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extent of this problem in developing countries. Similarly, the effects of pesticides
on the environment have not been adequately studied in these countries.
Although developing countries use only one-quarter of all pesticides produced
in the world, half the intoxications and three-quarters of deaths from
pesticide poisoning occur there. The lack of scientific journals and publication
facilities has resulted in a dearth of information on pesticide-related ill-health.
Unusual and sometimes bizarre cases of poisoning in developing countries
are occasionally reported in international scientific journals, although the
number is insignificant. Intercountry projects, such as the Regional Network
on Pesticides in Asia and Pacific and the Safety and Control of Toxic Chemicals
and Pollutants deal with agricultural and environmental aspects of pesticides.
However, their contribution to reducing morbidity and mortality resulting
from pesticide poisoning has not been significant.
The lack of information on the extent of pesticide poisoning is an immediate
concern of the World Health Organization (WHO), industry, and governments,
especially those of the developing world. Information on poisoning in
both developed and developing countries is not widely disseminated among
medical personnel in developing countries. A regional information network
could improve this situation. Such a network could also be a valuable resource
for pesticide-related research in public health and safety in Asia and the
Pacific.
Information on all aspects of pesticide poisoning must be collected, classified,
catalogued, abstracted, indexed, and disseminated for the use of researchers
in the region. It should include information on epidemiology and medical
management of pesticide poisoning, environmental pollution, pesticide residues
in food and water, application technology, public awareness, healtheducation
activities on use and misuse of pesticides, adequacy of protective
clothing, and legislation to prevent health hazards. If successfully and efficiently
disseminated, information of this type could help to identify and set
priorities for research and possibilities for collaborative research among countries
in Asia and the Pacific.
The experience gained in planning and organizing NPIC in Sri Lanka would
be useful in establishing a regional information network on pesticides poisoning.
Through national coordinators or focal points in selected countries, the
network would be able to collect and disseminate information.
National information networks are the foundation for building complete
information systems at the subregional, regional, and global levels. Developing
an information system can be like building a pyramid. If each country
builds a well-developed system of its own to serve as the base, then the
information systems at higher levels will be more effective and better maintained.
The goal of networking is to have two-way communication. In this
way, all members of a network have knowledge about the other levels and
interruptions or gaps in the flow of information are avoided.
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