Evaluation of Health and Environmental Risks of Pesticide Products Used in Market-Gardening in the City of Ngaoundere (Cameroon)

Thomas Assokeng,Guy Bertrand Noumi,Joseph Marie Siéliéchi

doi:10.4236/jacen.2017.64013

Thomas Assokeng, Guy Bertrand Noumi + Show 1 more

Open Access

https://doi.org/10.4236/jacen.2017.64013

Copy DOI

Abstract

The aim of this survey was to identify the active ingredients of phytosanitary products generally used in the market-gardening, to evaluate the behavior of market gardeners, environmental and sanitary risks link to the use of phytosanitary products. Results revealed that 8 actives ingredients are regularly used: paraquat, atrazine, glyphosate, chlorpyrifos-ethyl, cypermethrin, maneb, mancozeb and diuron. The contamination of running water and rivers is caused by the fact that 81.25% of them are washing their pulverization equipments in these last ones. Moreover, 72.90% release empty packages of pesticides in the farm which will be carried away by running water. 59.09% adopt the overdose strategy in case of insufficient treatment. The inadequate equipment of protection and the consumption of surrounding water by 51.10% represent a danger for the health of market gardeners. Thus, headache and stomachache are the most recorded intoxications.

Highlights

In African cities, the supply of urban zones with fresh fruits and vegetables is the major stake for food safety [1] [2]
The aim of this survey was to identify the active ingredients of phytosanitary products generally used in the market-gardening, to evaluate the behavior of market gardeners, environmental and sanitary risks link to the use of phytosanitary products
The use of pesticides is a real danger for market gardeners, customers and the environment

Summary

Introduction

In African cities, the supply of urban zones with fresh fruits and vegetables is the major stake for food safety [1] [2]. Ngaoundere is one of the northern cities of Cameroon where intense market-gardening activity is performed [6] [7]. Due to numerous restraints that face this activity, market-gardeners further use pesticides abusively [8]. The use of these pesticides is often significant to achieve their goal which is an intensive production of vegetables intended mainly for the sale and consumption. It is advisable to recall that the lack of the mastery of utilization methods often causes harmful effects to human health and the environment [9] [10]

Methods

Results

Discussion

Conclusion