Evaluation of Pesticide Incident Report 2011-2572

This content was archived on June 24, 2013.

Background

Pest control products are only registered by Health Canada's Pest Management Regulatory Agency (PMRA) for use if there is reasonable certainty that no harm to human health or the environment will result from exposure to, or use of, the product as directed on the label. Health Canada collects incident reporting data under the authority of the Pest Control Products Act. If a pesticide manufacturer receives information about an incident involving one of their products, they are required by law to submit that information to Health Canada. Members of the public may also submit information about an incident directly to Health Canada. It is important to note that the information presented in incident reports reflects the observations and opinion of the person reporting it, and does not include any assessment by Health Canada, nor does it confirm an association between the pesticide and the effects reported.

Health Canada considers the reported information to determine if there are potential health or environmental risks associated with a pesticide and, if necessary, takes corrective action. Such action could range from minor label changes to discontinuation of the product.

Incident Report 2011-2572

An incident report was submitted to the PMRA by Syngenta Crop Protection Canada on June 24, 2011 involving an unknown product containing the active ingredient paraquat. The incident occurred in Canada and involved the death of an adult male who had accidentally ingested some herbicide containing 37% paraquat. It was reported that the individual was landscaping at his home and mistook a container of the product for a water bottle. He was hospitalized for five days and treated for renal failure and pulmonary fibrosis. On the fifth day he was removed from life support and passed away.

In accordance with the Pest Control Products Incident Reporting Regulations classification system, this incident was classified as Human Death. This incident report is available through the PMRA electronic Public Registry on the Health Canada website.

Health Canada Evaluation

The effects reported are highly consistent with paraquat poisoning. Based on the estimated volume ingested, the individual likely received a lethal dose of paraquat.

The specific product implicated in this incident is not known. There are no products currently registered in Canada containing 37% paraquat, and products containing paraquat are not permitted to be sold to the general public.

Health Canada Conclusion

Based on the available information, it was concluded that it is highly probable that the renal failure, pulmonary fibrosis, and subsequent death in this incident were associated with exposure to paraquat.

This incident resulted from the accidental ingestion of a pesticide. The individual affected should not have had access to the pesticide involved and it is not known how the product was obtained in this case. Currently, there are restrictions in place limiting access to paraquat products, and ingredients are added to paraquat products to try to reduce accidental ingestion (e.g., ingredients that add colour and an unpleasant odour to the product). No regulatory action is recommended based on this incident. 

More information about the Pesticide Incident Reporting Program is available on the Health Canada website. Should you require further information please contact the Pesticide Incident Reporting Program.