Pesticide poisonings reported to the drug and poison information center in Izmir, Turkey.

This study analyzed poisonings caused by pesticides that were reported to Drug and Poison Information Center (DPIC), in Izmir from 1993 to 2001. Patient demographics, type of the pesticide, distribution according to month and year, route and reason for exposure, clinical effects and outcome were analyzed from 25,572 poisoning calls. Pesticide intoxications accounted for 8.8% of the poisonings, with 80.3% insecticides and 19.7% rodenticides. The majority of poisonings ranged from 0 to 6 y (28.2%) and 19-29 y (23.2%). Half the accidental exposures (57.7%) were in the 0-6-y group; the attempted suicide was predominant in the 19-29 y group (39.8%). Most were intoxicated with organophosphates (47.6%); 54.1% did not develop signs and symptoms of toxicity. Fatality due to pesticide poisoning was 0.4%. Preventive education against pesticide poisoning is needed.