PESTICIDE ILLNESS SURVEILLANCE - REVIEW OF THE NATIONAL PESTICIDE HAZARD ASSESSMENT PROGRAM

Regarding consultations on pesticide exposures by Oregon State University, the following information is summarized: 1) source of queries; 2) locations of exposure; 3) types of chemicals; and 4) nature of the illnesses. The majority of queries involve nonagricultural exposures in the home and workplace. Principal sources of referral are from the National Pesticide Telecommunications Network (toll‐free number), state departments of agriculture, and state extension services. In addition to illnesses, the system also responds to press releases such as those that occurred after the withdrawal of chlordane. Previously unsuspected clinical problems have been reported (suggesting new areas of research need), including cases associated with long‐acting organophosphates, such as chlorpyrifos, and with the pyrethroids. Copyright © 1990 Wiley Periodicals, Inc., A Wiley Company