A new scientific study, published in the journal Frontiers in Public Health on September 2, 2026, reveals that nearly half of the world’s farmers and agricultural workers are poisoned by pesticides each year. The research, commissioned by the Pesticide Action Network, found that 46% of the 934 million people working in agriculture globally are exposed to dangerous levels of pesticides. These substances, known as Highly Hazardous Pesticides (HHP), include common herbicides like Paraquat and Glyphosate, as well as insecticides such as Organophosphates and Carbamates. These chemicals are particularly toxic, capable of causing severe poisoning even at low doses or when standard protective gear is used. The study found that the most severe pesticide poisoning rates are concentrated in South Asia, Southeast Asia, and East Africa. Burkina Faso reported the highest rate at 84%, where poisoning often occurs during the mixing of pesticides, spraying on crops, and through contact with contaminated plants or clothing. In contrast, pesticide use in Europe is declining due to stricter regulations, leading to a much lower poisoning rate of 6% in both Western and Eastern Europe. However, the rate is higher in Southern Europe, at 32%, likely due to continued use of certain chemicals and less stringent oversight. The researchers stress that acute pesticide poisoning is a major and ongoing public health crisis worldwide. They note that global pesticide use has nearly doubled since 1990, reaching a peak of 3.8 million tons annually. The study calls for a gradual phase-out of the most dangerous pesticides by 2035, along with better data collection on health impacts and stricter regulations on pesticide use. They also suggest that agricultural workers should be required to undergo professional certification to ensure safe handling of chemicals. In addition to regulatory changes, the study advocates for a global shift toward agroecology, an agricultural approach that relies on natural processes rather than synthetic chemicals. Agroecology promotes biodiversity, natural pest control, crop rotation, and soil conservation, offering a sustainable alternative to chemical-heavy farming. The researchers believe that transitioning to these methods could significantly reduce pesticide-related health risks while supporting long-term food security.