More detailed data from individual countries help to
illustrate the scale of the problem. In Sri Lanka for
example, in 1977 more deaths were attributed to
pesticide poisoning than to malaria, tetanus, diphtheria,
whooping cough and polio combined (Jeyeratnam, 1979; cited by Bull, 1982). It should be noted, however,
that up to 75% of pesticide poisoning cases in Sri Lanka
are believed to be suicide cases (Anon, January 1992).
Nevertheless, the occupational element of the problem
is significant, particularly as there is evidence to suggest
that under-reporting (New York Times 9/11/1977; cited
in Bull, 1982) and misdiagnosis (Conway and Pretty,
1991) are very common. Medina (1987) reported that
of 150 family heads interviewed in the Philippines who
claimed they had experienced pesticide poisoning, only
20 sought medical consultation, 48 practised selftreatment
and 76 just rested or took no treatment (6 are
described as taking ‘other action’).