Annual report toxicovigilance biocides 2024
Analysis of calls related to biocides
At the request of the Biocides Department of the FPS Health, the Poison Centre conducted an analysis of the calls in 2024 relating to biocides in Belgium.
Of the 63,928 calls registered, 3,140 were related to biocides, accounting for 3,300 casualties (both human and animal exposure). The majority of human exposures (1,323 adults and 1,052 children reported) resulted from the use of disinfectants (group 1) and pest control agents (group 3).
Distribution of affected groups
Adults constitute the largest group in the reported biocide exposures (38.9%), followed by children (32%) and animals (29.1%). The nature of the products varies by target group. Adults are mainly exposed to disinfectants (62.6%), while children are mostly exposed to pest control agents (56.8%) and disinfectants (42.3%). Animals (mainly dogs, followed by cats) are predominantly exposed to pest control agents (91.7%).
Routes of exposure and symptoms
The routes of exposure vary depending on the age of the victim and the type of biocide. In children, oral exposure is most common, which can be explained by their exploratory behaviour. For adults, exposure routes are more varied and correspond to the form and conditions of use of the product, e.g. inhalation when using a spray (such as insecticides). In animals, oral exposure remains the most commonly reported.
The symptoms observed are highly dependent on the type of biocide used and the specific properties of the active substances. Some products cause immediate symptoms, this is the case of products that release chlorine vapours, while others have a delayed effect, such as anticoagulants (PT14).
Trends related to COVID-19 and seasonal variations
The COVID-19 pandemic indirectly led to an increase in calls about exposures to disinfectants for both human hygiene and environmental use (product type 1 or 2). In 2021, 2022 and 2023, the number of reports for product types 1 & 2 remained higher than before the pandemic. For product type 2, the number of reports in 2024 is even higher than in 2022 and 2023. In addition, the Poison Centre sees a clear seasonal increase during the summer months, both in humans and animals. This is linked to the use of products such as pool disinfectants, rodenticides (PT14), insecticides (PT18) and repellents or attractants (PT19).
Importance of prevention and safe use
A large proportion of exposures and accidents can be prevented by storing biocides properly and keeping children and pets away during and after use.
Accurate label reading remains important to ensure that the correct application methods are followed and the right protective equipment is used, both for users and vendors. The recommendations of the Poison Centre are therefore used in prevention campaigns such as lireavantutilisation.be (read before use – only available in FR and NL).
Need for constant vigilance
Biocides are not harmless products! It is important to be well informed about the precautions and proper methods of use to handle them safely and ensure their effectiveness. A few simple tips can already prevent accidents: keep children away during and after using biocides, store products out of their reach and never pour a biocide into another container.
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