Abstract
The objective of the study was to describe self-reported health symptoms, the use of personal protective gear and clothing and poor safety procedures when applying pesticides among farm workers. A total of 128 adult farm workers were interviewed using a structured questionnaire during the farming season. The commonly used pesticides included profenofos, mancozeb, chlorpyrifos, cypermethrin, deltamethrin, permethrin, lambda-cyhalothrin, endosulfan and carbosulfan. The majority (>90%) of farm workers used no personal protective clothing while handling pesticides. More than one-third of farm workers ate and drank without washing their hands following pesticide handling, while a smaller number smoked or chewed gum. Wearing special boots during pesticide application was found to reduce the risk of skin rash (OR = 0.2, 95% CI: 0.06–0.66), whereas smoking when applying pesticides increased the risk of chest pain occurrence (OR = 4.0, 95% CI: 1.14–15.43), as well as forgetfulness (OR = 4.0, 95% CI: 1.30–14.02). Chewing gum and eating when applying pesticides was associated with diarrhoea (OR = 11.0, 95% CI: 1.80–6.84 and OR = 7.0, 95% CI: 1.27–3.67 respectively). The increased self-reported prevalence of post-exposure adverse health effects among farm workers was associated with poor use of personal protective clothing and poor safety practices during pesticide use and handling. These data indicate the need for improved availability and use of protective equipment, and training in crop and pest management practices to prevent risky behavioursand for safer and sustainable vegetable production.
Highlights
Human health risks associated with pesticide exposure are a global concern [1]
There are challenges relating to the control of pesticide use and accessibility.Farm workers are challenged by limited awareness of how and what to mix, the number of pesticides to use per crop, the type and dose of pesticides to apply per square unit, and a shortage of technical extension officers [28]
The use and handling of pesticides with a lack of training, proper storage and disposal of pesticide containers, in addition to poor use of personal protective devices were documented in the present study, as well as elsewhere in Tanzania, suggesting a lack of effective safety protocols for protecting farm workers against pesticide exposure
Summary
Human health risks associated with pesticide exposure are a global concern [1]. Toxics 2017, 5, 24 pesticides increased from 500 to 2500 tonnes between 2000 and 2003, and by 2006, a total of 300 different types of pesticides were registered and in use [3]. These includeendosulfan, which is restricted by the Stockholm Convention due to environmental persistence and toxic potential [4]. Safety measures were reported to be poorly implemented during pesticide storage, mixing, loading, spraying and disposal [5] in developing countries including Tanzania [6]
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