Study estimates hundreds of millions of farmers face pesticide poisoning each year
A study commissioned by Pesticide Action Network estimates that 402 million to 433 million farmers and farm workers experience unintentional acute pesticide poisoning annually. Based on publicly available data from 2006 to 2023, the study also estimates that pesticide poisoning kills 11,000 people each year, with India accounting for nearly 60% of fatalities.
A study commissioned by Pesticide Action Network estimates that 402 million to 433 million farmers and farm workers experience unintentional acute pesticide poisoning every year.
The study used publicly available data from 2006 to 2023. It also found that pesticide poisoning kills an estimated 11,000 people annually, with India accounting for nearly 60% of fatalities.
THE QUESTIONS THIS EVENT LEAVES BEHIND
What conditions or reporting gaps could affect the study’s estimate of annual poisoning cases?
How are pesticide regulations and enforcement distributed across the countries included in the study?
What protections are available to farmers and farm workers who handle pesticides?
How might the findings change if intentional pesticide poisonings were included?
Who bears responsibility for reducing exposure among farmers and farm workers?
YOUR QUESTION
Does this story leave you with another question?
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GLOBAL CURIOSITY MAP · AUGUST 2026