Pesticide poisoning cases on the rise in the Dominican Republic

[Dolores]

The Dominican Republic’s Ministry of Public Health has reported a concerning surge in acute pesticide poisoning cases this year, Listin Diario highlights. The Ministry of Public Health has added pesticide poisoning to its epidemiological report.

As of the latest epidemiological report, 56 cases have been documented across various provinces, including Santiago, La Vega, and San Cristóbal.

The most recent week saw three additional cases reported in Puerto Plata, Santiago, and La Vega, involving individuals aged 5 to 39. Notably, women account for 66.6% of the total cases.

The epidemiological bulletin for week 34, which covers data up to 24 August 2024, presents the significant increase in pesticide poisoning incidents. Of the 56 accumulated cases, 66% were among individuals aged 30 to 39, and a substantial 29% were reported by the José María Cabral y Báez...

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[CristoRey]

Another incident.

 

[Joseph NY2STI]

Another incident.

My Spanish isn't good enough to fully understand. Is he explaining if the poisoning comes from direct exposure to the pesticide (open containers left lying around, etc.), or is it coming off of the food they're eating?

 

[CristoRey]

My Spanish isn't good enough to fully understand. Is he explaining if the poisoning comes from direct exposure to the pesticide (open containers left lying around, etc.), or is it coming off of the food they're eating?

In reality it was probably both.

 

[Ecoman1949]

In reality it was probably both.

No question in my mind. Improper use and application of pesticides by untrained individuals is a major threat to the health and safety of the DR population, especially the young and the elderly. There are immediate health impacts and longer term sub lethal health impacts. Even impacts (mutation, nervous system damage) on babies if their pregnant mothers are exposed to the pesticides.

Education and enforcement are the keys to controlling and eliminating the problem just
as it is the other DR problems like dangerous driving. The statistics shown are for reported incidents. You can increase those significantly if you factor in unreported incidents and daily exposures that occur unwittingly.

What’s frustrating and sad here is the DR is making great development strides but failing to protect present and future generations who will benefit from those great strides.