Proper Use Of Pesticides Research Articles

Smartphone access, digital economy, and pesticide use intensity: Evidence from China

Pesticide overuse has been an increasing concern in China. Digital technology, such as smartphone access, is considered an effective way to promote proper use of pesticides. Using the Chinese Extended Family Database (2015, 2017, and 2019), this study empirically examines the impact of smartphone access on pesticide use intensity among Chinese farmers. The results show a “double-edged sword” effect of smartphone access on pesticide use intensity. In rural areas with a low level of digital economy, greater smartphone access led to higher pesticide use intensity. In rural areas with a high digital economy level, smartphone access reduced pesticide use intensity. The study results show that reducing pesticide use intensity through digital technology is not a linear process but a complicated one that involves social and engineering integration, including an increase in access to smartphones, development of a regional digital economy, reconstruction of agricultural extension systems, and enhancement of the capacity of digital technology.

Assessing the Impact of Better Cotton Production Initiatives Taken by Small Farmers in District Tando Allahyar, Sindh, Pakistan within the Context of the Circular Economy

Cotton is an important source of income for small farm holders in India and Pakistan. Production of cotton in Pakistan is lesser than potential due to different socio-economic factors, effective decision-making, lack of proper marketing, high insect/pests attack and less use of fertilizer (Abbas, et al 2017). Present study was carried out to study the impact of Better Cotton (BT) production initiatives taken by small farmers in district Tando Allahyar Sindh Pakistan. Results show that the Farmer Field School (FFS) training in cotton is very beneficial for farmers by creating awareness regarding the proper use of pesticides, fertilizers there by increasing cotton yield and reducing farmer’s exposure to use poisonous pesticides which in turn decrease, human and animal health hazards. Results revealed that average revenue per acre was Rs.93800 while the average cost of production was 38635.81 per acre. Average net income per acre stood at Rs.55165.19 for small farmers who adopted better cotton production initiatives in district Tando Allahyar. Government should arrange such training programs at the national level, take actions against distribution and usage of banned and un-registered pesticides and incorporate the same at policy level.

Enhancing Agricultural Sustainability in Pakistan: Addressing Challenges and Seizing Opportunities through Effective Plant Disease Management

Pakistan’s agricultural sector is essential for the country’s economy, food security, and poverty reduction. However, it faces challenges such as water scarcity, land degradation, low productivity, climate change and infestation of pests and diseases. Addressing these challenges requires targeted interventions such as better soil management practices, improved access to high-quality seeds, and efficient water management practices. Pest and disease management is a crucial component of successful crop production. Effective management involves a range of tactics, including integrated pest and disease management, cultural practices, resistant crop varieties, and proper pesticide use. However, there are concerns about the potential negative impacts of chemical pesticides, highlighting the need for more sustainable and environmentally friendly alternatives. By combining different control methods and tailoring them to specific situations, farmers can minimize economic losses and improve crop productivity while promoting environmental sustainability and human health. It is important to continue researching and developing new pest and disease management strategies to ensure that farmers have access to the most effective and sustainable practices. Smallholder farmers must be made aware of these practices and provided with education, subsidies, and credit. Implementing these measures can increase productivity, improve incomes, and contribute to the country’s economic development

Assessing the Overuse and Health Costs of Pesticide Use in Crop Cultivation: Findings from a Micro-level Study

Pesticides are widely used in agricultural production to prevent and control pests, diseases, weeds, and other plant pathogens to reduce or eliminate yield losses and maintain high product quality. Chemical pesticides can cause undesirable effects on human health and also to the environment because of misuse that concerned with its overuse and exposure to human health and environment. This paper made an attempt to examine the current pesticide use practices for agriculture in Keraniganj Upazilla of Dhaka district in Bangladesh. It analyzed the overuse of pesticide and short-term health costs of pesticide exposure using primary data purposively collected from 60 farmers from the study area. It found that the farmers used 21479.4 grams of extra pesticides commonly used in Bangladesh than the recommended amounts that should be used for the 5 different types of crops: boro paddy, cauliflower, potato, eggplant, red leaf vegetable, and gourd leaf vegetable for per acre of land. This generates an additional production cost of Tk.65,640.07 per acre in each growing season. Using the cost of illness (COI) method it is founded that the average health cost generated from pesticide application was estimated to be Tk.284.09 for one incidence of pesticide use related health problem. About 3.3% of the pesticide applicators were found to face breathing problem, 10% faced skin diseases, 13.3% diarrhea, 8.3% eye irritation and 18.3% headache because of pesticide pollution. It is also understood that 88.3% of the surveyed farmers were unaware about the side-effects of pesticide use, while 98.3% applicators did not use any special dress or personal protective equipment (PPE) and 61.7% used no mask during pesticide application in their crop fields. It is also found that there is an absence of bio-pesticide use in the study area. Based on the study findings this paper indicates that there is a need for rigorous training and knowledge sharing efforts among the pesticide applicators in the study area as well as in the entire country. Policy makers and the Agriculture Extension Department (AED) thus are particularly expected to address the issue with utmost importance to ensure proper use of pesticides for agriculture in the country.

Symptoms of Pesticide Intoxication Among Vegetable Farmers in Gowa Regency, Indonesia

Farmers and pesticides are two inseparable things. Pesticides are one the toxic chemicals in the agricultural sector and use to control pests and weeds in the process of getting maximum yields. This study aimed to determine the symptoms of pesticide intoxication in vegetable farmers in Gowa Regency, Indonesia. This type of study was an analytical survey with a cross-sectional study design. The number of samples was 42 people consisting of vegetable farmers who were still actively working as pesticide sprayers and was determined by purposive sampling. For collecting data, it used interviews and screening for poisoning symptoms. Data were processed by tabulating (mentioning each participant in the study group) following the grouping of the variables examined and analyzed using the chi-square test. The results showed that the most common symptoms of pesticide intoxication were felt by farmers, namely muscle pain, headaches, and dizziness. This study found a relationship between spraying methods, personal hygiene, and personal protective equipment to symptoms of pesticide intoxication (p<0.05). This study recommends that vegetable farmers pay attention to the proper use of pesticides to minimize pesticide intoxication in the body.

Education on the Impact of Pesticide Exposure on the Health of Vegetable Farmers

Pesticides are chemicals used in agriculture to prevent and eradicate plant pests that have the potential to interfere with agricultural output. Excessive use of pesticides without regard to applicable safety standards will have the opportunity to be directly exposed to dangerous pesticide active ingredients. This behavior can have a negative impact on health, one of which is pesticide poisoning. Most of the vegetable farmers in Garuda Sakti do not understand the dangers of pesticides, so education is needed about the impact of pesticides on health and the environment. This effort is made to increase farmers' understanding of the proper use of pesticides so as to prevent the adverse effects of pesticides.

Early Detection of Esca Disease in Asymptomatic Vines by Raman Spectroscopy

Early detection of esca disease in grapevines is fundamental to calibrating proper pesticide use in sustainable vineyard management systems. This article is a proof of concepts showing that the Raman spectroscopy (RS) combined with a chemometric analysis can be used as a nondestructive sensor to implement precision agriculture for early detection of the disease through a new biochemical marker. Symptomatic and symptomless branches from an esca-developing vine and from healthy esca-free vines from a vineyard were investigated by RS and chemometrics, using the final outcome of the specific disease syndrome as the final benchmark. As a result, the model is always able to correctly classify all the test samples, showing auspicious results to perform precision agriculture-based future therapeutic approaches.

Effects of Pesticides on Amphibians and Tentative Solutions: Review

Amphibians are among the main affected non-target groups, victim of pesticides. This review puts into evidence worldwide studies on lethal and sub-lethal effects of pollutants on amphibians and proposes solutions to handle the issue. Literature review was carried out from articles and books, on 123 studies. The number of pesticide formulations used worldwide in very high. Pesticide effect on the environment and the biota in general have been assessed in many studies using tools such as biomonitoring, bioassays in laboratory and semi-field conditions and Ecological Risk Assessment (EcoRA) with models. The ecological effects of pollutants are varied and often inter-related. Effects in the organism or at the ecological level are usually considered an early warning indicator of potential human health impact. Effects can either be lethal or sub-lethal comprising cancer, tumours, lesions, reduction of reproductive potential, immune suppression, disruption of endocrine system, cellular and Deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) damage, and teratogenic effects. Amphibian conservation can be done via the protection of genetic resources, cleaning habitat, sustainable harvesting, captive breeding, cloning and reintroduction programmes. Proper use of pesticides and reinforcement of regulation remains a necessity to protect environmental health.

Assessment of Farmers’ Health Risk Due to Pesticide Uses in Winter Vegetables at Selected Areas of Bogura District, Bangladesh

Farmers are facing various kinds of health problems due to exposure of pesticides. This study was conducted to find out the use of pesticides and their related health hazards to vegetable farmers. Data was collected by using a structured questionnaire from seventy-five vegetable cultivators of three different villages at Shajahanpur Upazila under Bogura district Bangladesh, from November to December 2021. The findings showed that the utmost used pesticide was Benzol 5 EC (used by 40% interviewed farmers), followed by Hexaconazol 5%, Amamectin 1% + Acetamiprid 3%, Cloropairiphos 50% + Chypermethin 5%, Chypermethin 10%, Lamda chyhelothrin 2.5%, Mancozeb 80 %. Mascut 550 EC had been reported as mostly used pesticide for which the frequency was recorded as 28 times. Diefenaconazol 15% + Propiconazol 15% were the highest using dose (7.5 kg/ha) in vegetable farms. Around 35% of the farmers reported the increasing rate of pesticide application in last 5 years whereas 52% of respondents reported that the amount was the same. No health risk was found for most of the interviewed farmers (65%) during applying pesticide whereas 35 percent of the interviewed farmers claimed that they faced some negative health symptoms. Twenty percent of respondents reported that they experienced itching of eye, skin, and nose irritation while applying pesticide, 11 percent faced headache, 15 percent faced dry cough, 9 percent had a digestive problem, 11 percent faced difficulty in breathing, 5 percent had chest pain and 21 percent had no health problem. This study also specifies that the farmers of Bogura are not conscious of the proper use of pesticides and this kind of behavior results in serious health hazards. Alternative methods and programs especially Integrated Pest Management may be applied for environmentally friendly agricultural production in Bangladesh.

Pesticide Exposure and Health Risks: The Case of Pesticide Traders

There is a paucity of information worldwide on the health problems among pesticide traders that are occupationally exposed to pesticides. A study was conducted in the Sultanate of Oman to investigate pesticide handling and their health risk perception by pesticide traders, and how these are impacted by their level of education, training, and the use of personal protection equipment (PPE). A total of 63 traders were randomly selected in four Regions (Al Batinah, Al Dhahirah, Al Dakhiliyah and Al Sharqiyah) in the Sultanate of Oman. Participation was based on full informed consent and assurances of confidentiality. The survey adopted the interview format, using hard copies of questionnaires. About 90% of the traders with formal pesticide training used some form of PPE, compared to 19% among those with no pesticide training. All (100%) of the trained traders had knowledge of pesticide regulations, informed customers on the proper use of pesticides and knew that pesticides could be dangerous. The corresponding percentages among the untrained traders were 13, 12 and 60, respectively. Among all the traders, the most reported health symptoms were headache (73%), skin irritation (71.4%) and salivation (63.5%). In as much as many farm workers and other pesticide end-users depend on the traders for information on pesticides, it is suggested that training be made mandatory for all pesticide traders. The use of PPE should also be made mandatory and pesticide inspectors should be made to inspect the pesticide shops regularly to ensure compliance.

Knowledge of eggplant farmers on the proper use of pesticides in Khartoum State, Sudan

The knowledge of eggplant farmers on the proper use of pesticides was evaluated in Khartoum State. Questionnaire was distributed to farmers in North Nile Farms (NN), East Nile Farms (ENF), and West Nile Farms (WNF) to solicit information. Interviews and questionnaires revealed that there is a limited level of awareness among farmers. The majority (94%) of farmers did not abide by recommended disposal procedures, they only damage and bury the containers inside the farms. The majority of farmers (66%) were not aware of the safety period for any given product. The excessive use of pesticides in eggplant production and reliance only on pesticides as a pest management strategy calls for the implementation of IPM programs integrating the use of environmentally soft chemicals with other non-chemical control methods to manage pests and diseases. Safety periods should be carefully watched to reduce the level of residues in eggplant fruits below the acceptable level and to ensure sustainable and safe production.

Agroforestry Development Strategy in West Halmahera Regency, North Maluku

The structure of agroforestry management in West Halmahera Regency was mostly managed modestly and the primary constituents were annual plants (Multi-Purpose Tree Species). The study aimed to 1) describe agroforestry patterns and systems, 2) identify and analyze internal and external factors whichwere determinants of agroforestry development attempts, and 3) formulate priority strategies to accelerate agroforestry development. The research was conducted from March to June 2021. The results showed that the agroforestry patterns applied by farmers were Agrisilviculture and Agrosilvopasturemodes. Furthermore, the results of the SWOT analysis showed that the alternative strategies which could be offered were 1) Socialization by relevant parties to encourage the community to enhance forestry plant cultivation, for the sake of soil and water conservation, and also as a business opportunity. In this regard, the community needed to be assisted with quality seeds, in addition to optimizing the use of available seeds on the community’s lands; 2) Increasing the intensity of the implementation of guidance, counseling, and assistance, taking into account the conditions and problems faced by farmers in the field; 3) Boosting the intensity of education and training to develop community insights and skills regarding good cropping systems, proper use of pesticides, pest and disease prevention in plants. The three alternative strategies offered are to overcome the weaknesses and deal with the threats experienced shortly agroforestry development efforts.

Small-scale Farmer Pesticide Knowledge and Practice and Impacts on the Environment and Human Health in Ethiopia.

Background.Inappropriate use and application of pesticides in Ethiopia pose a major threat to the health of farmers and the environment.Objective.The present study aimed to assess the level of knowledge, attitudes, and practices of small-scale vegetable farmers towards the use of pesticides in Ethiopia along the Lake Ziway watershed.Methods.This was a cross-sectional study involving a total of 210 farmers randomly selected during a period of pesticide application from a purposively selected village located in the immediate vicinity of Lake Ziway, Ethiopia. Data were generated through structured in-depth interviews and on-site observations on farms. A Chi-square test was applied to evaluate whether the collected data and their probable associations were significant.Results.World Health Organization (WHO) class II pesticides (moderately toxic) were the most frequently used pesticides in the study area. There was no reported use of WHO classes 1a and 1b and banned or restricted pesticides such as dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane (DDT) and endosulfan. Most (92%) farmers reported indiscriminately disposing of empty containers in the field, while 86.7% applied the leftover pesticides to other crops. More than 90% of small-scale farmers did not use any personal protective equipment (PPE) when handling pesticides. About 95% of farmers had poor knowledge regarding pesticides. A significant association (p < 0.001) was observed between the knowledge of farmers and their practices related to pesticides.Conclusions.Generally, the knowledge of small-scale farmers on pesticides was poor. Moreover, the inappropriate disposal of pesticides and pesticide containers poses a risk to the environment. The findings of the present study underline the need to train farmers concerning the safe and proper use of pesticides to mitigate hazards to human health and the environment.Participant Consent.ObtainedEthics Approval.The study was granted an exemption from requiring ethics approval from the Hawassa University College of Natural and Computational Science, Research and Review Committee.Competing Interests.The authors declare no competing financial interests.

An orthogonal experimental design and QuEChERS based UFLC-MS/MS for multi-pesticides and human exposure risk assessment in Honeysuckle

Honeysuckle with outstanding medicinal and edible functions has attracted increasing world-wide attention. However, the inevitable use and residue of pesticides has caused serious threaten to its quality and safety, as well as human health. In this study, a modified QuEChERS based UFLC-MS/MS approach was developed for simultaneous determination of 23 pesticides in 64 real honeysuckle samples collected from different places of China. An orthogonal experimental design was introduced for optimized the crucial parameters for highly-efficient extraction of diverse pesticides in acetonitrile containing 1 % (v/v) acetic acid, with MgSO4, PSA and GCB as the adsorbents. 18 pesticides (incidence rate of 78.26 %) were detected in these honeysuckle samples with highest incidence rate (100 %) for carbendazim, thiophanate-methyl, metalaxyl, and chlorpyrifos. The incidence rate of officially-banned pesticides was 93.75 % with contents from 0.0097 to 0.22836 mg/kg. Imidacloprid, carbendazim, thiophanate-methyl and acetamiprid presented high residue levels more than the maximum linear concentration point of 0.8 mg/kg (200 ng/mL). Considering the possible health risks related to pesticide residues, risk assessment of human exposure to pesticides via intake of honeysuckle was evaluated, indicating negligible short- and long-term risks to human health. This study provides a robust platform for multi-pesticides monitoring in honeysuckle to promote the proper use of pesticides and protect the consumers from potential health risks associated with pesticide residues in honeysuckle.

Bibliographic review of phytopharmacovigilance actions and measures on plant protection products in Morocco

Plant protection products present major risks to human health. Like other countries, Morocco is adopting phytopharmacovigilance measures. These steps are part of Morocco’s integrated approach aiming the rational use of pesticides. A census of the various actions and measures undertaken by Morocco through the National Food Safety Office (ONSSA) in terms of monitoring and controlling the use of pesticides for agricultural use will be presented. Between 2018 and 2020, Morocco proceeded with the withdrawal of 15 active substances and 48 pesticides and the discharge of 10 tons of imported pesticides that did not comply with standards with a review of 10 active substances harmful to humans and animals. A quantity of 17641 tons of food products unfit for consumption by excess of pesticides, 136 tons of potatoes and 125 tons of mint were sent back and destroyed due to high maximum residue limits or use of unauthorized pesticides. In the same context, training workshops for farmers on the proper use of pesticides and the management of potential risks of poisoning are organized. As well as the adoption by the Moroccan government in 2020 of a law project to limit the use of dangerous pesticides and promote alternative methods.

Monitoreo de residuos de plaguicidas en ajíes dulces en mercados selectos de San José de Ocoa y Santo Domingo, República Dominicana

Los productos agrícolas dominicanos con fines de exportación se analizan constantemente en busca de residuos de plaguicidas. Algunos de estos agroalimentos presentan elevadas concentraciones de plaguicidas que sobrepasan los niveles máximos de residuos establecidos (LMR), convirtiéndose en una preocupación de seguridad alimentaria. El objetivo de este estudio fue identificar la presencia, tipos y concentraciones de 70 residuos de plaguicidas de uso común en el sector hortícola, en dos cultivares de ajíes, mediante la técnica de cromatografía de gases acoplada a espectrometría de masas (GC-MS), en mercados alimenticios seleccionados de la provincia San José de Ocoa y del Gran Santo Domingo. Desde enero del 2018 hasta junio del 2019, se recolectaron 117 muestras de ajíes dulces y estos fueron analizados utilizando la extracción de residuos múltiples QuEChERS, seguida de GC-MS. Se encontró que solo el 62 % cumplía con los LMR, siendo el clorfenapir y la cihalotrina los más frecuentemente detectados (27 y 19 muestras, respectivamente). También, se demostró la presencia de 19 variedades de plaguicidas, entre ellos dos organoclorados no permitidos: dicofol y diclorodifeniltricloroetano (DDT). Los altos niveles y la amplia variedad de residuos de pesticidas detectados en este proyecto sugieren la necesidad de promulgar regulaciones sobre el uso adecuado de pesticidas.

INFLUENCE OF DIETARY INTAKES, ‘WASH’ AND DIARRHEAL MORBIDITY ON STUNTING AMONG CHILDREN BELOW FIVE YEARS IN NAKURU COUNTY: A CASE STUDY OF KAPTEMBWO AND MILIMANI, KENYA

Stunting is the most prevalent and pervasive form of under nutrition worldwide. In 2019, an estimate of 144 million (21.3%) of children under the age of 5 years are stunted globally. In sub-Saharan Africa, 34% of children fewer than 5 years are stunted and the burden of stunting is most prevalent in the Eastern Africa region with 37% (FAO, 2017). In Kenya, out of a total of 7 million under 5 years, 1.82 million (26%) children are suffering from stunting; out of which 11.4% are severely stunted. Stunting is associated with greater risk of death from infectious diseases in childhood, poorer cognition, poorer educational outcomes and lower adult earnings. The study population was a total of 314 children aged 0-59 months. Data was collected using survey CTO questionnaire. Use of pesticides, hygiene practices and sanitation (human waste disposal), hand washing practices, water sources and means of water treatment were examined and adequately described in relation to EED and stunting. Survey CTO programme was installed in tablets and or smart phones, in which a questionnaire with closed ended questions was programmed and used to collect a no-paper work data. The Survey CTO programmed questionnaire only allowed the researcher to key in a response for one question before moving to the next question. Data was analyzed using SPSS version 22 software. Descriptive analysis was done using SPSS while regression was done using STATA. There was no significant difference in dietary intakes between children in Kaptembwo and Milimani, and that the dietary intakes in both Milimani and Kaptembwo were adequate and balanced. Out of 202 children sampled in Kaptembwo, 40.59% had experienced diarrhea in the last four weeks to data collection while out of 112 children sampled in Milimani, only 17% had experienced diarrhea in the last four weeks. In spite of the same dietary intakes in Kaptembwo and Milimani, stunting is high in Kaptembwo than in Milimani. Out of a total of 314 children sampled, 25% were stunted in Kaptembwo, while only 3.33% were stunted in Milimani. Diarrhea increases loss of dietary nutrients thereby making the nutrients required for growth inadequate. High level of stunting in Kaptembwo is associated with poor environmental conditions (poor sanitation and hygiene) which contribute to diarrhea. Diarrhea could be key contributor to Environmental Enteric Dysfunction (EED), which is too a contributor to stunting. It is recommended that residents of Kaptembwo and Milimani are educated on the importance of good sanitation and hygiene in order to curb diarrhea, which is a contributor to the development of EED. In the same spirit, understand the importance of proper use of pesticides. Experimental research was done in the same area involving the use of biological markers for EED.&#x0D; &#x0D; &lt;p&gt; &lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt; Article visualizations:&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src="/-counters-/edu_01/0720/a.php" alt="Hit counter" /&gt;&lt;/p&gt;

Relationship between farmers' knowledge and attitudes towards pesticide use and their sociodemographic characteristics: a cross-sectional study from north-western Turkey.

The determination of farmers' knowledge and attitudes towards pesticide use is very important in terms of preventing pesticide use-related short- and long-term damages. This study was aimed at investigating the relationship between the sociodemographic characteristics of farmers in Karacabey District of Bursa, a province in northwest Turkey, and their knowledge and attitudes towards pesticide use. This cross-sectional study was conducted in Karacabey district between December 2018 and April 2019. The sample size was calculated as 1924 using the Epi info program by assuming the prevalence as 50%, type I error as 5%, standard deviation as 3% and design effect as 2. The dependent variable of the study was the farmers' knowledge of and attitudes towards pesticide use whereas the independent variables were their sociodemographic characteristics. The relationship between the dependent and independent variables was analyzed using the chi-square test and binary logistic regression model. The mean score the participants obtained from the Knowledge and Attitude Index was 12.8±2.8 and the median value was 13. While 49.5% of the participating farmers obtained a score lower than the median, 51.5% of them obtained a score equal to or above the median. While advanced age increased the possibility of getting a low score from the Knowledge and Attitude Index 2.7 times, not being married increased it 35.7 times, not getting formal education increased it 30.1 times, living in a non-crowded household increased it 2.1 times, and low income (2000 Turkish liras equal to ≤$310 according to April 2019 exchange rates) increased it 3.1 times. The study indicated that the participating farmers' knowledge and attitudes towards the proper use of pesticides were inadequate, and that there was a strong relationship between their Knowledge and Attitude Index scores and their sociodemographic characteristics.

Knowledge, attitude and practice of pesticide use and serum cholinesterase levels among rice farmers in Nakhon Nayok Province, Thailand

PurposeThe study purposes were to investigate the knowledge, attitude and practice of pesticide use and to determine the levels of serum cholinesterase among rice farmers in Nakhon Nayok province, Thailand.Design/methodology/approachA cross-sectional study was carried out in communities in Nakhon Nayok Province, Thailand. Multistage random sampling was employed, selecting one person per each rice farmer household. Data was collected from 188 rice farmers using a structured face-to-face interview questionnaire. A reactive-paper finger-blood test was used to determine SChE levels. Chi-square test was used to determine the relationship between the practice of pesticide use and SChE levels.FindingsThe results indicated that the rice farmers had a fairly good knowledge and a neutral attitude toward the practice of pesticide use. Most of the respondents had a fairly proper practice of pesticide use. However, serum cholinesterase levels of the farmers were unsafe and risky. It signified that 68.1% of the farmers had a health risk from using pesticides. The prevalence of abnormal SChE levels among rice farmers with improper use was significantly higher than that among rice farmers who had a proper use.Research limitations/implicationsThe result provided a guideline for operational planning and control and prevention of health effects from pesticides use in farmers or other agriculturists who use pesticides in cultivation.Practical implicationsConcerned local agencies especially health-related agencies are able to conduct a training to educate and build safety awareness including monitoring continuously the safety behaviors toward pesticides use. It can be implemented by establishing leaders from health promoting hospitals led by village health volunteers, community leaders and participation from farmers to collaboratively monitor proper use of pesticides beginning with health surveillance in the abnormal SChE group to be screened for pesticide exposure every six months or one year.Social implicationsFarmers gained knowledge and understanding of pesticides use and used it properly, which resulted in a reduction of pesticide residues in body as well as in the environment. In addition, the government policy should legislate measures for related agencies to promote proper use of pesticides. For instance, Department of Agriculture, Minister of Agriculture and Cooperatives should regularly supervise, monitor and inspect the production and distribution of pesticides in local shops and also systematically encourage agriculturists to adopt using pesticides that are less harmful.Originality/valueHaving knowledge, understanding and proper practices toward pesticides use, farmers can reduce health effects of pesticides use in themselves and family members.

The effects of pesticides on respiratory system

&lt;b&gt;Introduction:&lt;/b&gt; Most of the pesticides have, by nature, some degree of toxicity because they are intended to kill certain organisms and thus create a risk of damage. The use of pesticides has raised serious concerns, mainly about the potential effects on human health and especially on respiratory system. Thousands of people (from 20,000 to 220,000) lose their life due to pesticide poisoning. Ninety nine percent of them (99%) live in developing countries. &lt;br&gt;&lt;b&gt;Purpose:&lt;/b&gt; To review the literature, to identify the harmful effects of pesticides on human health, and particularly on the respiratory system, and to define the ways of dealing with them. &lt;br&gt;&lt;b&gt;Materials and methods:&lt;/b&gt; Extensive review of the relevant literature was performed via electronic databases (Medline, Pubmed, Cihnal and Google scholar) and scientific journals (Greek and international) using the appropriate key words: pesticides, respiratory symptoms, pulmonary disease and a combination of them. &lt;br&gt;&lt;b&gt;Results: &lt;/b&gt;The effects on human health due to exposure to pesticides depend on a number of factors, including the category of pesticides involved, the amount and type of active substance, as well as their form, route of contamination, exposure time and pesticides' residual dose. Pesticides, especially those that inhibit the action of cholinesterase, lead to the onset of respiratory symptoms. A number of respiratory symptoms and diseases have been associated with occupational pesticide exposures, such as wheezing, asthma cough, phlegm, dyspnoea and influenza like syndrome are reported especially among agricultural workers. &lt;br&gt;&lt;b&gt;Conclusions:&lt;/b&gt; Pesticides are dangerous substances for the human body and especially for the respiratory system, if they are used without control. Proper use of pesticides can ensure both the quality of the environment and citizen's safety and health. New scientific data require periodic review of safety levels.