Dáil Éireann debate -
Thursday, 30 Mar 2000

Vol. 517 No. 2

Written Answers. - Organophosphate Poisoning.

John Gormley

Question:

106 Mr. Gormley asked the Minister for Health and Children the figures, if any, available for illness and deaths caused by organophosphate poisoning in each of the past five years; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9405/00]

Minister for Health and Children (Mr. Martin)

Organophosphates are used widely for a variety of purposes including use as ingredients in human medicines, veterinary medicines, plant pesticides, the chemical industry and the horticultural industry. Figures therefore in relation to illness and deaths caused by organophosphate poisoning in each of the past five years are not readily available.

A draft report is currently being prepared by the Irish Medicines Board in relation to organophosphate sheep-dips which is the primary area of organophosphate use encountered by the board. The board has indicated that there were no validated reports in humans in Ireland of suspected adverse drug reactions to organophos- phate sheep-dips in 1998 or in 1999. One unvalidated report in 1999 and two in 1998 related to organophosphate exposure but did not contain sufficient details to constitute valid reports as required by European Union guidelines and causality assessment was therefore not possible. This compared to two reports of adverse reactions received during the period 1996 to 1997.

A recent published report of a fatality in a horticultural worker handling a slow release organophosphate pellet for pesticidal use has been investigated by the Health and Safety Authority but I understand that a definite causality has not been assigned to use of the product.