PERFIL DAS VÍTIMAS INTOXICADAS POR AGROTÓXICOS NO ESTADO DO RIO GRANDE DO SUL ENTRE O PERÍODO DE 2007 A 2017

Abstract

Contamination by pesticides has attracted increasing attention in view of its consequences for human health and the environment. Looking at some problems associated with the management of these products, the present work is aimed to delineate the profile of the cases and victims intoxicated by pesticides, notified to SINAN, from 2007 to 2017, for the state of Rio Grande do Sul - Brazil. A retrospective, quantitative, descriptive, cross-sectional and documentary epidemiological survey of the occurrences was carried out. There were 1678 cases, reported more abundantly in the years 2017, 2016, 2015 and 2014 and in the months of November, January, December and February. The most commonly affected victims lived in rural areas, ranging in age from 20-39 years old, with complete schooling between the 5th and 8th grade followed by the 1st and 4th full grade, white and male. Most of the cases had accidental circumstances, followed by habitual use and attempted suicide. The exposure occurred most predominantly in the work environment and in an acute-only form. The cases had the final classification described more frequently as intoxication. The most frequent confirmatory criterion was the clinical, followed by clinical-epidemiological. The majority of affected patients were cured and stayed without sequels, however 41 deaths due to intoxication were observed. The cities with the highest incidence were: Bento Gonçalves, Cachoeira do Sul, Progresso, Venâncio Aires and Santa Maria. The use of pesticides is a socioenvironmental problem historically conditioned by the country’s development model, so it is essential that preventive measures be adopted in order to reduce the risks associated with this use and with health repercussions.

Keywords: intoxication; epidemiological surveillance; agriculture; pesticides.