Knowledge, Attitudes, Practices and Biomonitoring of Farmers and Residents Exposed to Pesticides in Brazil

Abstract

In this study, the knowledge, attitudes and practices regarding pesticide use and the levels of exposure of farmers and residents to organophosphorous and/or carbamates pesticides were evaluated in two rural settings in Brazil. A questionnaire was completed by 112 farm workers aged ≥18 years. Almost all farmers acknowledged that pesticides were potentially harmful to their health (87.5%); however, over half rarely (48.2%) or never (7.2%) used personal protective devices (PPDs). An association was found (p = 0.001) between the work regimen and the use of PPDs, with more frequent equipment use among hired laborers than those involved in family agriculture. A significant correlation (p = 0.027) was found between the reporting of adverse symptoms and the use of backpack sprayers. Mean AChE activities of farmers (n = 64) and residents (n = 18) during the exposure and non-exposure periods were significantly lower than their control groups. Mean BChE activities of farmers and residents were significantly lower than their controls during the exposure period. Among the 60 farmers that had blood samples collected in both the exposure and non-exposure (baseline) periods, 10 (16.7%) had AChE depletion of over 30% during the exposure period compared with the baseline level. Six residents living on the same farms also presented this depletion. AChE was over 30% higher than the baseline level for 19 farmers (31.7%), indicating a reboot effect. Special education programs are needed in these regions to promote the safe use of pesticides in the field to decrease the risks from exposure to pesticides for farmers, and from secondary exposure to these compounds for their families.

Variations in Cholinesterase activity in Oil Palm Plantation Workers Exposed to Pesticides

“…Our results are different from those of (Juliana et al 2012;Bulgaroni and al. 2012;Joshaghani and al.…”

“…We observe that inhibition of enzymatic activity is higher in the majority of the population during the exposure phase (78.95%) than in the non-exposure phase (36.84%) with a significant difference (P = 0.0075). Our findings are consistent with Juliana et al (2012) who found the majority of workers that had ± 30% variation in enzymatic activity during the exposure period. For Fournier et al, (1970), decreases in blood activity of 50 to 70% of exposed individuals can be observed without associated clinical signs.…”

Reassessment of the potential economic impact of cattle parasites in Brazil

“…Traditionally, chemicals have been used to manage parasites, with an impact on the wellbeing and health of domestic animals, including food-producing livestock (ECOBICHON, 2001;OLIVEIRA PASIANI et al, 2012). However, indiscriminate use of chemical pesticides for veterinary use has driven parasite populations to become resistant to many of them (ANDREOTTI et al, 2011;KAPLAN;VIDYASHANKAR, 2012;CASTRO JANER et al, 2012).…”

Farmer's Knowledge, Attitudes and Practices, and their Exposure to Pesticide Residues after Application on the Vegetable and Fruit Crops. Case Study: North of Delta, Egypt

“…The majority of the farmers acknowledged that pesticides were harmful to their health and the environment. Also, farmer's knowledge for pesticide hazards was high, while the reported safety measures were poor [12][13][14][15][16][17][18][19][20][21][22][23][24][25].…”