ECONOMIC IMPACT OF ACUTE CHEMICAL POISONING IN ADULTS IN THE REPUBLIC OF MOLDOVA FOR THE 2019-2023 YEARS

Authors

  • Tatiana Tonu Department of Occupational Health, Chemical Safety and Toxicology, Directorate of Public Health Protection, National Public Health Agency, Chișinău, Republic of Moldova

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.14530355

Keywords:

economic impact, chemical products, medications, alcohol, pesticides, poisonings

Abstract

Objectives. The study aimed to evaluate the economic impact of acute non-professional exogenous chemical poisonings (ANECP) among adults in the country, identifying both the costs associated with medical treatment and the specific risk factors linked to exposure to chemical substances.

Methods. A descriptive, retrospective study was conducted, analysing statistical data from 2019 to 2023. Cases of ANECP in adults were examined to assess hospitalization and treatment costs.

Results. Between 2019 and 2023, 5626 cases of ANECP were recorded among adults in the Republic of Moldova, generating total treatment costs exceeding 21 million MDL. Medications were the leading cause of poisonings (41%), followed by alcohol (22%), gases (15%), and pesticides (5%). Treatment for medication-related poisonings totalled 8,1 million MDL, alcohol-related poisonings accounted for 5,2 million MDL, and pesticide poisonings amounted to 3,6 million MDL. At the same time, it has been found that over the past three years, 784 individuals were hospitalized at Municipal Clinical Hospital "Sfânta Treime," incurring expenses amounting to 3,8 million lei.

Conclusions. The findings demonstrated that the continuous use of chemical products has severe consequences for public health, with a significant number of acute chemical poisoning cases (approximately 1125 annually) and an average annual treatment cost of 4 million MDL.

Published

19-12-2024

Issue

Section

SCIENTIFIC STUDIES