Abstract

SARMIENTO SUAREZ, María José  and  CABALLERO DUQUE, Andrea. Use of Pesticides as a Suicide Method: A Case Report with Chlorphenapyr. rev.colomb.psiquiatr. [online]. 2008, vol.37, n.2, pp.272-279. ISSN 0034-7450.

Introduction: One of the three most used methods with suicidal purposes is the intoxication with pesticides, due to its easy access. Objective: To discuss the clinical course of intoxication with Chlorphenapyr and the use of pesticides with suicidal purposes. Method: Case report. Results: The case of a 42 year old female fl ower plantation worker is reported. She enters the hospital due to exogenous intoxication with Chlorphenapyr with suicidal purposes, initially presenting diaphoresis, headache and cough. Symptomatic management is initiated, but after seven days she presents neurological and respiratory deterioration, causing her death. Discussion and conclusions: Pesticides are a common cause of suicide in plantation workers. Taking into account that there is no antidote for Chlorphenapyr it is imperative to establish public health and occupational programs and to assess the mental health of staff working in this area providing adequate and timely treatment, in order to diminish suicide rates and improve the quality of life of these workers.

Keywords : Chlorfenapyr; pesticides; suicide; poisoning.

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