Bans on highly toxic pesticides could save lives from suicide
9 hours ago
- #pesticide-regulation
- #suicide-prevention
- #public-health
- Pesticide poisoning is a common method of suicide in low- to middle-income countries, accounting for 14% to 20% of global suicide deaths (100,000 to 150,000 annually).
- Banning highly toxic pesticides (HHPs) and substituting them with less fatal alternatives has significantly reduced suicide rates in countries like Sri Lanka, where rates fell by almost two-thirds over 25 years.
- Studies show that bans on HHPs reduce suicide deaths because substituted pesticides have lower fatality rates (e.g., 7% vs. 50% for banned HHPs).
- While some people switch to other suicide methods (e.g., hanging), the overall suicide rate still declines because fewer die from pesticide poisoning.
- Most suicide attempts are impulsive, and removing access to highly toxic pesticides increases survival rates, as many do not reattempt.
- Bans on HHPs have not significantly harmed agricultural productivity, as less toxic substitutes or alternative pest management methods are available.
- Targeted bans on HHPs in 14 countries could save 28,000 lives annually at a cost of $30 million, making it a cost-effective intervention.
- Blanket bans on all pesticides (e.g., Sri Lanka’s 2021 ban) can harm food production, but selective bans on HHPs do not.