similar appearance, and contamination of food or water by pesticide residues. Cutaneous epidemics have resulted from direct contact with a toxic product or indirect contact with a vehicle or object that has been contaminated with pesticides. Occupational poisoning epidemics originate from lack of safety measures or failure to use of protective clothing or equipment during manufacture or application, entry of workers into treated areas out of compliance with specific instructions, and contact with pesticide degradation products more toxic than the original product. Selected examples of alimentary, cutaneous, and occupational poisoning outbreaks were presented. Sarin (107448) poisoning was discussed and illustrated by describing the two incidents in which it was released in Japanese subways by terrorists in 1994 and 1995.
Toxicology Letters, 82/83:55-63, 1995. (24 references)
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