Um Estudo sobre a Utilização de Agrotóxicos e os Riscos de Contaminação num Assentamento de Reforma Agrária no Norte Fluminense

Abstract

Studying the use and risks of contamination by pesticides in a land reform settlement in the north fluminense region, Brazil During the twentieth century, the agricultural economy benefited tremendously from new developments in chemical pesticides. This progress, however, has resulted in unintended consequences to human health and the environment. This article presents the results of a study carried out on land reform settlement located on the North Fluminense region. Data was obtained by surveying one hundred land reform settlers through a random sample questionnaire. Variables studied include household demography and education, types of pesticides, targeted crops, levels of training for pesticides handling, disposal of empty containers and use of safety equipments. Our results show that about half of the households were using pesticides to eradicate weeds and different types of agricultural pests on eleven crops. Data also showed a dominance of products with moder-ate toxicity for human health and high toxicity for the environment. The risk for increased contamination associated to pesticides utilization was greatly enhanced by a general lack of understanding regarding health and environmental risks. Most settlers declared having previously received no formal training for the handling and disposing of products being