D. Kevin Horton, MSPH¹, Zahava Berkowitz, MSc, MSPH¹, and Wendy E Kaye, PhD². (1) Division of Health Studies/Epidemiology and Surveillance Branch, The Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry (ATSDR), 1600 Clifton Rd. NE, Mailstop E-31, Atlanta, GA 30333, 404-498-0571, DHorton@cdc.gov, (2) Division of Health Studies/Epidemiology and Surveillance Branch, The Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry (ATSDR), 1600 Clifton Rd. NE, Mailstop E-31, Atlanta, GA 30333

Each year in the US, more than 2 billion pounds of pesticides are applied to food crops, homes, schools, and parks. Pesticides are critical to society because of their ability to kill potential disease-causing organisms and their ability to control insects, weeds, and other pests. However, because they are designed to kill or adversely affect certain living organisms, incorrectly applied pesticides may harm humans, animals, or the environment, especially if they are involved in uncontrolled releases. Data from 17 state health departments participating in the Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry’s (ATSDR) Hazardous Substances Emergency Events Surveillance (HSEES) system were analyzed from 1993 through 2001 to determine the public health consequences (i.e., morbidity, mortality) that occurred from actual releases in pesticide events. Of the 52,395 total HSEES events analyzed, 2,568 (4.9%) involved pesticides. The leading pesticides released overall included pesticides not otherwise specified (NOS), ethylene oxide, and pendimethalin, respectively. Of the 2,568 pesticide events, 326 (12.7%) involved 1,053 victims. The population groups injured most often were employees (42.4%) and members of the general public (33.0%). The most common injuries sustained were respiratory irritation and headache. Most of the injured victims were treated at a hospital, but not admitted (56.8%), or were treated on the scene of the release (18.1%). However, 25 (2.4%) of the total victims died. Operator error and equipment failure were the most common factors leading to events. These findings underscore the importance of proper employee training and consumer awareness to prevent adverse health consequences involving pesticides.

Learning Objectives: At the conclusion of the session, the participant will be able to

• Describe the distribution and characteristics of acute pesticide-related emergency events;
• Describe the morbidity and mortality experienced by employees and the general public as a result of pesticide releases; and
• Identify strategies that may help reduce future morbidity and mortality resulting from the pesticide releases.

Keywords: Chemical Analyses, Disasters

Related Web page: www.atsdr.cdc.gov/HS/HSEES/

Presenting author's disclosure statement:
Organization/institution whose products or services will be discussed: U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry, Division of Health Studies, Epidemiology and Surveillance Branch.
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.