Patterns Of Pesticide Use Research Articles

Pesticide use patterns and their association with cytokine levels in Mexican flower workers.

Occupational exposure to pesticides is a known risk for disrupting cellular immune response in flower workers due to their use of multiple chemical products, poor work conditions, and inadequate protection. Recently, the analysis of pesticide use patterns has emerged as an alternative to studying exposure to mixtures of these products. This study aimed to evaluate the association between exposure to different patterns of pesticide use and the cytokine profile of flower workers in the State of Mexico and Morelos, Mexico. A cross-sectional study was carried out on a population of 108 flower workers. Serum levels of IL-4, IL-5, IL-6, IL-8, IL-10 cytokines were analyzed by means of multiplex analysis, and TNF-α and IFN-γ using an ELISA test. Pesticide use patterns were generated by principal components analysis. The analysis revealed that certain patterns of pesticide use, combining insecticides and fungicides, were associated with higher levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines, particularly IL-6 and IFN-γ. These findings indicate that pesticides may possess immunotoxic properties, contributing to increased inflammatory response. However, further comprehensive epidemiological studies are needed to establish a causal relationship.

Emissions of pesticides in the European Union: a new regional-level dataset

We present a European Union (EU)-wide dataset of estimated quantities of active substances of plant protection product applied on crops (also called “emissions”). Our estimates are derived from data reported by eight EU countries and extrapolated to encompass all EU regions using regression models. These models consider both climate and agricultural land use data. This allows us to spatially represent pesticide use at NUTS Level 3 of the European statistical mapping units, and within various agricultural land cover classes in each region. We compare our estimates with aggregated data provided by EUROSTAT and with independent, detailed data for the United Kingdom, highlighting an error typically within one order of magnitude. Our estimates can provide insights into the distribution and patterns of pesticide use in the EU around the year 2015. The estimate is most reliable for Western and Southern Europe. Outside these regions, data scarcity makes extrapolation more uncertain, potentially limiting the ability to accurate depict regional variations in pesticide use.

A spatially explicit model of landscape pesticide exposure to bees: Development, exploration, and evaluation

Pesticides represent one of the greatest threats to bees and other beneficial insects in agricultural landscapes. Potential exposure is generated through compound- and crop-specific patterns of pesticide use over space and time and unique degradation behavior among compounds. Realized exposure develops through bees foraging from their nests across the spatiotemporal mosaic of floral resources and associated pesticides throughout the landscape. Despite the recognized importance of a landscape-wide approach to assessing exposure, we lack a sufficiently-evaluated predictive framework to inform mitigation decisions and environmental risk assessment for bees. We address this gap by developing a bee pesticide exposure model that incorporates spatiotemporal pesticide use patterns, estimated rates of pesticide degradation, floral resource dynamics across habitats, and bee foraging movements. We parameterized the model with pesticide use data from a public database containing crop-field- and date-specific records of uses throughout our study region over an entire year. We evaluate the model performance in predicting bee pesticide exposure using a dataset of pesticide residues in pollens gathered by bumble bees (Bombus vosnesenskii) returning to colonies across 14 spatially independent landscapes in Northern California. We applied alternative model formulations of pesticide accumulation and degradation, floral resource seasonality, and bee foraging behavior to evaluate different levels of detail for predicting observed pesticide exposure. Our best model explained 73 % of observed variation in pesticide exposure of bumble bee colonies, with generally positive correlations for the dominant compounds. Timing and location of pesticide use were integral, but more detailed parameterizations of pesticide degradation, floral resources, and bee foraging improved the predictions little if at all. Our results suggest that this approach to predict bees' pesticide exposure has value in extending from the local field scale to the landscape in environmental risk assessment and for exploring mitigation options to support bees in agricultural landscapes.

Perceptions of pesticide use and health risks among apple growers in Kashmir Himalaya

AbstractBackgroundUnderstanding the patterns of pesticide use is important in protecting the environment and farmer's health for improvement of sustainability in chemical pest control. Studies on the knowledge and awareness of pesticides by farmers are often incomplete. Therefore, our study aimed at investigating the awareness and knowledge of pesticides from a detailed survey of 394 apple growers in the Kashmir Himalaya.ResultsThe study revealed that farmers have inadequate knowledge and awareness about pesticides. About 47.2% of the farmers are choosing pesticides based on the efficiency of the pest/pathogen control, 38.1% are choosing pesticides based on the cost of the product, and 14.7% of the farmers are choosing pesticides based on ease of availability. Most of the farmers rated the principles of Integrated Pest Management (IPM) as not important. The farmers believed that the use of pesticides is the only way of controlling the pest outbreaks that ultimately led to reckless spraying of pesticides. Our results revealed that farmers are spraying pesticides without protective gears and inappropriate dumping of pesticides and their containers, risking the health of humans and the environment. Almost 96% of the farmers feel burning and irritation to the eyes and skin, headache, and vomiting due to pesticide spraying. The results of this research work accentuate the requirement to educate apple growers about the adequate and safe use of pesticides to avoid risks to public and environmental health.ConclusionThe study concludes that farmers are significantly impacted by the use of pesticides. Ineffective actions of pesticide dealers, government regulations, and illiteracy of farmers are the main causes of the reckless use of pesticides. Therefore, special attention should be paid towards sustainable approaches of pesticide spraying and use of safety gears like personal protective equipment, for protection of human and environmental health.

Genetically engineered varieties and applied pesticide toxicity in U.S. maize and soybeans: Heterogeneous and evolving impacts

The extensive adoption of genetically engineered (GE) varieties in U.S. agriculture has dramatically changed the patterns of pesticide use. How this process ultimately affects environmental risk remains an open question. Previous studies have typically relied on aggregate trends to infer the impact of GE crop adoption on pesticide use, which fails to address selection bias and unobserved heterogeneity. We overcome this limitation by analyzing applied pesticide toxicity using farm-level fixed effects models, estimated with rich plot-level data on >200,000 seed and pesticide choices by U.S. maize and soybean farmers during the 1998–2016 period. We find that applied toxicity was, on average, lowered by the adoption of GE varieties across four target organism groups: mammals, birds, fish, and honey bees. However, most of the toxicity benefits conferred by GE adoption dissipated over time. For herbicide tolerant varieties, this was due to the increased use of old-line herbicides by GE adopters, a likely consequence of the growing problem of glyphosate weed resistance. Applied honey bee toxicity saw the sharpest increase during the GE era, but most of this increase was driven by the adoption of neonicotinoid seed treatments, rather than GE insect resistant traits.

The Prevention of Pesticide Risk Toxicity among Farmers on Food Estate Humbang Hasundutan

This PPM activity is one of the community empowerment activities to increase the capacity of farmers, especially increasing safety and health behavior while using pesticides. The prevention program carried out in the form of a community movement to reduce the risk of pesticide toxicity is called GEMPAR (Gerakan Masyarakat Petani Atasi Racun). GEMPAR consists of eight action activities as a farmer movement in reducing the risk of toxicity due to the use of pesticides. GEMPAR in the PPM activity was carried out as a prevention effort which was promoted through FGD activities, demonstrations, and brainstorming. Farmers in the Food Estate are classified as farmers who work with the company so that the pattern of pesticide use is included in the regular category in determining the dose and type of pesticide used. However, the application of pesticides is still classified as very dangerous where direct contact with pesticides is very high. GEMPAR as a health solution responded very well and increased awareness of Food Estate farmers to improve pesticide use patterns. Each farmer acts as an agent of change who can comprehensively expand GEMPAR information through the promotion of the message of the eight GEMPAR actions which are divided into primary, secondary, and tertiary prevention actions.

Carbofuran residues in soil and consumption risks among farmers growing vegetables in Ubon Ratchathani Province, Thailand

<abstract> <p>Farmers in Khi Lek Subdistrict, Muang District, Ubon Ratchathani Province, Thailand have been known to persistently use pesticides, especially carbofuran, in their agricultural fields. This indeed poses a risk to farmers' health and ecosystem. However, there has been no report pointing out this problem. The purpose of this study was to determine carbofuran residues in soil in four villages in Khi Lek Subdistrict, Muang District, Ubon Ratchathani Province, Thailand, where pesticides were widely used for vegetables. The quick, easy, cheap, effective, rugged and safe (QuEChERS) method was used to extract the samples, which were then analyzed utilizing high-performance liquid chromatography with a mass spectrometry detector. The health risks of carbofuran exposure through soil ingestion among 485 farmers were investigated by using the hazard quotient (HQ). The concentration of carbofuran in 10 soil samples was less than 0.01 mg/kg. The overall average of the farmers' daily dose of carbofuran in Villages 5, 8, 9 and 10 ranged from 3.9×10<sup>-9</sup> mg/kg-day to 5×10<sup>-9</sup> mg/kg-day, and the hazard quotient (HQ) indicated an acceptable level for health risks. However, this study found that 98.97% of the farmers ate food and 97.53% drank water while farming. As a result of this, they may still be exposed to pesticides. Since the factors contributing to human health risks include the length of exposure, frequency of exposure, and farmer body weight, this study suggests that the government should be concerned because the current pattern of pesticide use still poses an immediate health risk to the farmers. While The farmers should be trained in safe pesticide usage while safe pesticide practice should also be promoted.</p> </abstract>

Historical trends of the ecotoxicological pesticide risk from the main grain crops in Rolling Pampa (Argentina).

We showed the results of the first long-term analysis (1987–2019) of pesticide (herbicides, fungicides and insecticides) impact in the Rolling Pampa, one of the main agricultural areas of Argentina. Using a clear and meaningful tool, based not only on acute toxicity but also on scaling up the results to total sown area, we identified time trends for both pesticide impact and the ecoefficiency of modal pesticide profiles. By the end of the time series, soybean showed a pesticide impact four times greater than maize crop in the studied area. However, the time trend in the subperiod (2012–2019) showed a sustainable pattern of pesticide use in soybean crop, with an improvement in its ecoefficiency. Oppositely, maize showed a relatively constant ecoefficiency value during most of the time series, suggesting a possible path towards an unsustainable cropping system. Findings from this study suggest that some efforts have to be made to improve the pest management decisions towards a more efficient pesticide profiles in maize crop and to keep improving the ecotoxicity pesticide profile in soybean crops because of its large sown area in the studied area.

Identifying agricultural pesticides that may pose a risk for birds.

In this study, we analyze changing patterns of pesticide use in agriculture in Great Britain over the 1990–2016 period, with respect to the risk they pose to birds. The weight of pesticides applied decreased by 51% between 1990 and 2016, but the area treated increased by 63% over the same period. Over this period, there has been considerable turnover in the pesticides used. The European Union (including Great Britain until 2020) has restricted or banned many pesticides for agricultural use, including organophosphates and carbamates. However, new generations of active substances have been introduced, such as the neonicotinoids, some of which have since been banned. In this analysis, we estimate the annual ‘toxic load’ of agricultural pesticide use in Great Britain for birds, measured as the total number of LD50 doses for corn buntings, Emberiza calandra. We have previously performed similar analyses for bees, for which the total toxic load increased six-fold during this period. In contrast, for birds the total toxic load fell by 80.5%, although still correspond to 8.3e+11 corn bunting LD50 doses in 2016. The decrease in toxicity is largely due to declining use of highly toxic organophosphates in recent years. We identify the pesticides in current use that may pose the highest risk to birds, which include a mix of insecticides, herbicides, fungicides, molluscicides, acaricides and plant growth regulators. The insecticide ethoprop was ranked highest in 2016, with a toxic load of 71 billion potential corn bunting kills. Some of the other chemicals presenting a high toxic load, such as the herbicide chlormequat, are not highly toxic to birds (in terms of LD50) but are used in very large quantities. However, it is important to stress that, in reality, only a tiny proportion of pesticides applied will be ingested by birds, and this will vary according to timing and method of application, persistence of the active substance and many other factors. We further note that impacts of pesticides on birds might often be indirect, for example via depleting their food supply, and that sublethal impacts may occur at much lower doses than the LD50, neither of which do we investigate here. Nonetheless, we suggest that this is a useful approach to highlight pesticides that might be worth closer study with regard to possible impacts.

The association between health literacy and pesticide use behaviors among sweet corn farmers in the Pak Chong district of Thailand: a cross-sectional study.

Background: Pesticide toxicity is an important health problem in Thailand due to the intensive use of hazardous pesticides. This study aimed to determine and discuss patterns of pesticide use, health literacy, pesticide use behaviors and whether there is an association between health literacy and pesticide use behaviors among sweet corn farmers in the Pak Chong district, Thailand. Methods: This work was carried out between May 2017-July 2017 and 161 participants were enrolled. Participant questionnaires were completed during face-to-face interviews. Results: This study found the response rate was 98.98%. 161 farmers were interviewed about patterns of chemical pesticide use. Two of the pesticides used in the pre-planting phase were moderately toxic: paraquat (used by 55.2% of farmers) and imidacloprid (used by 15.5% of farmers). In the pre-emergence phase, participants reported using two moderately toxic pesticides: alachlor (used by 48.8% of farmers) and chlorpyrifos (used by 2.4% of farmers). At the post-emergence phase, participants reported using six moderately toxic pesticides: chlorpyrifos (used by 60.7% of farmers), paraquat (used by 38.1% of farmers), imidacloprid (used by 7.2% of farmers), 2-4D (used by 3.6% of farmers), abamectin (used by 3.6% of farmers) and cypermethrin (used by 1.2% of farmers). Health literacy levels were moderate level (Mean score = 91.62, SD = ± 7.06) and pesticide use behaviors were low level (Mean score = 67.80, SD = ± 4.04). When examining the association between health literacy and pesticide use behaviors, we found that functional literacy was significantly associated with pesticide use behaviors. This suggests that health literacy, which includes self-management and decision-making skills, should be given greater attention as pesticide use behaviors were unsafe. Conclusion: It may be necessary to develop approaches to reduce pesticide use and promote health literacy, thereby protecting farmers, consumers, the environment (soil, water, and air) and ecosystems from pesticide-related hazards.

The association between health literacy and pesticide use behaviors among sweet corn farmers in the Pak Chong district of Thailand: a cross-sectional study

Background: Pesticide toxicity is an important health problem in Thailand due to the intensive use of hazardous pesticides. This study aimed to determine and discuss patterns of pesticide use, health literacy, pesticide use behaviors and whether there is an association between health literacy and pesticide use behaviors among sweet corn farmers in the Pak Chong district, Thailand. Methods: This work was carried out between May 2017-July 2017 and 161 participants were enrolled. Participant questionnaires were completed during face-to-face interviews. Results: This study found the response rate was 98.98%. 161 farmers were interviewed about patterns of chemical pesticide use. Two of the pesticides used in the pre-planting phase were moderately toxic: paraquat (used by 55.2% of farmers) and imidacloprid (used by 15.5% of farmers). In the pre-emergence phase, participants reported using two moderately toxic pesticides: alachlor (used by 48.8% of farmers) and chlorpyrifos (used by 2.4% of farmers). At the post-emergence phase, participants reported using six moderately toxic pesticides: chlorpyrifos (used by 60.7% of farmers), paraquat (used by 38.1% of farmers), imidacloprid (used by 7.2% of farmers), 2-4D (used by 3.6% of farmers), abamectin (used by 3.6% of farmers) and cypermethrin (used by 1.2% of farmers). Health literacy levels were moderate level (Mean score = 91.62, SD = ± 7.06) and pesticide use behaviors were low level (Mean score = 67.80, SD = ± 4.04). When examining the association between health literacy and pesticide use behaviors, we found that functional literacy was significantly associated with pesticide use behaviors. This suggests that health literacy, which includes self-management and decision-making skills, should be given greater attention as pesticide use behaviors were unsafe. Conclusion: It may be necessary to develop approaches to reduce pesticide use and promote health literacy, thereby protecting farmers, consumers, the environment (soil, water, and air) and ecosystems from pesticide-related hazards.

The association between health literacy and pesticide use behaviors among sweet corn farmers in the Pak Chong district of Thailand: a cross-sectional study

Background: Pesticide toxicity is an important health problem in Thailand due to the intensive use of hazardous pesticides. This study aimed to determine and discuss patterns of pesticide use, health literacy, pesticide use behaviors and whether there is an association between health literacy and pesticide use behaviors among sweet corn farmers in the Pak Chong district of Thailand. Methods: This work was carried out between May 2017 and July 2017 and 161 participants were enrolled. Participant questionnaires were completed during face-to-face interviews. Results: 161 sweet corn farmers (89.98%) were interviewed about patterns of chemical pesticide use. Two of the pesticides used in the pre-planting phase were moderately toxic: paraquat (used by 55.2% of farmers) and imidacloprid (used by 15.5% of farmers). In the pre-emergence phase, participants reported using two moderately toxic pesticides: alachlor (used by 48.8% of farmers) and chlorpyrifos (used by 2.4% of farmers). At the post-emergence phase, participants reported using six moderately toxic pesticides: chlorpyrifos (used by 60.7% of farmers), paraquat (used by 38.1% of farmers), imidacloprid (used by 7.2% of farmers), 2-4D (used by 3.6% of farmers), abamectin (used by 3.6% of farmers) and cypermethrin (used by 1.2% of farmers). Health literacy levels were moderate level (Mean score = 91.62, SD = ± 7.06) and pesticide use behaviors were low level (Mean score = 67.80, SD = ± 4.04). When examining the association between health literacy and pesticide use behaviors, we found that functional literacy was significantly associated with pesticide use behaviors. These findings suggest that health literacy, which includes self-management and decision-making skills, should be given greater attention as pesticide use behaviors were unsafe. Conclusion: It may be necessary to develop approaches to reduce pesticide use and promote health literacy, thereby protecting farmers, consumers, the environment (soil, water, and air) and ecosystems from pesticide-related hazards.

Effects of S-metolachlor and its degradation product metolachlor OA on marbled crayfish (Procambarus virginalis)

Increasing production of energy crops in Europe, mainly maize and rapeseed, has altered patterns of pesticide use in recent decades. The long-term effects of S-metolachlor (S-M) and of its metabolite metolachlor OA (M-OA) at the environmentally relevant concentration of 4.2 μg L−1 and at 42 μg L−1 (ten-fold concentration) on marbled crayfish (Procambarus virginalis) were evaluated in a 28-day exposure and after a subsequent 28-day recovery period. Indicators assessed were behaviour; biochemical haemolymph profile; oxidative and antioxidant parameters of gill, hepatopancreas, and muscle; and histology of hepatopancreas and gill. Results showed biochemical haemolymph profile (lactate, alanine aminotransferase, aspartate aminotransferase, inorganic phosphate), lipid peroxidation in hepatopancreas, and antioxidant parameters (catalase, reduced glutathione, glutathione S-transferase) of hepatopancreas and gill of crayfish exposed to S-M and M-OA to significantly differ from controls (P < 0.01). Antioxidant biomarker levels remained different from controls after a 28-day recovery period. Differences in behaviour including speed of movement and velocity, and histopathological damage to gill and hepatopancreas were associated with S-M and M-OA exposure and persisted after 28 days in S-M- and M-OA-free water. Results suggest harmful effects of low concentrations of S-M and its metabolite M-OA on non-target organisms and provide information for assessing their effects at environmentally relevant concentrations.

Rapid rise in toxic load for bees revealed by analysis of pesticide use in Great Britain.

A strong argument can be made that the European Union has the most rigorous regulatory system for pesticides in the world, and that modern pesticide use poses fewer environmental threats than older regimes. Nevertheless, the impacts of pesticides on bees and other non-target organisms are much debated in Europe as elsewhere. Here we document changing patterns of pesticide use in arable and horticultural crops in Great Britain from 1990 to 2015. The weight of pesticides used has approximately halved over this period, but in contrast the number of applications per field nearly doubled. The total potential kill of honeybees (the total number of LD50 doses applied to the 4.6 million hectares of arable farmland in Great Britain each year) increased six-fold to approximately 3 × 1016 bees, the result of the increasing use of neonicotinoids from 1994 onwards which more than offset the effect of declining organophosphate use. It is important to stress that this does not mean that this number of bees will be killed, and also to acknowledge that our simple analysis does not take into account many factors such as differences in persistence, and timing and mode of application of pesticides, which will affect actual exposure of non-target organisms. Nonetheless, all else being equal, these data suggest that the risk posed by pesticides to non-target insects such as bees, other pollinators and natural enemies of pests, has increased considerably in the last 26 years.

Pesticides in indoor and outdoor residential dust: a pilot study in a rural county of Taiwan

We conducted a pilot study to examine pesticides in dust of homes in a rural county of Taiwan. A total of 56 homes of pregnant women were included in the study. Indoor and outdoor dust was collected by a vacuum sampler and a dustpan/brush set, respectively. Nine pesticides were selected for analysis on gas chromatography-mass spectrometry with the detection limits being 0.088ng/g or lower. The most detected pesticides were cypermethrin and chlorpyrifos, which appeared in 82.7 and 78.8% of indoor samples and 48.2 and 39.3% of outdoor samples, respectively. The detection of pesticides from indoor and outdoor dust, however, was not consistent, indicating different sources of pesticides. In addition to those two most detected, permethrin, prallethrin, and tetramethrin, which were common ingredients of insecticide products for indoor use, were also frequently found in indoor dust, suggesting that indoor use of such pesticide products may have been a major source. Fewer pesticides were found in outdoor dust, but the outdoor detection of chlorpyrifos was significantly associated with farms present inside the circles with radii of 50 and 100m surrounding the homes (P = 0.021, 0.016). It is suggested that pesticide drift from agricultural areas to residential environments may have occurred. No seasonal effect on distribution of pesticides in dust was found, indicating that pesticides could be routinely used in Taiwan regardless of season. Compared with other international studies, this study shows relatively high levels of chlorpyrifos but low levels of pyrethroids (i.e., cypermethrin), reflecting a different pattern of pesticide use in Taiwan. Further studies need to be warranted for a better understanding of exposure to pesticides and the associated health effects.

Use of genetically modified crops and pesticides in Brazil: growing hazards.

Genetically modified (GM) crops were officially authorized in Brazil in 2003. In this documentary study, we aimed to identify possible changes in the patterns of pesticide use after the adoption of this technology over a span of 13 years (2000 to 2012). The following variables were analyzed: Pesticide use (kg), Pesticide use per capita (kg/inhab), Pesticide and herbicide use per area (kg/ha) and productivity (kg/ha). Contrary to the initial expectations of decreasing pesticide use following the adoption of GM crops, overall pesticide use in Brazil increased 1.6-fold between the years 2000 and 2012. During the same period, pesticide use for soybean increased 3-fold. This study shows that the adoption of GM crops in Brazil has led to an increase in pesticide use with possible increases in environmental and human exposure and associated negative impacts.

Complete blood count, cholinesterase, and renal function of organophosphate sprayers in Kulonprogo

Background: There are several risks to health associated with pesticide use. The use of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) can minimize pesticide exposure to farmers. The aim of this study was to determine the basic characteristics of farmers, blood parameters (complete blood count, cholinesterase, and creatinine), patterns of pesticide use, and the use of PPE. Methods: This research was a cross-sectional study, with total sampling method. The data were taken from all farmers in Kulonprogo, Yogyakarta, Indonesia. Case group was organophosphate sprayers that have sprayed organophosphate for more than 1 year. Results: In case of group, there were 36 farmers (31 male and 5 female), while in control group, there were 11 persons (4 male and 7 female). The mean blood cholinesterase level in the exposed group was 7.8 ± 2.01Ku/L and in the control group 8.7± 1.56 Ku/L. The mean of exposed group blood urea nitrogen: 12.08±3.88 mmol/L and control Group: 11.4±3.11 mmol/L. The mean of blood creatinine was within normal limits (case group: 0.9 ± 0.17mg/dl and control group: 0.7 ± 0.19 mg/dl), but there were significant differences between them (p : 0.015). Conclusions: The results of a complete blood count, cholinesterase, and renal function in the organophosphate sprayers In Kulonprogro were within normal limits. There was an increase of creatinine levels on exposed group significantly, although still within normal limit. They have sufficient rest period for farmers (1 month) in every planting season. It is necessary to educate farmers about the importance of using PPE and management of acute pesticide poisoning.

Patterns of acute poisoning with pesticides in the paediatric age group

BackgroundPesticides are identified as one of the dangerous poisons globally in children and are associated with increased short- and long-term morbidity. Pesticide poisoning is the most common method of self-poisoning among adults in rural Sri Lanka, and the clinical management is associated with significant healthcare costs to the country. There is however little data published on acute pesticide poisoning among children in rural Sri Lanka. The current study aimed to comprehensively evaluate clinical profiles, harmful first aid measures, emergency clinical management, complications and outcomes related to acute pesticide poisoning among children in the rural community of Sri Lanka.MethodsThis multicenter study was conducted in the North Central Province of Sri Lanka involving all children with acute pesticide poisoning and who were between 9 months and 12 years of age. Data were collected over 7 years (2007–2014), and children from 36 hospitals were recruited. Data collection was carried out by pretested, multi-structured, interviewer-administered questionnaires to identify clinical profiles of children, harmful first aid measures, emergency clinical management, reasons for delayed management, complications and outcomes of pesticide poisoning events.ResultsAmong 1621 children with acute poisoning, 9.5% (155) comprised children with acute pesticide poisoning. Male children outnumbered female children, and the majority of children were less than 5 years. Most common pesticides implicated in poisoning of children were organophosphates and carbamates. Gastrointestinal and neurological symptoms were predominant clinical features. Limited transport and lack of concern regarding urgency among caregivers were leading reasons for delayed management. Most common location for poisoning was cultivation lands. Harmful first aid measures were practiced in 32.4%. 7.1% had intentional pesticide poisoning. The case fatality rate of all pesticide poisonings in the study was 1.9%. 58.1% of patients were transferred between regional hospitals and teaching hospital. Cardiac and respiratory arrests, aspiration pneumonia and convulsions were among the reported complications.ConclusionsAcute pesticide poisoning in paediatric age group (<12 years) is a relatively uncommon yet significant cause of child health-related morbidity and mortality in rural Sri Lanka. Patterns of poisoning represent the pattern of pesticide use by the rural community. The practice of harmful first aid measures by caregivers and delay in attending the emergency department may negatively impact patient outcomes.

Patterns of Pesticide Use and Associated Factors Among the Commercial Farmers of Chitwan, Nepal.

Farmers in developing countries are exposed to pesticide hazards due to unsafe handling. This study was conducted to identify the prevailing practices of pesticide use and factors affecting the handling of pesticides among the farmers of Chitwan, Nepal. A cross-sectional study was conducted among 125 farmers. None of the farmers completely followed all the protective measures. About 59% disposed the empty pesticide containers to a nearby water source and 62% preferred house ceilings as a storage place. Males (aOR = 3.99, CI = 1.63–9.78) and older farmers (aOR = 6.18, CI = 2.59–14.72) were more likely to smoke or chew tobacco during the process of spray. Males (aOR = 2.42, CI = 1.03–5.67), literate farmers (aOR = 3.56, CI = 1.51–8.33), and farmers aware of color coding (aOR = 2.67, CI = 1.13–5.67) were more likely to read the labels on pesticide bottles. In spite of an extensive use of pesticides, the farmers were not following proper and safe handling practices, exposing them and the community to a potential pesticide hazard.

Determinants of farmers’ decisions on pesticide use in oriental tobacco: a survey of common practices

Information about pesticide use and perceptions of their risks among farmers is important for identifying problems associated with pest-control decisions and developing appropriate management practices in given crops. In tobacco, a plant sensitive to many pests and diseases, such information is lacking. The patterns of pesticide use in oriental tobacco, as well as the most important factors for farmers’ decisions relating to chemical pest control were studied among randomly selected farmers in northern Greece on the basis of self-reported information acquired through a pre-tested questionnaire. High reliance of farmers on pesticides and field use of all well-known classes of chemical pesticides were reported. While all the active ingredients reported were registered for pest control in tobacco, they differed considerably in terms of toxicity. A normal cropping season received at least 14–16 pesticide applications for soil disinfection, pest control, and weed control. Most farmers stated that they usually spray chemicals on a calendar basis or on the first appearance of a pest. Efficacy on target pests and market price of the pesticide products to be used were the most important criteria for selection of pesticides, i.e. products that are considered to be highly effective and/or that are cheap are more likely to be selected. Better-educated and more experienced farmers were found to pay more attention to environmental safety and pesticide toxicity. Most farmers felt that pesticide use can reduce crop damage by more than 75%, assuring high yields. Main determinants of pesticide use were primarily the fear of severe yield and economic losses and the doubts about the effectiveness and the correct implementation of alternative pest-control methods. Pesticide use could be reduced by exposing farmers to improved pest-control practices such as site-specific integrated pest management.