One in four suicides in rural areas of Taiwan were the result of pesticide poisoning prior to 2018, with one highly toxic pesticide accounting for a significant share of deaths, according to a new study.
Warning: this article discusses suicide, which some people may find distressing. To find a local helpline, please visit www.findahelpline.com
A study investigating the burden, trends, geographic variations, and demographic characteristics of pesticide and paraquat suicides in Taiwan prior to the 2018 – 2020 paraquat ban.
Dr Bruna Rubbo, a Research Fellow at the University of Bristol and collaborator with the Centre for Pesticide Suicide Prevention (CPSP), shares insights into why pesticide bans are effective. It is based on recent research she led in collaboration with colleagues from the University of Bristol and CPSP.
*Warning: This article discusses suicidal behaviour. If you have questions on self-harm or feel suicidal, use this link to find an international helpline.*
A recent study on the impact of Taiwan’s 2018 paraquat ban has shown a fall in pesticide suicide rates. Paraquat is a highly toxic pesticide that is deadly when ingested and a leading method for suicide worldwide, responsible for 150,000 deaths every year.
This paper explores the impact of the first-stage ban of paraquat, a highly lethal herbicide when ingested, on suicide in Taiwan. The study found that the ban on the import and production of paraquat was followed by a fall in pesticide and paraquat suicides.