Abstract
Agricultural workers represent a population that is highly vulnerable to the toxic effects of pesticide exposure. This cross sectional study aimed to describe the health conditions of terrestrial pesticide applicators in Córdoba Province, Argentina, their work practices and socio-demographic characteristics, by means of a standardized self-administered questionnaire (n = 880). A descriptive analysis reported a high prevalence of occasional or frequent symptoms: 47.4% had symptoms of irritation, 35.5% fatigue, 40.4% headache and 27.6% nervousness or depression. Using logistic regression models, risk and protective factors were found for symptoms of irritation, medical consultation and hospitalization. Among the occupational exposure variables, marital status, length of time in the job, low level of protection with regard to the use of personal protective equipment, combined use of different pesticides and the application of the insecticide endosulfan, were associated with a higher frequency of reported symptoms and higher consultation rates and hospitalization.
Highlights
The rapid expansion of agriculture in Argentina, as in other developing countries, has taken on a new dimension as a result of the increasing flow of agricultural products and foods for export
A population-based study of terrestrial pesticide applicators working in extensive crops was conducted in the Province of Córdoba, which is located in the center of the country, covering 165,321km[2]
The report of increased frequency of medical consultation related to occupational exposure was associated with time in the job (p < 0.01), multiple exposures (p < 0.01); with age, being more frequent among young adults (34 to 44 years); with marital status, increasing among those married or cohabiting (p < 0.01)
Summary
The rapid expansion of agriculture in Argentina, as in other developing countries, has taken on a new dimension as a result of the increasing flow of agricultural products and foods for export. A province of Argentine, is no different to the rest of the country: agriculture accounts for 48.02% of the farming area 1, with an expansion of extensive crops (soybeans, corn, wheat, peanuts, sorghum and sunflower) from 3,397,050ha in 1994/1995 to 7,208,700ha in 2011/2012 (http://www.siia.gov.ar/ series, accessed on 08/Jun/2013), with soybeans accounting for 80% of production. Laxity in complying with the rules governing the activity was highlighted as a factor that increases the health risk of agricultural workers and the general population 14 Research to evaluate these populations and initiate the study of risk factors associated with occupational exposure and the consequent damage to health contributes to detecting population groups with biological and social vulnerability, and to planning appropriate public policies for monitoring, prevention and control. The objective was to describe and study the health status of terrestrial applicators in the Province of Córdoba, in relation to their work practices and socio-demographic characteristics
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