INCIDENCE OF PESTICIDE POISONING IN BRAZIL BETWEEN 2014 AND 2024

Resumo

Brazil is the world leader in pesticide consumption, with more than 700,000 tons per year, which increases the risk of poisoning, especially among agricultural workers. This study analyzed the incidence of exogenous pesticide poisoning in Brazil between 2014 and 2024, identifying the most vulnerable groups and the regions with the highest number of cases. This retrospective ecological study, with a quantitative approach, was based on secondary data from the Notifiable Diseases Information System collected in January 2025. Geographic region, gender, race/skin color, age, educational level, occupation, and case evolution were analyzed. The study recorded 76,435 cases of pesticide poisoning between 2014 and 2024; most were concentrated in the Southeast (26.2%) and South (22.6%). Men (64.0%), individuals of brown skin color (42.8%), and agricultural workers (31.2%) were the most affected. Individuals aged between 20 and 39 represented 42.6% of occurrences. The study identified 584 cases of pesticide poisoning in pregnant women, with a higher incidence in the first trimester. Therefore, this study reinforces the need to control the use of pesticides, in addition to reinforcing training programs for agricultural workers, especially those in the most affected regions, such as the Southeast and South.