Syrup of ipecac is not recommended for most pesticide poisonings because of potential interference with other antidotes and regurgitation increasing exposure of the esophagus and oral area to the pesticide.Urinary alkalinisation has been used in acute poisonings from chlorophenoxy herbicides (such as 2,4-D, MCPA, 2,4,5-T and mecoprop); however, evidence to support its use is poor. Epidemiology
Acute pesticide poisoning is a large-scale problem, especially in developing countries. "Most estimates concerning the extent of acute pesticide poisoning have been based on data from hospital admissions which would include only the more serious cases. The latest estimate by a WHO task group indicates that there may be 1 million serious unintentional poisonings each year and in addition 2 million people hospitalized for suicide attempts with pesticides. This necessarily reflects only a fraction of the real problem. On the basis of a survey of self-reported minor poisoning carried out in the Asian region, it is estimated that there could be as many as 25 million agricultural workers in the developing world suffering an episode of poisoning each year." In Canada in 2007 more than 6000 cases of acute pesticide poisoning occurred.Estimating the numbers of chronic poisonings worldwide is more difficult. Society and culture
Rachel Carsons 1962 environmental science book Silent Spring brought about the first major wave of public concern over the chronic effects of pesticides. Other animals
An obvious side effect of using a chemical meant to kill is that one is likely to kill more than just the desired organism.
It was once thought that paramyotonia congenita was more common in males. Observation of the most recent generation has shown this to be untrue. On average, half of children in a family inherit the disorder regardless of gender. References
Notes
Lehmann-Horn F, Rüdel R, Ricker K (1993). "Non-dystrophic myotonias and periodic paralyses. A European Neuromuscular Center Workshop held 4–6 October 1992, Ulm, Germany". Neuromuscul Disord. 3 (2): 161–8. doi:10.1016/0960-8966(93)90009-9. PMID 7689382. S2CID 20892960. Cannon S (2006). "Pathomechanisms in channelopathies of skeletal muscle and brain". Annu Rev Neurosci. 29: 387–415. doi:10.1146/annurev.neuro.29.051605.112815. PMID 16776591. Further reading
Paramyotonia congenita FAQ at the Periodic Paralysis News Desk. The site also hosts a mailing list for patients with the disorder and medical professionals interested in it. Fact page from the Muscular Dystrophy Association


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