[Poisoning caused by chemicals for plant protection in Poland in 2001].

A total number of 220 cases of poisoning caused by chemicals for plant protection were registered in Poland in 2001 (incidence 0.57 per 100,000 population). The large number of cases occurred in one outbreak (104 cases; 47.3%). In this outbreak inhalation exposure took place in a school after spraying of HUKINOL AL (repelant for animals) by pupils. Course of disease in these cases was mild. Among remaining cases there were:--poisoning after intake of chemicals for plant protection (14.5% after suicidal intake, 21.4% after accidental intake, 1.4% after intake with fruits and one case--undetermined circumstances of intake);--poisoning after exposure at agricultural labour (10.0%); and--exposition in other or undetermined situation (2.3%). In 2001 were registered two outbreaks: above mentioned 104 cases and two cases (children) after intake of plums before lapse of a currency period. In total in 2001 eleven people died as a result of poisoning by chemicals for plant protection.