Pesticides are the most common method of suicide in the world. Michael Eddelson at the University of Edinburgh appears to be the world leader in terms of mitigation research on this topic from what I gather so far.
I can’t find any charities that work on this topic except for the International Association of Suicide Prevention, but I think IASP may be research-focused and not as big on advocacy. I’m waiting to hear back from them, I could be wrong. There are a few pesticide-reduction charities like Pesticide Action Network, but they seem to be focused on banning the most environmentally-harmful pesticides, although I’m sure there’s an overlap there. I’ll get back to you once I have more information.
Soz, read the links. There are some great efforts underway that look fundable.
“Several approaches have been proposed to reduce mortality from pesticide self-poisoning including restricting access to means through regulation; conversion to less toxic pesticides; development of single-use packaging; safe storage of pesticides; agricultural strategies and work with pesticide vendors; improving medical management; and communication and training initiatives. A number of projects are now underway to assess the effectiveness of a range of interventions aimed at reducing pesticide self-poisoning in China, India and Sri Lanka.”
Making suicide more inconvenient is certainly an effective goal. Gas ovens and over the counter pain killer restrictions was time-series consistent with an over 50% reduction in the suicide rate (its a compelling graph but not publicly available—UK government back-waters).
The issue is though, how do you make it really annoying to kill yourself from pesticides without getting rid of the benefits of pesticides?
There are many pesticides that are cheap and effective AND non-toxic. Thus, simply banning the toxic pesticides is the solution. It doesn’t affect crop yields.
FYI, gas ovens are no longer effective ways to kill yourself. Gas costs less and is much lower greenhouse gas emissions than electric resistance, though there are concerns with indoor air quality.
Pesticides are the most common method of suicide in the world. Michael Eddelson at the University of Edinburgh appears to be the world leader in terms of mitigation research on this topic from what I gather so far.
I can’t find any charities that work on this topic except for the International Association of Suicide Prevention, but I think IASP may be research-focused and not as big on advocacy. I’m waiting to hear back from them, I could be wrong. There are a few pesticide-reduction charities like Pesticide Action Network, but they seem to be focused on banning the most environmentally-harmful pesticides, although I’m sure there’s an overlap there. I’ll get back to you once I have more information.
Further information: WHO: Pesticides are a leading suicide method International Journal of Epidemiology article on pesticide self harm International Association of Suicide Prevention Pesticide Poisoning page
Soz, read the links. There are some great efforts underway that look fundable.
“Several approaches have been proposed to reduce mortality from pesticide self-poisoning including restricting access to means through regulation; conversion to less toxic pesticides; development of single-use packaging; safe storage of pesticides; agricultural strategies and work with pesticide vendors; improving medical management; and communication and training initiatives. A number of projects are now underway to assess the effectiveness of a range of interventions aimed at reducing pesticide self-poisoning in China, India and Sri Lanka.”
Making suicide more inconvenient is certainly an effective goal. Gas ovens and over the counter pain killer restrictions was time-series consistent with an over 50% reduction in the suicide rate (its a compelling graph but not publicly available—UK government back-waters).
The issue is though, how do you make it really annoying to kill yourself from pesticides without getting rid of the benefits of pesticides?
There are many pesticides that are cheap and effective AND non-toxic. Thus, simply banning the toxic pesticides is the solution. It doesn’t affect crop yields.
Let me know where you get to with it, very interesting proposal!
FYI, gas ovens are no longer effective ways to kill yourself. Gas costs less and is much lower greenhouse gas emissions than electric resistance, though there are concerns with indoor air quality.