Evaluation of Poisoning Trends in Bangladesh: A Forensic Study on the Rising Burden of Arsenic and Pesticide Exposure in Agricultural Communities

Abstract

Background: The increasing number of deaths due to poisoning, particularly from organochlorine pesticides (OCPs) in Bangladesh, has raised concerns over public health, especially in agricultural regions. Objective: To evaluate the trends of poisoning due to arsenic and organochlorine pesticide exposure in agricultural communities in Bangladesh, with a focus on forensic analysis. Methods: This study was conducted at the Department of Forensic Medicine & Toxicology, Rajshahi Medical College, Bangladesh, from January 2022 to December 2023. The sample consisted of 88 deceased victims who had died from poisoning, identified through post-mortem examination and toxicological analysis. Data on age, sex, geographical location, pesticide type (focusing on organochlorine compounds), and clinical symptoms were collected. Pesticide residues in blood and tissues were detected using Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (GC-MS). Results: A total number of the 88 cases, 54 (61.4%) involved organochlorine pesticides (OCPs), with the remaining cases attributed to organophosphorus compounds (OPCs). The most common OCP was endrin (35.7%), followed by aldrin and heptachlor. The study found a significant variation in pesticide-related deaths across regions, with the highest concentration in Godagari (35.3%) and Rajshahi (28.6%). The mean arsenic levels in the water sources from these areas were 0.28 mg/L (± 0.14 SD), with significant positive correlation (p < 0.05) between arsenic contamination and pesticide-related deaths. A chi-square test showed a strong association (p < 0.01) between pesticide ingestion and male farmers under 40 years of age. Furthermore, a t-test indicated a statistically significant higher death rate among those exposed to both arsenic and OCPs (p = 0.03). Conclusion: This study highlights a critical rise in organochlorine pesticide-related fatalities, particularly in agricultural communities, underscoring the need for stringent regulation and intervention strategies.