Science Current Events | Science News | Brightsurf.com
 
Email a Friend Send to a friend
Printer Friendly Print Tackling suicide rates in the developing world

Tackling suicide rates in the developing world

December 19, 2003

Differing patterns in suicides rates worldwide are highlighted in the December issue of the International Journal of Epidemiology (IJE), edited in the Department of Social Medicine at the University of Bristol, and published today.

The World Health Organisation estimates that there are around 849,000 suicides worldwide each year. David Gunnell, Professor of Epidemiology at Bristol University and his co-author Dr Michael Eddleston of the University of Colombo, Sri Lanka point out that there are very different patterns of fatal and non-fatal self-harm in industrialised compared to developing countries.




In countries such as the UK, the drugs that people most commonly overdose with are prescription medications and analgesics, and fatality is relatively low. However, in developing countries it is far more common to use agricultural pesticides for deliberate self-poisoning - as many as one out of every ten people who ingest these pesticides die as a result. It is estimated that there may be up to 300,000 pesticide suicides each year in the China and South East Asia region alone.


In developing countries where a large proportion of the population are subsistence farmers, many people have access to pesticides and these are often stored in the home. Studies have shown that suicidal impulses are often short lived and that by making the means of suicide less available, time can be 'bought' until the suicidal impulse passes. For these reasons, the detoxification of the domestic gas supply in Britain in the 1960s was thought to have prevented several thousand suicides. Recent restrictions on the availability of paracetamol follow the same logic.

Professor Gunnell and Dr Eddleston suggest a range of ways that pesticide suicides in developing countries can be reduced, including better hospital management, restricting availability, licensing, storage guidelines and improving public education. However, there has been limited action on the part of international organizations. Pesticides are a multi-billion dollar business.

Professor Gunnell said: "There has been limited global leadership concerning this issue. International organizations, governments and industry all contribute to allowing the impact of pesticide ingestion on suicide mortality to persist."

Bristol, University of



Related Pesticide Current Events and Pesticide News Articles Pesticide Current Events and Pesticide News RSS Pesticide Current Events and Pesticide News RSS
An inexpensive 'dipstick' test for pesticides in foods
Scientists in Canada are reporting the development of a fast, inexpensive "dipstick" test to identify small amounts of pesticides that may exist in foods and beverages.

Pesticides exposure linked to suicidal thoughts
A new study in China has found that people with higher levels of pesticide exposure are more likely to have suicidal thoughts.

Getting plants to rid themselves of pesticide residues
Scientists in China have discovered that a natural plant hormone, applied to crops, can help plants eliminate residues of certain pesticides. The study is in the current issue of ACS' Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry, a bi-weekly publication.

Study shows more corn for biofuels would hurt water
More of the fertilizers and pesticides used to grow corn would find their way into nearby water sources if ethanol demands lead to planting more acres in corn, according to a Purdue University study.

New computing tool could lead to better crops and pesticides say researchers
A new computing tool that could help scientists predict how plants will react to different environmental conditions in order to create better crops, such as tastier and longer lasting tomatoes, is being developed by researchers.

Getting plants to rid themselves of pesticide residues
Scientists in China are reporting the "intriguing" discovery that a natural plant hormone, applied to crops, can help plants eliminate residues of certain pesticides.

Organic weed control for dandelions
Spring and summer often find homeowners out in their yards, busily attempting to control the onslaught of dandelions in a quest for green, weed-free lawns.

Environmental effects of cold-climate strawberry farming
Strawberries are America's fifth-favorite fruit, according to consumption rates. California and Florida grow more than 95% of the nation's strawberries; an additional 12,000 acres are planted in other states.

Pesticides -- easier detection of pollution and impact in rivers
The long-term effects of pesticides on living organisms in rivers and on water quality can now be assessed more easily.

Pitt research suggests EPA pesticide exposure test too short, overlooks long term effects
The four-day testing period the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) commonly uses to determine safe levels of pesticide exposure for humans and animals could fail to account for the toxins' long-term effects, University of Pittsburgh researchers report in the September edition of Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry.
More Pesticide Current Events and Pesticide News Articles
Orange Guard 103 Water Based Indoor/Outdoor Home Pest Control - 32 oz Spray

Orange Guard 103 Water Based Indoor/Outdoor Home Pest Control - 32 oz Spray
by Orange Guard

Water based formula. Kills on contact. May be used around food, humans, and pets. All ingredients generally recognized as safe by the FDA. EPA registered. Fresh citrus scent. Can be used indoors or outdoors. Broad range contact insecticide and broad range residual repellent. Works on ants, fire ants, roaches, fleas, silverfish, aphids, spider mites, leaf hoppers, scale insects, and other insect pests. Ready to use. No. 103: Quart No. 101: GallonE

Standard Pesticide User's Guide, The (7th Edition)

Standard Pesticide User's Guide, The (7th Edition)
by Bert L. Bohmont (Author)

Covers all aspects of pesticide principles and use, including topics such as: environmental considerations; insects; plant disease agents; weeds; integrated pest management; laws; liability; recordkeeping; labels; safety; formulations; application equipment; transportation; storage; decontamination; and disposal. Using a non-technical presentation, it helps readers gain an understanding of why pesticides are used, how to apply them safely and how to do this within the letter of the law. Supplies the necessary information for pesticide applicators to use pesticides in a responsible manner. Offer readers quick and easy access to reference material such as the United States and Canadian Pesticide Control Offices, restricted use pesticides, pesticide information...

KLEEN FREE NATURALLY, 16oz, Bed Bugs, Scabies, Lice, Mites, any Insect Eliminator and Treatment, all Natural Enzymes, Non-Toxic, Organic, USDA Ecologically Safe, Insect Eliminator, Treatment and Cleaner - (16 oz.Concentrate)

KLEEN FREE NATURALLY, 16oz, Bed Bugs, Scabies, Lice, Mites, any Insect Eliminator and Treatment, all Natural Enzymes, Non-Toxic, Organic, USDA Ecologically Safe, Insect Eliminator, Treatment and Cleaner - (16 oz.Concentrate)
by Ginesis Natural Products

Kleen Free Naturally is a proven biodegradable enzyme insecticide soap that is used world wide as a pest control (bio-pesticide) multi-purpose cleaner. We sell it in a concentrated (8 to 1 with water) and pre-mixed form, large and small quantities. Please contact: info@nitbusters.com for more information. This revolutionary product is now available to the general consumer. Preformed enzymes have been used widely in restaurant and institutional settings for many years, due to their low toxicity and superior cleaning properties. They are also becoming widely accepted in the field pest removal, as enzymes leave no toxic residues and the enzymatic effect on the insect exoskeleton is quick and safe.

Chemical Pesticides: Mode of Action and Toxicology

Chemical Pesticides: Mode of Action and Toxicology
by Jørgen Stenersen (Author)

Environmental-friendliness, issues of public health, and the pros and cons of genetically-modified crops all receive regular coverage in the world's media. This, in turn, has led to increased questioning and investigation of chemical pesticides.Stenersen's concise introduction to chemical pesticides describes these compounds according to their biochemical mode of action, such as whether they are enzyme inhibitors, receptor ligands, or free radical generators. Chemical Pesticides provides answers to why pesticides are toxic to the target organism, how resistance develops, why pesticides are toxic to some organisms and not others. The book also discusses legal matters and concerns as well as potential environmental problems.

Orange Guard Water Based Home Pest Control - 1 Gallon Bottle #101

Orange Guard Water Based Home Pest Control - 1 Gallon Bottle #101
by Orange Guard

The active ingredient in this product is d limonene, a steam distilled byproduct of citrus peels, entirely of natural origin. Persons with known citrus allergies may be affected. This broad based insecticide product will cause mortality in most insects within 15 minutes. The active ingredient d Limonene (orange peel extract) destroys the wax coating of the insects respiratory system. When applied directly, the insect suffocates. The citrus fragrance of d Limonene acts as a repellent. Orange Guard is a water based insecticide. All ingredients in Orange Guard meet the GRAS (generally recognized as safe) standard set by FDA. D limonene is approved by the FDA as a food additive, and is found in products such as fruit cakes, cleaners, degreasers, air fresheners and pet shampoos. Orange Guard...

  Pesticide Book
by George W. Ware (Author)



MQ7 - Insect Control Indoor/Outdoor / 2-pack

MQ7 - Insect Control Indoor/Outdoor / 2-pack
by Murata Corporation

MQ7 offers an all natural, non-toxic Indoor/Outdoor Insect Control formulation that has never before achieved such levels of innovation and extraordinary performance. This product will help in the control of insects throughout the house; such as fleas, chiggers, mites, ants, mosquitoes, chinch bugs, roaches, scorpions, grubs, flies, gnats, moths, no-see-ums, ticks, silverfish, carpet beetles, earwigs, crickets, spiders, firebrats, palmetto bugs, cereal bettles, termites and grasshoppers. Throughout history, cedar has been known to repel insects naturally and is probably why we are accustomed to the use of cedar wood products such as cedar lined closets, chests and hangers. All cedar oil can not be treated equally and why our MQ7 formulation is so expensive. It starts with the selection...

MSA Safety Works 817662 Paint and Pesticide Respirator

MSA Safety Works 817662 Paint and Pesticide Respirator
by MSA Safety Works

Built-in carbon filter removes nuisance-level odors; Foam inner seal improves comfort; Patented nosebridge improves comfort and fit; Electrostatic filter media traps dust while maintaining low breathing resistance; Latex-free and hypoallergenic for users with sensitive skin; NIOSH approved (N95 Class)

Insect Control Indoor / Outdoor (Single Unit)

Insect Control Indoor / Outdoor (Single Unit)
by Murata Corporation

MQ7 offers an all natural, non-toxic Indoor/Outdoor Insect Control formulation that has never before achieved such levels of innovation and extraordinary performance. This product will help in the control of insects throughout the house; such as fleas, chiggers, mites, ants, mosquitoes, chinch bugs, roaches, scorpions, grubs, flies, gnats, moths, no-see-ums, ticks, silverfish, carpet beetles, earwigs, crickets, spiders, firebrats, palmetto bugs, cereal bettles, termites and grasshoppers. Throughout history, cedar has been known to repel insects naturally and is probably why we are accustomed to the use of cedar wood products such as cedar lined closets, chests and hangers. All cedar oil can not be treated equally and why our MQ7 formulation is so expensive. It starts with the selection...

  E-Pesticide Manual - CD-Rom
by Bcpc Publications Sales



© 2009 BrightSurf.com