A Study of Paraquat Poisoning Cases in Kumamoto Red Cross Hospital and the Questionnaire Investigation about Paraquat Poisoning in the Rural Population

• Published in: JOURNAL OF THE JAPANESE ASSOCIATION OF RURAL MEDICINE Vol. 35; no. 2; pp. 123 - 128
• Main Authors: MIHARA, Shuichi, UEMURA, Taeko, KOYANAGI, Atsuko, KOYAMA, Wasaku
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: Japanese; English
• Published: THE JAPANESE ASSOCIATION OF RURAL MEDICINE 1986
• ISSN: 0468-2513; 1349-7421
• DOI: 10.2185/jjrm.35.123

Recently paraquat poisoning cases are increasing, and vicious crimes such as suicides and accidental troubles are now serious social problems. We experienced 59 paraquat poisoning cases for the last four years and the number of deaths were 39. We changed the treatrents of paraquat poisoning from September 1982. In consequence the lifesaving rate was improved from 7.1 percent to 42.2 percent. But the mortality of the paraquat poisoning cases is still much higher than that of poisoning due to other agricultural chemicals. We made questionnaire inquiries about paraquat poisoning in the rural population in Kumamoto in June and July 1984. As a result of this investigation we found that they can buy the paraquat liquid easily but receive no explanation about the toxic effects. Moreover they neglect severe custody. These factors are promoting the increase of paraquat poisoning. It seems to be dangerous to use the paraquat liquid without strong prescriptions. We hope administrative measures to be done without delay