Multi-level analysis of symptoms of poison exposure reported to the Japanese Poison Information Center.

Two types of analytical multi-level approach to analyse symptoms after exposure to poisons were performed using numerical data extracted from reports received by the JAPAN POISON INFORMATION CENTER on the number "Poisoning 110" during 1998-2017. In the first approach, data collected in 2017, 2012, 2007 and 2002 were used, while in the second approach, all data collected during 1999-2017 were used. In the first approach, according to the odds ratio, the order of causative agents was industrial drugs>home drugs>general drugs and in the second approach, it was industrial drugs>foods/natural poisoning>agricultural drugs. However, in the first approach, the order based on the 95% confidence interval (CI) and profile likelihood was general drugs>home drugs>industrial drugs and in the second approach, the order based on 95% CI, profile likelihood and Wald value was agricultural drugs>foods/natural poisoning>industrial drugs. These multi-prospects were developed using a multilevel approach and the most optimized model was selected from the number of numerical data and the adaptability of fit of the multi-level logistic regression models in this report.

Poisonous substances used to capture and kill the greater cane rat (Thryonomys swinderianus).

The greater cane rat, as it is commonly known, is often called grasscutter (in Ghana, Nigeria and other regions of West Africa). Even though is highly patronized as a delicacy by a majority of Ghanaians (akrantie-Twi language) mostly in the rural areas, the persistent reports on people being poisoned as a result of eating food prepared with grasscutter which has been captured/killed by the use of poison are deterring people from consuming the grasscutter meat despite its high protein content. The objective of this study was, therefore, to investigate the actual ingredients that are used in the formulation of poison to capture grasscutter for human consumption. Questionnaires were administered to participants (farmers) who are involved in grasscutter hunting to solicit the ingredient they formulate to poison the grasscutter in their hunting. To prove the activeness of these ingredients, the main ingredient used in formulating the poison to capture the grasscutters were tested on two male grasscutters and these were yellow oleander root (Cascabela thevetia; syn: Thevetia peruviana) powder and carbofuran. The findings of the experimental trial revealed that the grasscutter that was fed with yellow oleander root powder did not die but showed some signs of intoxication and staggered each time it tried to move. However, the grasscutter fed with carbofuran died within 10 hr of being poisoned. Majority of the participants attested to the fact that the use of poison increases their chance of capturing the grasscutter, especially in the dry season since the poison is not washed away by the rainwater. However, consuming grasscutter poisoned with either yellow oleander root power or carbofuran could be detrimental to human health.

Protective effect of curcumin on ochratoxin A-induced liver oxidative injury in duck is mediated by modulating lipid metabolism and the intestinal microbiota.

Curcumin has antioxidant functions, regulates the intestinal microbial composition, and alleviates mycotoxin toxicity. The present study aimed to explore whether curcumin could alleviate ochratoxin A (OTA)-induced liver injury via the intestinal microbiota. A total of 720 mixed-sex 1-day-old White Pekin ducklings were randomly assigned into 4 groups: CON (control group, without OTA), OTA (fed a diet with 2 mg/kg OTA), CUR (ducks fed a diet with 400 mg/kg curcumin), and OTA + CUR (2 mg/kg OTA plus 400 mg/kg curcumin). Each treatment consisted of 6 replicates and 30 ducklings per replicate. Treatment lasted for 21 D. Results were analyzed by a two-tailed Student t test between 2 groups. Our results demonstrated that OTA treatment had the highest serum low-density lipoprotein (LDL) level among 4 groups. Compared with OTA group, OTA + CUR decreased serum LDL level (P < 0.05). OTA decreased liver catalase (CAT) activity in ducks (P < 0.05), while addition of curcumin in OTA group increased liver CAT activity (P < 0.05). 16S ribosomal RNA sequencing suggested that curcumin increased the richness indices (ACE index) and diversity indices (Simpson index) compared with OTA group (P < 0.05) and recovered the OTA-induced alterations in composition of the intestinal microbiota. Curcumin supplementation relieved the decreased abundance of butyric acid producing bacteria, including blautia, butyricicoccus, and butyricimonas, induced by OTA (P < 0.05). OTA also significantly influenced the metabolism of the intestinal microbiota, such as tryptophan metabolism and glyceropholipid metabolism. Curcumin could alleviate the upregulation of oxidative stress pathways induced by OTA. OTA treatment also increased SREBP-1c expression (P < 0.05). The curcumin group had the lowest expression of FAS and PPARG mRNA (P < 0.05) and the highest expression of NRF2 and HMOX1 mRNA. These results indicated that curcumin could alleviate OTA-induced oxidative injury and lipid metabolism disruption by modulating the cecum microbiota.

Acute poisoning in Shenyang, China: a retrospective and descriptive study from 2012 to 2016.

OBJECTIVES: Up-to-date information on the patterns of acute poisoning is crucial for the proper management of poisoning events. The objectives of this study were to analyse the characteristics of patients suffering from acute poisoning admitted to the emergency department (ED) in a tertiary medical centre in Northeast China and to compare these characteristics with those of a previous comparable study. DESIGN: Retrospective and descriptive study. SETTING: Data were collected from the hospital information system in Shengjing Hospital, China, from January 2012 to December 2016. PARTICIPANTS: All cases aged ≥11 years old with a diagnosis of acute poisoning. RESULTS: In total, 5009 patients aged ≥11 years presented to the ED with acute poisoning during the study period. The average age of the patients was 36.0±15.1 years and over half (52.7%) were in the 20-39age group. The female to male ratio was 1.2:1. Patients with acute poisoning mainly lived in rural areas rather than in urban areas. The majority of patients consumed poison as suicide attempts (56.7%). Men were more commonly poisoned by drug abuse than women, but women outnumbered men in suicidal poisoning. The most common form of poison intake was ingestion (oral intake; 86.2%). The five most common toxic agent groups, in descending order, were therapeutic drugs (32.6%), pesticides (26.9%), alcohol (20.7%), fumes/gases/vapours (11.4%) and chemicals (3.6%). Sedatives/hypnotics in the therapeutic drugs group and paraquat in the pesticides group were the most common toxic agents, respectively. The mortality rate of study participants was 1.3%, with 64 deaths. CONCLUSIONS: The results of this study indicate the need to strengthen education on the rational and safe use of drugs in Shenyang.

True or false coral snake: is it worth the risk? A Micrurus corallinus case report

Background Bites provoked by the genus Micrurus represent less than 1% of snakebite cases notified in Brazil, a tiny fraction compared with other genus such as Bothrops and Crotalus, which together represent almost 80% of accidents. In addition to their less aggressive behavior, habits and morphology of coral snakes are determinant factors for such low incidence of accidents. Although Micrurus bites are rare, victims must be rescued and hospitalized in a short period of time, because this type of envenoming may evolve to a progressive muscle weakness and acute respiratory failure. Case Presentation We report an accident caused by Micrurus corallinus involving a 28-year-old Caucasian sailor man bitten on the hand. The accident occurred in a recreational camp because people believed the snake was not venomous. The victim presented neurological symptoms 2 h after the accident and was taken to the hospital, where he received antielapidic serum 10 h after the bite. After the antivenom treatment, the patient presented clinical evolution without complications and was discharged 4 days later. Conclusions We reinforce that it is essential to have a health care structure suitable for the treatment of snakebite. Besides, the manipulation of these animals should only be carried out by a team of well-equipped and trained professionals, and even so with special attention.

Pediatric Exposures to Topical Benzocaine Preparations Reported to a Statewide Poison Control System.

INTRODUCTION: Topical benzocaine is a local anesthetic commonly used to relieve pain caused by teething, periodontal irritation, burns, wounds, and insect bites. Oral preparations may contain benzocaine concentrations ranging from 7.5% to 20%. Pediatric exposure to such large concentrations may result in methemoglobinemia and secondarily cause anemia, cyanosis, and hypoxia. METHODS: This is a retrospective study of exposures reported to a statewide poison control system. The electronic health records were queried for pediatric exposures to topical benzocaine treated at a healthcare facility from 2004 to 2014. Cases of benzocaine exposure were reviewed for demographic and clinical information, and descriptive statistical analysis was performed. RESULTS: The query resulted in 157 cases; 58 were excluded due to co-ingestants, or miscoding of non-benzocaine exposures. Children four years of age and younger represented the majority of cases (93%) with a median age of 1 year. There were 88 cases of accidental/ exploratory exposure, while 6 cases resulted from therapeutic application or error, 4 cases from adverse reactions, and 1 case from an unknown cause. Asymptomatic children accounted for 75.5% of cases, but major clinical effects were observed in 5 patients. Those with serious effects were exposed to a range of benzocaine concentrations (7.5-20%), with 4 cases reporting methemoglobin levels between 20.2%-55%. Methylene blue was administered in 4 of the cases exhibiting major effects. CONCLUSION: The majority of exposures were accidental ingestions by young children. Most exposures resulted in minor to no effects. However, some patients required treatment with methylene blue and admission to a critical care unit. Therapeutic application by parents or caregivers may lead to adverse effects from these commonly available products.

Estimated exposure to EU regulated mycotoxins and risk characterization of aflatoxin-induced hepatic toxicity through the consumption of the toasted cereal flour called "gofio", a traditional food of the Canary Islands (Spain).

"Gofio" is a type of flour made from toasted grain, which is part of the staple food in the Canary Islands, Spain, in which the occurrence of Aflatoxins B1, B2, G1 and G2 (AFB1, AFB2, AFG1, AFG2), Fumonisins B1 and B2 (FB1 and FB2) Ochratoxin A (OTA), Deoxynivalenol (DNV) and Zearalenone (ZEA) was evaluated. 83% of the samples were contaminated with at least one mycotoxin and 69.2% of the analyzed samples showed co-occurrence of mycotoxins (range 2 to 8). All the concentrations were well below the established limits (maximum values of AFs=0.42 µg/kg; FBs=178.3 µg/kg; OTA=0.3 µg/kg; DON=92.5 µg/kg; and ZEA=9.9 µg/kg). The daily dietary exposure to total AFs was estimated to be 7.1% of the TDI. This value was almost double in children, and considering the upper-bound approach could reach 35% of the TDI. For the rest of mycotoxins, the consumers would be exposed to less than 2% of their TDIs. The risk characterization indicates that there is a potential risk in developing aflatoxin induced liver cancer due to gofio consumption in the subpopulation which is simultaneously exposed to other hepatocarcinogens, such as the hepatitis B virus.

[Arsenic - Poison or medicine?]. / Arsen - trucizna czy lek?

Arsenic (As) is commonly known as a poison. Only a few people know that As has also been widely used in medicine. In the past years As and its compounds were used as a medicine for the treatment of such diseases as diabetes, psoriasis, syphilis, skin ulcers and joint diseases. Nowadays As is also used especially in the treatment of patients with acute promyelocytic leukemia. The International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) has recognized arsenic as an element with carcinogenic effect evidenced by epidemiological studies, but as previously mentioned it is also used in the treatment of neoplastic diseases. This underlines the specificity of the arsenic effects. Arsenic occurs widely in the natural environment, for example, it is present in soil and water, which contributes to its migration to food products. Long exposure to this element may lead to liver damages and also to changes in myocardium. Bearing in mind that such serious health problems can occur, monitoring of the As presence in the environmental media plays a very important role. In addition, the occupational risk of As exposure in the workplace should be identified and checked. Also the standards for As presence in food should be established. This paper presents a review of the 2015 publications based on the Medical database like PubMed and Polish Medical Bibliography. It includes the most important information about arsenic in both forms, poison and medicine.

Dietary mycotoxins, co-exposure, and carcinogenesis in humans: Short review.

Mycotoxins, toxic secondary metabolites of fungi, affect global agriculture so prolifically that they are virtually ubiquitous at some concentration in the average human diet. Studies of in vitro and in vivo toxicity are discussed, leading to investigations of co-exposed mycotoxins, as well as carcinogenic effects. Some of the most common and toxicologically significant mycotoxins, such as the aflatoxins, ochratoxins, fumonisins, deoxynivalenol, T-2 toxin, HT-2 toxin, patulin, zearalenone, and some ergot alkaloids are outlined. The wide variety of pathogenic mechanisms these compounds employ are shown capable of inducing a complex set of interactions. Of particular note are potential synergisms between mycotoxins with regard to carcinogenic attributable risk, indicating an important field for future study.

Characteristics of hand sanitizer ingestions by adolescents reported to poison centers.

BACKGROUND: There had been reports of adolescents using hand sanitizers to obtain alcohol and ending up in emergency departments with alcohol poisoning. OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to describe the pattern of adolescent ingestions of hand sanitizers reported to a statewide poison center system. SUBJECTS: Our study subjects included patients aged 13-19 years who reported hand sanitizer ingestions as reported to Texas poison centers during 2000-2013. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The distribution of the ingestions was determined for various demographic and clinical factors. RESULTS: Of 385 total cases, 61% of the patients were male, and the mean age was 15.3 years. The ingestion reason was unintentional (61%), intentional abuse/misuse (18%), and malicious (10%). Ingestion site was most frequently reported to be the patient's own residence (53%), followed by school (35%). About 77% of the patients were managed on site. The medical outcome was serious (moderate effect or unable to follow-potentially toxic) in 5% of the cases. The most frequently reported adverse clinical effects were vomiting (5%), abdominal pain (4%), nausea (4%), throat irritation (4%), and drowsiness (2%). CONCLUSION: Adolescents who ingested hand sanitizers were more likely to be male and younger. One-third of the ingestions occurred at school, suggesting that school personnel might be made aware of the potential problem of hand sanitizer ingestions by adolescents. Nevertheless, despite the potential for serious outcomes from adolescent hand sanitizer ingestion, most of the ingestions reported to poison centers are not likely to be serious and can be successfully managed outside of a healthcare facility.

Pick your poison: what's new in poison control for the preschooler.

Accidental childhood poisonings are a major public health concern despite many efforts to alleviate this problem. While the rate of pediatric fatalities due to poisonings have decreased over the last two decades, poison control centers around the US have collectively fielded over one million calls with regard to toxic exposures in the preschool age group. According to the American Association of Poison Control Centers nearly half of all human exposures reported last year involved children under six. By focusing poison prevention efforts on the preschooler, we can attempt to decrease morbidity and mortality in the most vulnerable age group affected. Although the subject is still prevalent, current discussion on this topic is limited. Newer literature discusses past initiatives such as child resistant packaging and sticker deterrent programs and addresses their efficacy. This article revisits older mechanisms of prevention as well as the science behind the human motivation to change one's own practice and behavior.

Cross-sectional validation of a quality of life questionnaire in spanish for patients allergic to hymenoptera venom

Introducción: En 2002 se desarrolló el primer cuestionario de calidad de vida para alérgicos a veneno de Vespula (VQLQ). El objetivo de este trabajo es desarrollar y validar una versión en español de este cuestionario. Métodos y Pacientes: Partiendo del VQLQ en inglés se realizó la traducción al español y adaptación cultural del cuestionario con una posterior retraducción consensuada con los autores de la versión original. Así se desarrolló el cuestionario de calidad de vida en español para pacientes alérgicos a veneno de himenópteros (HRQLHA). La validación transversal se realizó mediante un estudio multicéntrico, con diseño test-retest en el que se incluyeron pacientes mayores de 14 años con reacción sistémica por alergia a veneno de Apis, Vespula o Polistes . Se analizó la fiabilidad test-retest, la validez externa y la consistencia interna del cuestionario. Resultados: Se incluyeron 116 pacientes alérgicos a venenos de Apis, Vespula o Polistes . La puntuación media del HRQLHA fue 3.48. El estudio de fiabilidad test-retest mostró un coeficiente de correlación intraclase de 0.85. El HRQLHA mostró una correlación positiva (0.5) con el cuestionario de referencia externa, confirmando su validez. En el análisis de la consistencia interna se encontró una Alpha de Cronbach de 0.95 Conclusiones: El análisis estadístico muestra una elevada fiabilidad test-retest y consistencia interna del HRQLHA, además de su validez externa. En la validación del HRQLHA se han incluido por primera vez pacientes alérgicos a veneno de Polistes, muy prevalente en nuestra área, demostrando la utilidad del cuestionario también en estos pacientes (AU)

Introduction and Objectives: The first quality of life questionnaire for Vespula-allergic patients (Vespid Allergy Quality of Life Questionnaire [VQLQ]) was developed in 2002. Our objective was to perform the cross-sectional validation of the Spanish version of this questionnaire. Patients and Methods: Using the original English-language version of the VQLQ as a starting point, the Spanish translation and cultural adaptation were performed and the first Spanish version was backtranslated into English and discussed with the authors of the original version. The result was the Spanish Health-related Quality of Life Questionnaire for Hymenoptera Venom–Allergic Patients (HRQLHA). Cross-sectional validation was carried out in a multicenter study using a test-retest design. Patients over the age of 14 diagnosed with systemic allergic reaction to venom from Apis, Vespula, or Polistes species were included. The test-retest reliability, external validity, and internal consistency of the questionnaire were measured. Results: The sample comprised 116 patients. The mean HRQLHA score was 3.48. Test-retest reliability showed an intraclass correlation coefficient of 0.85. HRQLHA showed a positive correlation (0.5) with an external questionnaire, thus demonstrating its external validity. Analysis of the internal consistency of the HRQLHA yielded a Cronbach a of 0.95, which can be considered to be excellent. Conclusions: Statistical analysis revealed the high test-retest reliability, internal consistency, and external validity of the HRQLHA.The HRQLHA is the first validated questionnaire to include patients allergic to Polistes species, which is common in our area. Our findings show that the questionnaire is also valid for these patients (AU)

Vespa velutina nigritorax: a new causative agent in anaphylaxis

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Electronic cigarettes: a safer alternative or potential poison?

Electronic cigarettes have been marketed as a safer alternative to cigarettes, and their use is expanding exponentially. However, there is a severe lack of scientific data about the ingredients in the liquid used in the device and the health consequences of using electronic cigarettes. As technology has outpaced regulations, the production and sale of electronic cigarettes are, as yet, unregulated and do not fall under the purview of the Food and Drug Administration. This article will review the mechanism of action and what is currently known about the safety of electronic cigarettes. The risk of poisoning for children will also be identified, as well as the implications for home healthcare clinicians.

The association between exposure to aflatoxin, mutation in TP53, infection with hepatitis B virus, and occurrence of liver disease in a selected population in Hyderabad, India.

Aflatoxin B1 is a carcinogen produced by Aspergillus flavus and a few related fungi that are often present in many food substances. It interacts synergistically with Hepatitis B or C virus (HBV, HBC) infection, thereby increasing the risk of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). The G to T transversion at the third position of codon 249 (AGG) of the TP53 gene, substituting arginine to serine, is the most common aflatoxin-induced mutation linked to HCC. This study examined mutations in TP53 by PCR-RFLP analysis and by measurement of an aflatoxin-albumin adduct as a biomarker for human exposure of aflatoxin B1 by indirect-competitive ELISA, in samples collected from healthy controls as well as patients with hepatitis in Hyderabad, Andhra Pradesh, India. A total of 238 blood samples were analyzed the presence of the G to T mutation. Eighteen of these samples were from HBV-positive subjects, 112 of these were from subjects who had HBV-induced liver cirrhosis, and 108 samples were taken from subjects without HBV infection or liver cirrhosis (control group). The G to T mutation was detected in 10 samples, 8 of which were from subjects positive to both HBV and aflatoxin-albumin adduct in blood (p=0.07); whilst two were from individuals who were HBV-negative, but positive for the aflatoxin-albumin adduct (p=0.14). The aflatoxin-albumin adduct was detected in 37 of 238 samples, 29 samples were from HBV-positive subjects and eight were from individuals who were positive for both HBV and the TP53 mutation (p=0.07). The concentration of aflatoxin-albumin adduct ranged from 2.5 to 667pg/mg albumin. Despite low incidence of the G to T mutation, its detection in subjects positive to aflatoxin-adducts is indicative of a strong association between the mutation and aflatoxin exposure in India.

A case of stings in humans caused by Sclerodermus sp. in Italy

In the last years, stings of Sclerodermus species in humans have been sporadically reported in Italy. In order to draw attention to these bethylid wasps of medical importance, we report the case of documented Sclerodermus sp. stings on the dorsum, abdomen, arms, and thighs of a 40-year-old man and his wife. The sting sites developed raised red itchy rash. The source of environmental contamination was identified in a worm-eaten sofa purchased from a used furniture dealer and placed in the living room about a month and half earlier. The lesions on the man and his wife rapidly healed within 3 to 4 days once they left the house and treatment for the lesions was instituted. Physicians, dermatologists, medical and public health entomologists, as well as specific categories of workers should be aware of the risk of exposure to Sclerodermus stings.

A case of stings in humans caused by Sclerodermus sp. in Italy

In the last years, stings of Sclerodermus species in humans have been sporadically reported in Italy. In order to draw attention to these bethylid wasps of medical importance, we report the case of documented Sclerodermus sp. stings on the dorsum, abdomen, arms, and thighs of a 40-year-old man and his wife. The sting sites developed raised red itchy rash. The source of environmental contamination was identified in a worm-eaten sofa purchased from a used furniture dealer and placed in the living room about a month and half earlier. The lesions on the man and his wife rapidly healed within 3 to 4 days once they left the house and treatment for the lesions was instituted. Physicians, dermatologists, medical and public health entomologists, as well as specific categories of workers should be aware of the risk of exposure to Sclerodermus stings.

Passive and active defense in toads: the parotoid macroglands in Rhinella marina and Rhaebo guttatus.

Amphibians have many skin poison glands used in passive defense, in which the aggressor causes its own poisoning when biting prey. In some amphibians the skin glands accumulate in certain regions forming macroglands, such as the parotoids of toads. We have discovered that the toad Rhaebo guttatus is able to squirt jets of poison towards the aggressor, contradicting the typical amphibian defense. We studied the R. guttatus chemical defense, comparing it with Rhinella marina, a sympatric species showing typical toad passive defense. We found that only in R. guttatus the parotoid is adhered to the scapula and do not have a calcified dermal layer. In addition, in this species, the plugs obstructing the glandular ducts are more fragile when compared to R. marina. As a consequence, the manual pressure necessary to extract the poison from the parotoid is twice as high in R. marina when compared to that used in R. guttatus. Compared to R. marina, the poison of R. guttatus is less lethal, induces edema and provokes nociception four times more intense. We concluded that the ability of R. guttatus to voluntary squirt poison is directly related to its stereotyped defensive behavior, together with the peculiar morphological characteristics of its parotoids. Since R. guttatus poison is practically not lethal, it is possibly directed to predators' learning, causing disturbing effects such as pain and edema. The unique mechanism of defense of R. guttatus may mistakenly justify the popular myth that toads, in general, squirt poison into people's eyes.

Occupational exposure to aflatoxin B1 in swine production and possible contamination sources.

Although the adverse health consequences of ingestion of food contaminated with aflatoxin B1 (AFB1) are known, relatively few studies are available on the adverse effects of exposure in occupational settings. Taking this into consideration, our study was developed aiming to elucidate the possible effects of occupational exposure to AFB1 in Portuguese swine production facilities using a specific biomarker to assess exposure to AFB1. In total, 28 workers participated in this study, providing blood samples, and a control group (n = 30) was composed of subjects without any type of agricultural activity. Fungal contamination was also studied by conventional methods through air, surfaces, and new and used floor coverage. Twenty-one workers (75%) showed detectable levels of AFB1 with values ranging from <1 ng/ml to 8.94 ng/ml and with a mean value of 1.91 ± 1.68 ng/ml. In the control group, the AFB1 values were all below 1 ng/ml. Twelve different Aspergillus species were identified. Aspergillus versicolor presented the highest airborne spore counts (3210 CFU/m3) and was also detected in higher values in surfaces (>300 CFU/cm2). Data indicate that exposure to AFB1 occurs in swine barns, and this site serves as a contamination source in an occupational setting.

Evaluation of toxicity risks in farmers exposed to pesticides in an agricultural community in Concórdia, Santa Catarina State, Brazil / Avaliação do risco de toxicidade em agricultores expostos a agrotóxicos em uma comunidade agrícola de Concórdia, Estado de Santa Catarina, Brasil

A utilização de agrotóxicos nas atividades rurais tem crescido ao longo dos anos com o intuito de aumentar a produtividade das lavouras e reduzir a mão-de-obra empregada. Em contrapartida, o uso excessivo ou sem medidas adequadas de biossegurança podem causar sérios danos à saúde humana. Este trabalho tem por objetivo avaliar o risco de toxicidade de 50 agricultores da comunidade da Linha São Paulo, município de Concórdia, Estado de Santa Catarina, expostos a produtos agrotóxicos pela aplicação de questionário com perguntas abertas e fechadas. Foi possível observar que estão presentes várias situações e procedimentos que expõem boa parte dos agricultores envolvidos nesta pesquisa a riscos de intoxicação, pois não possuem uma ideia clara a respeito das medidas de biossegurança, como também não há entendimento adequado sobre os produtos que utilizam, sugerindo carência na veiculação de informações acerca dos produtos. Estes dados corroboram para o aumento do risco à saúde dos agricultores entrevistados em sua rotina de trabalho. Dessa forma, fica fortemente destacada a necessidade de medidas voltadas à informação e sensibilização, que conscientizem e conduzam ao autocuidado no manejo de agrotóxicos.

There has been an increase during recent years in the use of pesticides in agricultural activities to improve productivity, reduce labor costs and increase profits. On the other hand, the use of pesticides in excess or without adequate biosafety practices could lead to serious harm to human health. Current research evaluated toxicity risks in the case of 50 agricultural workers from the São Paulo Rural Community in the municipality of Concordia, Santa Catarina State, Brazil, who were exposed to pesticides. The questionnaire with open- and closed-ended questions revealed that there are several situations and procedures that expose most farm workers to toxicity risks since they do not have a clear understanding of biosafety measures or suitable knowledge on the products they use. Since a lack of information on pesticides exists, there is strong evidence for measures to inform and raise consciousness so that agricultural workers may exercise self-care in handling pesticides.