# Global agricultural pesticide poisoning crisis > Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/global-agricultural-pesticide-poisoning-crisis > Updated: 2026-09-04T19:30:42.000Z. Sources: 12. Developments: 2. A study published in Frontiers in Public Health indicates a significant global health crisis regarding unintentional acute pesticide poisoning among agricultural workers. Researchers estimate that between 402 and 433 million people—approximately 46% of the world’s 934 million farmers—suffer from acute intoxication annually. The report identifies approximately 11,000 deaths occurring each year due to pesticide poisoning, with 60% of these fatalities located in India. Geographic regions most heavily impacted include South Asia, Southeast Asia, and East Africa. Burkina Faso reported the highest national incidence rate, affecting nearly 84% of its farmers. Data shows that global pesticide use has doubled since 1990, reaching 3.8 million tonnes in 2023. Most incidents are linked to the preparation and application of chemicals or contact with contaminated clothing and crops. The Pesticide Action Network (PAN) has noted a disparity in regulation, observing that while developed nations in Europe and North America maintain lower poisoning rates due to strict regulations, toxic substances banned in those regions are often exported to developing countries. In response to these findings, researchers and the United Nations are calling for the implementation of recommendations to phase out highly hazardous pesticides. ## Claims - Approximately 46% of the world's 934 million farmers and agricultural workers suffer unintentional acute pesticide poisoning annually. (corroborated by 3 sources) - Pesticide poisoning causes approximately 11,000 deaths annually. (corroborated by 3 sources) - Burkina Faso has the highest national rate of intoxication, affecting nearly 84% of its farmers and agricultural workers. (corroborated by 3 sources) - India accounts for nearly 60% of these annual pesticide-related deaths. (corroborated by 2 sources) - Global pesticide use reached 3.8 million tonnes in 2023, which is double the level recorded in 1990. (corroborated by 2 sources) ## Timeline ### 2026-09-04: Global pesticide poisoning affects 46% of farmers annually A study in Frontiers in Public Health finds that 46% of global farmers suffer acute pesticide poisoning annually, causing 11,000 deaths, with the highest impact in India and Burkina Faso. 5 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/global-pesticide-poisoning-affects-46-of-farmers-annually ### 2026-09-02: Pesticide poisoning affects nearly half of the world's farmers annually A new study finds that nearly half of the world's farmers—up to 433 million people—suffer from unintentional acute pesticide poisoning every year, with the highest rates in the Global South. 7 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/pesticide-poisoning-affects-400-million-farmers-annually-study-finds --- Cite as: Global agricultural pesticide poisoning crisis. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/global-agricultural-pesticide-poisoning-crisis