The study aims to provide a comprehensive trend of
pesticide poisoning cases in the Philippines as well as
pesticide exposures, and risk factors related to the adverse effects of
pesticide. Records were gathered from the National
Poison Control and Management Center (NPCMC), the Philippine General Hospital, De La Salle Medical Center, and other hospitals, and reviewed research studies conducted in the Philippines. Based on hospital surveys, the number of
pesticide cases as well as mortality trends have been increasing. Studies from 2006 to 2010 showed that human health especially those of the farmers is at risk due to
pesticide exposure. Illnesses and symptoms such as
headache,
skin abnormalities,
fatigue,
fever, and weaknesses were the common health complaints experienced by the farmers as reported in the research studies. Moreover, the studies showed risk factors to
pesticide exposure, work practices, and
pesticide residues in environmental media that could be contributory to
pesticide poisoning cases. Government agencies should intensify their surveillance and regulation on both household and agricultural pesticides. The state of
pesticide-related illnesses mirrors the poor safety practices among farmers as well as lack of necessary supervision from the government agencies.