Poisonings in Burkina Faso support paraquat's inclusion in watch list

摘要

Paraquat poisoning is widespread. As a pesticide without antidote, its ingestion -either accidentally or for deliberate self-harm - inevitably leads to death. Less well-recognised is the day-to-day harm inflicted on small-scale farmers and agricultural workers who regularly use this weed killer and cannot adequately protect themselves. Exposure to paraquat through contact with the skin, eyes, inhalation or the mouth can lead to systemic poisoning. The unpleasant and debilitating health effects range from severe headaches, dizziness, excessive sweating, itching, burning skin and rashes, to eye pains and even loss of consciousness.