Pesticides exposure in Culturama, Brazil--knowledge, attitudes, and practices

Cellular metabolism and health impacts of dichlorvos: Occurrence, detection, prevention, and remedial strategies-A review

Dichlorvos (2,2-Dichlorovinyl dimethyl phosphate, [DDVP]) belongs to the class of organophosphates and is widely used as an insecticide in agriculture farming and post-harvest storage units. Extensive research has been conducted to assess the factors responsible for the presence of DDVP in terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems, as well as the entire food chain. Numerous studies have demonstrated the presence of DDVP metabolites in the food chain and their toxicity to mammals. These studies emphasize that both immediate and chronic exposure to DDVP can disrupt the host's homeostasis, leading to multi-organ damage. Furthermore, as a potent carcinogen, DDVP can harm aquatic systems. Therefore, understanding the contamination of DDVP and its toxicological effects on both plants and mammals is vital for minimizing potential risks and enhancing safety in the future. This review aimed to comprehensively consolidate information about the distribution, ecological effects, and health impacts of DDVP, as well as its metabolism, detection, prevention, and remediation strategies. In summary, this study observes the distribution of DDVP contaminations in vegetables and fruits, resulting in significant toxicity to humans. Although several detection and bioremediation strategies are emerging, the improper application of DDVP and the alarming level of DDVP contamination in foods lead to human toxicity that requires attention.

Agricultural intensification and childhood cancer in Brazil

Over the last several decades, Brazil has become both the world's leading soy producer and the world's leading consumer of hazardous pesticides. Despite identified links between pesticide exposure and carcinogenesis, there has been little population-level research on the effects of pesticide intensification on broader human health in Brazil. We estimate the relationship between expanded soy production-and related community exposure to pesticides-on childhood cancer incidence using 15 y of data on disease mortality. We find a statistically significant increase in pediatric leukemia following expanded local soy production, but timely access to treatment mitigates this relationship. We show that pesticide exposure likely occurs via water supply penetration. Our findings represent only the tip of the iceberg for substantial health externalities of high-input crop production and land use change. Our results are of particular interest in developing contexts with demand for intensified food production systems and underscore the need for stronger regulation of pesticides and increased public health attention to exposure in the broader community.

Safety behavior in pesticide use among farmers of northern Greece: the role of information sources

BACKGROUND

Farmers' compliance with common safety practices in pesticide use (i.e., keeping records of pesticide applications, reading the information of pesticide labels, and taking protective measures during pesticide handling) and the use of information sources about pesticides were studied in a simple random sample of farmers in Evros Province, northern Greece.

RESULTS

According to the three common safety practices considered in the study, most farmers (56.9%) complied with safety practices. Nevertheless, a noticeable proportion of the farmers never kept records of pesticide applications (33.9%), never read the information of pesticide labels (20.2%), and never took protective measures during pesticide handling (24.8%). Farmers reported using up to six different sources of information about pesticides, but the majority (51.4%) reported using up to one source and almost one-third (33.9%) relied on own sources. The most common information source about pesticides was the staff of the agricultural supply stores, used by 88.1% of the farmers. Safety behavior was positively correlated with total sources of information (P < 0.01) and information by the agricultural supply stores (P < 0.01). Multiple regression analysis showed that safety behavior was reduced in females, whereas it was increased in farmers with high education, high number of plots, and high level of information sources.

CONCLUSION

Despite good levels of safety behavior by most farmers, keeping records of sprayings should be improved. Using multiple information sources about pesticides is crucial to improve safety behavior of farmers. © 2023 The Authors. Pest Management Science published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of Society of Chemical Industry.

The directed acyclic graph helped identify confounders in the association between coronary heart disease and pesticide exposure among greenhouse vegetable farmers

To explore the causal pathways associated with coronary heart disease (CHD) and pesticide exposure using a directed acyclic graph (DAG) analysis and to investigate the potential benefits of DAG by comparing it with logistic regression. This cross-sectional study enrolled 1368 participants from April 2015 to May 2017. Trained research investigators interviewed farmers using a self-administered questionnaire. Logistic regression and DAG models were used to identify the associations between CHD and chronic pesticide exposure. A total of 150 (11.0%) of the 1368 participants are characterized as having CHD. High pesticide exposure (odds ratio = 2.852, 95% confidence intervals: 1.951-4.171) is associated with CHD when compare with low pesticide exposure by both DAG and logistic analyses. After adjusting for the additional potential influence of factors identified by the DAG analysis, there is no significant association, such as the results in logistic regression: ethnicity, education level, settlement time, and mixed pesticide status. Specifically, age, meal frequency, and consumption of fresh fruit, according to the DAG analysis, are independent factors for CHD. High pesticide exposure is a risk factor for CHD as indicated by both DAG and logistic regression analyses. DAG can be a preferable improvement over traditional regression methods to identify sources of bias and causal inference in observational studies, especially for complex research questions.

Research on the recycling and disposal of Chinese pesticide packaging waste based on evolutionary game theory

This study aims to determine the optimal strategy and driving factors of the critical nodes of pesticide packaging waste recycling by constructing the recycling process of "village collection-town transport-county management." Counties, towns, and villages are the central nodes of collection, coordination, and communication in the recycling process. Their strategy selection and influencing factor analysis are related to the development of recycling. The county processing center, township transit center, and village recycling center were selected to construct a game model, and strategy and parameter assumptions were made to obtain the optimal strategy combination. The results showed that strict supervision, professional transportation and strict implementation are the best strategies for counties, towns and villages, respectively. Simulation analysis confirmed that factors such as cost, reward restricted the strategy selection of each subject. The higher the supervision, transport, and input costs, the lower the enthusiasm of counties, towns, and villages to participate in recycling, respectively. Reasonable control of reward could help each participant choose a stable strategy. The study provided the idea of a pilot before promotion for the government and emphasized the importance of controlling incentive policies and relative costs to improve the recycling process of pesticide packaging waste.

Exploring consumers' environmental ethical preferences in the context of unmanned aerial vehicle utilization for plant protection

The use of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) has increased agricultural productivity, achieved food security, and eased the pressure associated with environmental degradation and population growth. However, consumer sentiment remains unclear. The results show that pressures regarding food safety, production safety, and ecological safety have different degrees of positive impact on perceived benefits but no significant impact on perceived barriers. They strongly influence both perceived benefits to the adoption of UAV plant protection agricultural products. Perceived benefits demonstrated a mediating role between the three safety pressures and the adoption of UAVs. Lay beliefs showed a positive moderating effect on perceived benefits and obstacles to the adoption of UAV-based plant protection products. Based on these findings, this paper concludes that consumers are developing new consumer ethics that integrate concepts of food safety, safe production, and regional environmental protection with their acceptance of new technology, which is directly dependent on the combined effect of environmental and consumer ethics. To promote sustainable development, policies must be further optimized on this original basis.

Cultural appropriateness in randomized controlled trials (RCTs) aimed at reducing pesticide exposure among farmers and farmworkers: a systematic review

OBJECTIVE

The widespread use of pesticides poses serious health hazards to farmers and their families. Some evidence shows that culturally sensitive interventions could be associated with improved outcomes; however, little is known about the effectiveness of cultural adaptations in interventions among farmers and farmworkers. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to summarize strategies used in the cultural adaptation interventions addressing the reduction of pesticide exposure in farmers and farmworkers, as well as assessing the effects of these strategies.

METHODS

A comprehensive systematic literature search was conducted on PubMed, Embase, Clarivate Web of Science, Scopus, NIOSHTIC, Agricola, Agris, as well as reference lists to identify randomized controlled trials (RCTs) published in English from January 2000 until March 2022. Data were extracted to examine the characteristics of interventions in terms of the cultural adaptation strategies and their effectiveness by two independent reviewers.

RESULTS

Eleven articles from ten trials met the inclusion criteria. The majority of studies were conducted in the USA (n = 7) and were ranked as poor quality (n = 5). Four of the ten studies were rated moderate, and six were rated weak. The socio-cultural and constituent-involving strategies were the most commonly reported across the included studies, followed by linguistic strategy. Six studies (seven articles) were tailored for subgroups or individuals. Overall, 8 of 10 studies reported significant changes in whole and some outcomes in the intervention groups over controls. Seven studies received moderate cultural adaptation scores which may reflect the moderate effectiveness of the interventions.

CONCLUSION

Our review underscored the paucity and low quality of existing studies investigating the culturally adapted interventions in reducing farmers' and farmworkers' pesticide exposure. Future high-quality culturally sensitive studies could increase our knowledge regarding the culture's role in reducing pesticide exposure in farmers and farmworkers.

Occupational and environmental pesticide exposure and associated health risks among pesticide applicators and non-applicator residents in rural Ethiopia

Intensive pesticide use increased concern about the potential acute and chronic health effects of pesticides in general and among applicators in particular. This study aims to explore occupational and environmental pesticide exposure and health risks among pesticide applicators and residents. A community-based cross-sectional study was conducted involving 1,073 individuals. We examined the health effects potentially attributable to pesticide exposure using regression to estimate prevalence ratios (PR). A higher proportion of good knowledge of pesticides [75 vs. 14%; APR = 1.542 (1.358-1.752), p < 0.001] and a higher mean score of perceived health risk of pesticide use [4.21 vs. 3.90; APR = 1.079 (1.004-1.159), p < 0.05] were observed among applicators than residents. A significantly higher proportion of applicators experienced health effects presumably related to pesticide exposure among themselves (36%) than residents (16%), and a higher proportion of them used prescribed drugs in the past 12 months [51 vs. 32%; APR = 1.140 (1.003-1.295), p < 0.05]. Skin irritation, shortness of breath, cough, and dizziness were more likely reported by applicators than residents. Perceived toxicity of currently applied pesticide products, mix pesticides without gloves, regularly maintain and wash sprayer tank after application, occurrence of an incidental splash during mixing and application, and using home-based care after experiencing a symptom presumably due to pesticide exposure were significantly associated with health effects among applicators. Use of face mask and visiting health facility when experiencing a symptom presumably due to pesticide exposure were significantly positively correlated with attending training on the health risks and use of pesticides. A substantial proportion of applicators reported improper use of preventive measures and methods of pesticide waste disposal. These observations point out that applicators can face high health risks of occupational pesticide exposure in Ethiopia. Even trained applicators pursued poor preventive practices; hence, comprehensive practice-oriented in-depth training focusing on safety precautions and proper use of personal protective equipment, and provision of adequate pesticide waste disposal means are crucial interventions.

Attitudinal behaviour of agriculturalists towards pesticide use in Pir Panjal Range of Kashmir Himalayas

BACKGROUND

Attainment of safety during pesticide spraying relies on the farmer's knowledge of pesticide use, attitude and sense of safety. However, such investigations are insufficient in the current study area.

METHODS

The study is based on a primary survey of 384 orchardists about the myriad of aspects affecting the use of pesticides and their subsequent effects.

RESULTS

The study revealed that knowledge, attitude, and perception had a weighted average index (WAI) and a standard deviation (SD) of 2.85 ± 1.17, 3.55 ± 1.34, and 3.81 ± 0.98 correspondingly. The findings reflect the farmers have a low to moderate level of knowledge, a moderate attitude toward pesticides, and a favourable perception on their utilization. Thus, for farmer personal protective equipment (PPE) use, it scored 2.77 ± 0.90 on the WAI scale, indicating that most farmers use PPEs 'rarely to occasionally' and that none use full protective gear. Furthermore, attitude and PPE usage exhibited a negative relationship with age, as younger people use PPE more than older ones. The findings were consistent for both farming experience and PPE usage. Moreover, there exists a positive association between age with perception and farming experience, knowledge with perception and PPE use, and attitude with perception.

CONCLUSIONS

The coefficient of determination (R²) shows that 67.2% of the variability in farmers' PPE use was attributed to factors including knowledge, attitude, perception, and education. A favorable behavioral shift in pesticide usage may be achieved by enhancing farmers' knowledge, attitudes and perceptions, and adequate PPE usage.

Pesticide residues levels as hematological biomarkers-a case study, blood serum of greenhouse workers in the city of Hamadan, Iran

The cultivation of greenhouse crops is the most severe form of crop production in Iran, and vast quantities of unreasonable pesticides are being utilized to control the pests. The residual level of blood pesticides and their correlation with multibiomarkers were determined to evaluate the adverse health consequences on greenhouse workers in the Hamadan, west of Iran. Participants were 180 adult males, including 90 greenhouse workers exposed to pesticides and 90 control individuals. Blood samples were taken from all subjects for pesticide residues analysis, and hematological and biochemical parameters. The blood pesticide residues were analyzed using gas chromatography (GC) with a flame ionization detector. Hematological and biochemical parameters were determined using hematology cell counter and auto analyze, respectively. Statistical analyses were done with STATA version 14.2 software. The multivariate regression was used for relationship between various pesticide concentrations in blood and changes in biomarkers in pesticide exposed group. The analyses revealed that 64 out of the 90 workers had residues of dichlorvos, diazinon, and chlorpyrifos in their blood serum, and 56.25% out of these workers were exposed for >15-year period. The residues of all three pesticides were higher than the no observable adverse effect level (NOAEL) in all the exposure duration categories. Comparisons of hematological parameters showed that mean monocyte (0.76±0.41, P < 0.001), lymphocyte (3.52±1.20, P < 0.001) and platelet counts (278.18±66.05, P=0.001), mean platelet volume (10.18±0.59, P=0.002), and plateletcrit (PCT) (0.275±0.05, P<0.001) were significantly higher in workers than the controls, whereas hemoglobin (HB) (14.61±1.28, P=0.028), mean corpuscular hemoglobin (MCH), and mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentrations (MCHC) (32.44±0.90, P<0.001) were lower in workers than controls. These results indicate that the exposed individuals have experienced significant hemotoxic effects during the pesticide exposure. The study also predicts the risk to exposed individuals in developing countries like Iran and demands realization of safety measures to prevent such dangerous effects of pesticide exposures.

Differences in Knowledge, Awareness, Practice, and Health Symptoms in Farmers Who Applied Organophosphates and Pyrethroids on Farms

OBJECTIVE

This cross-sectional study aimed to examine farmers' knowledge, awareness, practices regarding pesticide use, and prevalence of health symptoms related to pesticides exposure among farmers who applied organophosphates (OP) and pyrethroids (PY).

METHODS

Data regarding demographic variables and health symptoms pertinent to pesticide use was collected from 67 farmers who applied OP and 50 farmers who applied PY using interviews from January to March 2021.

RESULTS

The farmers who applied OP had lower knowledge, awareness, and prevention practices regarding pesticide use than those who applied PY. After adjustment of covariate variables, the farmers who applied OP had a significantly higher prevalence of respiratory conditions (OR = 8.29 for chest pain, OR = 6.98 for chest tightness, OR = 27.54 for dry throat, and OR = 5.91 for cough), neurological symptoms (OR = 10.62 for fatigue and OR = 6.76 for paresthesia), and neurobehavioral symptoms (OR = 13.84 for poor concentration, OR = 3.75 for short term memory, and OR = 8.99 for insomnia) related to pesticide exposure than those who applied PY.

CONCLUSION

Our findings suggest that OP had a more adverse effect on human health than PY, resulting in a higher prevalence of pesticide-related symptoms. The outcomes of this study have the benefit of providing vital information for all stakeholders with regard to the implementation of safe practices in the utilization of personal protective equipment (PPE) and pesticide use in a health intervention and health promotion program.

Insights on the bioremediation technologies for pesticide-contaminated soils

The fast pace of increasing human population has led to enhanced crop production, due to which a significant increase in the application of pesticides has been recorded worldwide. Following the enhancement in the utilization of pesticides, the degree of environmental pollution, particularly soil pollution, has increased. To address this challenge, different methods of controlling and eliminating such contaminants have been proposed. Various methods have been reported to eradicate or reduce the degree of contamination of pesticides in the soil. Several factors are crucial for soil contamination, including pH, temperature, the number, and type/nature of soil microorganisms. Among the accessible techniques, some of them respond better to contamination removal. One of these methods is bioremediation, and it is one of the ideal solutions for pollution reduction. In this innovative technique, microorganisms are utilized to decompose environmental pollutants or to curb pollution. This paper gives detailed insight into various strategies used for the reduction and removal of soil pollution.

Farmers exposed to pesticides have almost five times more DNA damage: a meta-analysis study

We carried out a meta-analytical review of possible DNA damage resulting from occupational exposure to pesticides in farmers in the scientific literature. After the search, screening, and eligibility criteria steps, we included 42 studies to analyze random effect calculation. DNA damage in farmers occupationally exposed to pesticides represents an effect of SMD 4.63 [CI 95% 3.94-5.32; p <0.001]. We observed a high heterogeneity rate between the studies and an asymmetry of the bias analysis results. We performed a meta-regression on the parameters. The Olive Tail Moment (OTM) was the most effective comet assay parameter in the evaluated studies. The Damage Index (DI) was more conservative and highlighted the variability between studies caused by distinct methodologies that showed more significant effects and greater deviations. An analysis of confounding factors demonstrated a slight DNA damage in smokers who were occupationally exposed to pesticides compared to nonsmokers, indicating genotoxicity but smaller than the pesticide effect. The present study shows the greater risk that occupationally exposed rural workers have of developing related diseases due to pesticides' genotoxic effect.

Evaluation of pesticide residues and risk assessment in apple and grape from western Azerbaijan Province of Iran

West Azerbaijan, especially the city of Urmia, is the center of Iranian apple and grape production hence the importance of this, residues of 85 pesticides in these products were investigated using modified QuEChERS extraction followed by UHPLC-MS/MS technique. Residues of 17 different pesticides detected in some apple samples. In grape sample only 7 pesticides detected. The levels of the residues found in all apple and grape samples were below the maximum residue levels (MRLs) of Iran, except for iprodione. Health risk assessment associated with pesticide residues in apples and grapes were estimated by hazard quotient (HQ) and hazard index (HI), which indicated that the HI value was lower than 1 in adults and children due to apple and consumption. HI in adults and children were 0.012 and 0.054 in apple; 0.001 and 0.003 in grape samples, respectively. Although the health risk assessment showed that the consumers are not at considerable risk but due to pesticide residue, implement control plans to manage the proper application of this pesticide, or replace it with safer alternatives in apple and grape is required.

What drives the pesticide user practices among farmers in tropical regions? A case study in Sri Lanka

Pesticides are widely used in tropical regions of the world, and therefore explorations of user practices and drivers of pesticide usage among farmers are important for sustainable agriculture. Therefore, perceptions, knowledge, and drivers leading to the practices of pesticide use among farmers were explored using a semi-structured questionnaire survey using 246 farmers in upcountry vegetable growing areas and low country field crop cultivation areas in tropical Sri Lanka. The study revealed a significant increase in pesticide usage in upcountry vegetable growing areas. The differences in pesticide user practices; adulteration of pesticides prior to application (χ2 = 11.201, p < 0.05), environmental and occupational safety (χ2 = 5.556, p < 0.05), adoption of chemical pesticide reduction methods (χ2 = 12.452, p < 0.05) and received training on effective use of pesticides (χ2 = 9.427, p < 0.05). Several reasons of misuse of pesticides by farmers were identified. Among them, lack of technical knowledge on pesticide application and integrated pest management (IPM) practices were the main courses. Most of the farmers tend to use pesticides as a precautionary safety measure before any pest or disease symptoms emerge. Further, pesticide retailers had a strong influence on the selection of pesticides by farmers suggesting that agro-marketing has a significant influence over pesticide usage among farmers. The canonical correspondence analysis indicates that farmers' knowledge of the correct handling of pesticides were positively influenced by the farmers' level of education and training received on pesticide usage (p < 0.05). The study suggests the importance of training, extension services and farmer education to improve the levels of knowledge and awareness of farmers on the risks of pesticides to human health and environmental pollution.

Adsorption of Paraquat by Poly(Vinyl Alcohol)-Cyclodextrin Nanosponges

The contamination of hydrosoluble pesticides in water could generate a serious problem for biotic and abiotic components. The removal of a hazardous agrochemical (paraquat) from water was achieved by adsorption processes using poly(vinyl alcohol)-cyclodextrin nanosponges, which were prepared with various formulations via the crosslinking between citric acid and β-cyclodextrin in the presence of poly(vinyl alcohol). The physicochemical properties of nanosponges were also characterized by different techniques, such as gravimetry, thermogravimetry, microscopy (SEM and Stereo), spectroscopy (UV-visible, NMR, ATR-FTIR, and Raman), acid-base titration, BET surface area analysis, X-ray diffraction, and ion exchange capacity. The C10D-P2 nanosponges displayed 60.2% yield, 3.14 mmol/g COOH groups, 0.335 mmol/g β-CD content, 96.4% swelling, 94.5% paraquat removal, 0.1766 m2 g-1 specific surface area, and 5.2 × 10-4 cm3 g-1 pore volume. The presence of particular peaks referring to specific functional groups on spectroscopic spectra confirmed the successful polycondensation on the reticulated nanosponges. The pseudo second-order model (with R2 = 0.9998) and Langmuir isotherm (with R2 = 0.9979) was suitable for kinetics and isotherm using 180 min of contact time and a pH of 6.5. The maximum adsorption capacity was calculated at 112.2 mg/g. Finally, the recyclability of these nanosponges was 90.3% of paraquat removal after five regeneration times.

Farmers' Knowledge, Attitudes, and Perceptions Regarding Carcinogenic Pesticides in Fez Meknes Region (Morocco)

Pesticides play an important role in the improvement of agricultural production, but their use may result in adverse effects on the environment, consumers, and farmers' health. As there are limited data focusing on the factors influencing safety behavior toward pesticide use in Morocco, we conducted a cross-sectional survey in 15 rural communities of Morocco's Fes Meknes region to assess the attitudes, knowledge, and practices regarding pesticide use. A structured questionnaire was completed, containing the data of the interviewed farmers, their behavior towards safety measures, the type of active ingredient used, as well as the perception of risks to their own health following exposure to pesticides by the existence of chronic, self-perceived symptoms. Non-probability (empirical) sampling with the quota method was carried out, which consists of constructing the sample. Results showed that most respondents have not been trained in the application of pesticides, with almost half of the farmers using a category of pesticides which are classified by the International Agency for Research on Cancer as probable human carcinogenic (i.e., Glyphosate, Malathion). In terms of pesticide storage, 40% of farmers said that they did not store pesticides in a separate room after purchasing or using them. The empty containers were buried or burnt by half of the responders, while the remainder were thrown at the edge of fields or in public dumps. Although the participants were aware of the negative effects on their own health and on the environment caused by the application of pesticides in use, the protection measures by individual equipment were insufficient. A canonical analysis indicates that these behaviors were influenced by the farming experience, the benefit of the agricultural council services, the follow-up of training, and the education level. These variables are important factors in explaining and understanding the dangers to both the environment and health caused by pesticides. The most recorded likely consequences of pesticide exposure were visual impairment (46%), followed by dizziness (44.3%), headache (39.4%), and excessive sweating (34.4%), and 30.2% of participants identified consequent respiratory problems. Extension services targeted at safety and protection measures should be developed and accompanied by educational programs to put farmers' perceptions into practice and encourage them to adopt healthy and environmentally friendly behaviors.

Capacitive Deionization for the Removal of Paraquat Herbicide from Aqueous Solution

In comparison to other conventional methods like adsorption and reverse osmosis (RO), capacitive deionization (CDI) has only been investigated extensively for the removal of inorganic pollutants from water, demonstrating limited practicality. Herein, the study investigated the use of CDI for the removal of paraquat (PQ) herbicide from water by using commercial activated carbon (AC) electrodes. The CDI performance was examined as a function of the initial PQ concentration, applied voltage, flowrate, treatment time, and cycle stability testing in the batch mode approach. The applied voltage had a beneficial effect on the removal efficiency, whereas the removal efficiency of PQ declined as the initial PQ concentration increased. However, the electrosorption capacity gradually increased with the increase of initial feed solutions’ concentration. The maximum removal efficiency and electrosorption capacity achieved at 5 mg/L and 20 mg/L PQ initial concentrations, an applied voltage of 1.2 V, and 5 mL/min flowrate were 100% and 0.33 mg/g and 52.5% and 0.7 mg/g, respectively. Washing the electrodes with distilled water achieved sequential desorption of PQ, and the process produces a waste stream that can be disposed of or treated further. Therefore, the CDI method is considered a promising and efficient method for removing organic pollutants from water including pesticides.

Occupational hazards, health costs, and pesticide handling practices among vegetable growers in Pakistan

Disregarding protective measures when handling pesticides in agricultural production imposes increased health risks and health costs on farmers as well as degrades the natural ecosystem. In Pakistan, where agriculture is the prime occupation in rural communities, there is overwhelming evidence of indiscriminate use of hazardous pesticides by farmers without taking adequate precautions. Using cross-sectional data, we examined personal protection and health costs to vegetable growers due to pesticide exposure and determinants of farmers' pesticide handling practices. The theory of averting behavior was used, and the possible factors affecting farmers' adoption of safety equipment and of disposal methods for pesticide containers were estimated using a logit model. Health effects (P < 0.05) and farmers' protection and health costs (P < 0.01) are found as important determinants of farmers' adoption of safety equipment and of disposal methods for pesticide containers. The mean protection and health cost of pesticide exposure per farmer per vegetable season in 2019 was US $3.60. Analytical outcomes indicate that safe and recommended pesticide handling practices are needed to be introduced through adequate integrated pest management (IPM) training programs and by improving farmers' formal education. Thus, creating awareness through IPM training programs among vegetable growers and enhancing formal education to encourage the adoption of precautionary measures and safe disposal methods for pesticide containers may reduce health risks and health costs. Findings imply that adoption of adequate pesticide handling practices would further help reduce occupational hazards and promote sustainable agriculture in Pakistan.

Toxicity and detoxification of monocrotophos from ecosystem using different approaches: A review

Monocrotophos (MCP) is an organophosphate insecticide with broad application in agricultural crops like rice, maize, sugarcane, cotton, soybeans, groundnut and vegetables. MCP solubilize in water readily and thus reduced sorption occurs in soil. This leads to MCP leaching into the groundwater and pose a significant threat of contamination. The MCP's half-life depends on the temperature and pH value and estimated as 17-96 d. But the half-life of technical grade MCP can exceed up to 2500 days if properly stored at 38 °C in a glass or polyethylene container in a stable condition. It causes abnormality, ranging from mild to severe confusion, agitation, hypersalivation, convulsion, pulmonary failure, senescence in mammals and insects. MCP affects humans by inhibiting the activity of the acetylcholine esterase enzyme. MCP is accountable for the catalytic degradation of acetylcholine and affects the neurotransmission between neurons. This review discusses MCP's various aspects and fate on aquatic and terrestrial life forms, quantification methods for monitoring, various degradation processes, and their mechanisms. Different case studies related to its impact on the human population in different parts of the world have been discussed. Efforts have also been made to summarize and present different microbial population's role in its degradation and mineralization.

Multi-biomarker responses to pesticides in an agricultural population from Central Brazil

We evaluated farmworkers exposed to pesticides and individuals with no history of occupational exposure to pesticides. It was performed the comet assay to evaluate DNA damage. The immunophenotyping of TCD4⁺ lymphocyte subpopulations in peripheral blood was performed by flow cytometry. The single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in PON1, XRCC1, IL6, IL6R, TNF-α, and MIR137 genes were evaluated by real-time PCR. The exposed group was composed mostly by males (69.44%), with direct exposure to pesticides (56%) and with an average age range of 46 ± 13.89 years, being that 58.3% of farmworkers directly exposed to pesticides and reported the full use of personal protective equipment (PPE). DNA damage was greater in the exposed group (p < 0.05), reinforced by the use of PPE to denote a lower degree of DNA damage (p = 0.002). In this context, in the exposed group, we demonstrated that the use of PPE, age, gender and intoxication events were the variables that most contributed to increase DNA damage (p < 0.0001). Besides, the exposed group showed a significant increase in the subpopulations of T lymphocytes CD3⁺CD4⁺ (p < 0.05) and CD3⁺CD4⁺CD25⁺ (p < 0.0001) and a significant decrease in CD3⁺CD4⁺CD25^-FOXP3⁺ (p < 0.05). SNPs in the TNF-α (rs361525) gene presented a difference in the genotype distribution between the groups (p = 0.002). The genotype distribution of TNF-α (rs361525) was also positively correlated with the DNA damage of the exposed group (r = 0.19; p = 0.01), demonstrating a higher risk of DNA damage in the farmworkers presenting the A mutated allele. Our findings demonstrate that pesticides can exert various deleterious effects on human health by damaging the DNA as well as by influencing the immune system in the case of both direct or indirect exposure and these issues are associated to age, gender, intoxication and the nonuse of PPE.

Farmers' behavior towards safe pesticide handling: An analysis with the theory of planned behavior

Inappropriate handling of pesticides in agriculture poses a major risk to the environment and human health, but factors affecting farmers' behavior are diverse and often unclear. The present study examined farmers' behavior in safe pesticide use (disposal of spray solution leftovers, places for washing sprayers, disposal of rinsates, and use of personal protective equipment) in Ardabil Province, Iran by applying the well-known theory of planned behavior, which states that attitudes, subjective norms, and perceived behavioral control of individuals shape intention and engagement in a specific behavior. Almost 30% of the farmers threw pesticide spray solution leftovers away, while the remaining farmers kept it for next spraying. Concerning place for washing sprayers, 55.3% of the farmers washed sprayers in their home yard, 21.0% washed them in the river or the canal flow, and 14.7% washed them in the water source of the farm. Just less than two-thirds (64.3%) of the farmers said that they leave the rinsates onto the farm, while almost one-third (34.0%) said that they pour the rinsates into the river or the canal flow. Most farmers used trousers and blouse and to a lesser extent mask, gloves, and hat when handling pesticides. Attitudes towards safe pesticide use showed the highest mean score (2.91), illustrating neutral to relatively negative attitudes of farmers towards safe pesticide use. Intention showed the lowest mean score (2.28), indicating poor motive to use pesticides safely. Attitudes showed positive impact, while perceived behavioral control showed negative impact on intention. Subjective norms had no significant impact on intention. These three constructs totally explained 78.1% of the variance in farmers' intention towards safe pesticide use. Improving attitudes and perceived behavioral control of farmers towards safe pesticide use through extension education should be targeted for improving farmers' intention and behavior towards safe pesticide handling.

Cultivated areas and rural workers' behavior are responsible for the increase in agricultural intoxications in Brazil? Are these factors associated?

In Brazil, the increased use of pesticides has caused several consequences such as mortality of non-target species, contamination of aquatic environments, and changes in biodiversity. Regarding humans, such products could increase the cases of poisoning, the number of different types of cancer, and also neurodegenerative and autoimmune diseases, especially in workers who occupationally handle pesticides. Therefore, this study aimed to evaluate the number of agricultural poisonings from 2007 to 2017 and if there is a correlation between harvested areas, and to analyze the possible factors that contribute to poisonings. Our results demonstrated an increase in poisonings by 8% and a correlation with the growth of the harvested area. We emphasize that other factors are also determinant for the increase of poisonings such as the absence or inappropriate use of personal protective equipment (PPE), the toxicity of mixtures, the mishandling, and the lack of information on how to use and spray such products. Among the circumstances about poisoning, we presented suicide attempts and accidental causes. We found that the area planted and harvested is also associated with the amount of poisoning; however, several other behavioral factors are also determinant for the growth of agricultural poisoning in Brazil.

Factors affecting use of personal protective equipment and pesticide safety practices: A systematic review

An evidence-based understanding of factors influencing PPE use and pesticide safety practices has the benefit of facilitating the design of interventions to minimize exposure to pesticides and the promotion of the utilization of PPE and safety practices among agricultural pesticide handlers. The aim of this study, therefore, is to review the available literature on the use of PPE in agricultural pesticide handlers in world regions, and also the factors associated with the use of PPE and pesticide safety practices in farmers and farm workers. Full-text articles published on PubMed, Scopus, and ISI databases between 1999 and 2019 were reviewed and the scientific evidence was evaluated. One hundred and twenty-one articles were eligible for inclusion in this quantitative synthesis: 110 evaluated PPE use in agricultural pesticide handlers, and 23 focused on factors affecting PPE use and pesticide safety practices. Considerable evidence was found to show that the most basic PPE worn among pesticide handlers in all world regions was a long sleeve shirt (66.1%), long sleeve trousers (71.1%), and a hat (47.3%). The lowest basic PPE worn was an apron (8.6%), goggles (24.3%), gloves (40.5%), boots (42.3%), and mask (43.2%). The PPE worn (except for an apron) was proportionally higher in farmers than in farm workers. There is considerable evidence to suggest that the significant determinants associated with PPE use and pesticide safety practices are as follows: (1) demographic factors (i.e. education/literacy level, experience of illness, income); (2) farm structure factors (i.e. farm size); (3) behavioral and psychosocial factors (i.e. contact with pesticides, perceptions, attitudes, awareness, norms and beliefs); and (4) environmental factors (i.e. information about pesticides, access to extension services, training program, and farm organization). Therefore, there is a recognizable need for a life-long education program with training to change the perception and behavior of pesticide handlers sustainably.

Pesticides use and exposure among yam farmers in the Nanumba traditional area of Ghana

Over the years, pesticides have become a dominant feature of Ghana's agriculture. In the past, pesticides usage was restricted to the cocoa, cotton, vegetables, and fruits sectors. Today, there is a widespread use of pesticides in the cultivation of yam. Since the introduction of pesticides into yam production, farmers have expressed satisfaction about the relief it has brought them with regard to labor and productivity. However, there has been public concern about the human and environmental health impacts of pesticides. In this study, 100 farmers were interviewed through a structured questionnaire to determine their knowledge, awareness, and use practices of pesticides and to determine their level of exposure. The study revealed that the common pesticides currently being used for yam production are herbicides. Although the farmers are aware of the risks associated with the use of pesticides, they use more than the recommended doses and do not pay attention to the use of personal protective equipment (PPE) thereby predisposing themselves to the potential health effects of pesticides. A significant percentage (20 to 40%) of the farmers reported to have never used these PPEs and over 44% of them use glyphosate above the recommended dose (between 1.5 and 2 L/ha). This resulted in an average farmer exposure to glyphosate of 4.2 mg/kgBW/day, well above the acute reference dose (ARfD) of 0.5 mg/kgBW/day. The government should develop and implement programs to train pesticides dealers, educate farmers, enforce the laws on pesticides, and support farmers to uphold protective measures.

Insecticide toxic effects and blood biochemical alterations in occupationally exposed individuals in Punjab, Pakistan

Biomonitoring of people exposed to hazardous materials provides opportunities for early identification of several diseases, particularly in those individuals who are constantly exposed to pesticides, such as pesticide operators and workers in pesticide manufacturing industry. However, data on this hot topic are limited in Pakistan. In this study, insecticide toxic effects and biochemical alterations (i.e., damage in DNA and enzyme activity) were studied in blood samples of occupationally exposed individuals from Punjab, Pakistan. Eight out of twenty-seven blood samples (29.6%) of the pesticide operators were found positive in five insecticides, with the maximum concentration found for chlorpyrifos-methyl (0.039 μg/mL). Eleven out of twenty-seven blood samples (40.7%) of the pesticide industry workers were found positive in eight insecticides, with the maximum concentration found for endosulfan (0.051 μg/mL). Comet tail length was 16.88 ± 4.57 μm in pesticide industry workers and 16.33 ± 3.78 μm in pesticide operators, which were significantly higher (P < 0.01) than that recorded in the control group (4.84 ± 2.21 μm). Values of serum cholinesterase (SChE) concentration were slightly lower (P > 0.05) in exposed individuals, whereas values of alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), and alkaline phosphatase (ALP) concentration were significantly higher (P < 0.01) in exposed individuals compared with control group. Exposure duration and total insecticide concentration in blood samples were positively associated with comet tail length, ALT activity, AST activity, and ALP activity, but negatively with SChE. DNA damage was higher in smokers vs. non-smokers. Also, a positive association was found between comet tail length and number of cigarettes per day. Overall, occupational exposure to insecticides can pose serious health risks to pesticide operators and workers in pesticide manufacturing industry, highlighting the necessity of personal protection in those groups for preventing exposure and resultant health disorders.

Occupational exposure and poisoning by chemical products in the Federal District

ABSTRACT Objective: to describe case of occupational exposure to chemical products. Method: descriptive retrospective study using record data of 382 workers assisted in the Outpatient Care for Occupational Toxicology of the Reference Center of Workers' Health of the Federal District, between 2009 and 2013. Results: From the total, 66.7% were men, 55.2% had up to 9 years of activity and 81% did not use personal protective equipment (PPE). Nearly 60% were farmers and environmental surveillance agents, exposed to pesticides (63%), of which 40% were organophosphorus insecticides. The majority (68%) presented butyrylcholinesterase activity decreased, mostly farmers (85.9%); 57.3% of workers were considered poisoned - 61.6% by pesticides and 37.9% by industrial chemicals -, and away from work for at least 10 days. Conclusion: The profile was male workers, from 30 to 39 years, which not used PPE, indicating the need for prevention together with them to prevent poisonings.

Knowledge, Attitude, and Practice of Pesticides Use Among Agricultural Workers

Background:

Pesticides have critical effects on human health. Because of the high amount of pesticides used, individual exposure is almost inevitable. According to the above-mentioned issues, few studies have been done in this area in Iran. Therefore, this study was conducted to evaluate the knowledge, attitude, and practice of pesticides use among farmers in Kabudrahang County, Hamadan Province, Iran.

Materials and Methods:

This cross-sectional study was conducted in Kabudrahang County. Data were collected from 262 farmer's sprayer, during April to July 2016. Data were collected, using convenience sampling through interviews with the farmers who had spryer during period spraying. Data collection instrument was a questionnaire that included three sections. Content validity ratio and content validity index indicators were used to measure the validity of questionnaire used from. Data were recorded in SPSS version 21.0 (SPSS Inc., Chicago, Illinois) and were analyzed using frequency analysis and Pearson correlation test.

Results:

Burning eyes and dizziness were the greater symptoms of poisoning with pesticides. Overall, most of them did not have proper knowledge. Many farmers had proper attitudes toward the use of personal protective equipment. However, 37.4% of them reported that the use of personal protective equipment is not easy. The farmers' practice toward the use of the personal protective equipment correlated with their knowledge and attitude (P < 0.001).

Conclusion:

It is proposed that educational sets consisted of acquaintance with poisons and their applications, storage, and carrying the pesticides, the methods for effective of different individual protection facilities, and utilizing the behavior to reduce the exposure to poisons should be developed and be available to farmers.

Knowledge and Perception of Farmers Regarding Pesticide Usage in a Rural Farming Village, Southern India

Background:

Farmers are extensively using pesticides for pest control in agriculture. Their precarious handling practices may lead to higher exposure resulting in adverse health effects.

Aim:

Current study was aimed to evaluate the knowledge, attitude and practices regarding pesticide usage and its toxic effects by farmers.

Settings and Design:

Cross sectional,

Study Setting:

Rural village in south Karnataka.

Materials and Methods:

Sample size: 171 farmers, Data collection: face to face standardized validated questionnaire.

Statistical Analysis:

Chi-square test.

Results:

A total of 118 males and 53 females participated in this study with median age of 40 years. About 61% of the farmers knew the harmful effects of pesticides. However, 22% of them were mixing the pesticides using their bare hands and 26% were not wearing any protective clothing during spraying pesticides. Around 67% were carelessly disposing the leftover pesticides in the open fields. Skin problems and neurological system disturbances were the most common pesticide related health symptoms. Equipment washing practices (P < 0.05) and protective clothing (P < 0.03) were significant predictors of health related problems. Significant associations were found between the occurrence of headache and equipment washing practices (P < 0.03), storage of pesticide remains (P < 0.02) and protective clothing (P < 0.01).

Conclusion:

These findings showed that knowledge level is adequate among farmers but this did not reflect in their practice. There is a need for continuous pesticide safety education along with training to the farmers regarding use of personal protective devices, personal hygiene and sanitation practices during and after application of pesticides.

Pesticide waste disposal among farmers of Moghan region of Iran: current trends and determinants of behavior

Unsafe disposal of pesticide waste at farms has serious consequences for the environment and public health. Investigation of disposal behavior of farmers towards pesticide waste after use helps to identify and improve their behavior. This study aimed to investigate how farmers dispose pesticide waste in Moghan area of Iran and factors influencing their behavior. A sample of 400 farmers, using multistage random sampling, was selected. Most respondents threw the empty pesticide containers into the general garbage, sold them to waste buyers or other farmers, threw them into irrigation canals, or dumped them at the farm. However, the majority of the farmers did not use the empty pesticide containers for home use (78.5%), nor did they send containers to recycling or pesticide supplying centers (84.1%). Almost half of the farmers (49.2%) had low awareness of pesticide risks. Married farmers, farmers who were happy with farming, farmers who had additional occupation, and farmers who had received training in integrated pest management (IPM) behaved more safely (P < 0.05) in pesticide waste disposal. Also, participants with academic degrees behaved more safely (P < 0.05) in pesticide waste disposal. Based on regression analysis, awareness of pesticide risks, spraying experience, distance to agriculture service center, and distance to the city accounted for 46% of farmers' variation in pesticide waste disposal behavior. Farmers' behavior in pesticide waste disposal after use is a critical point for reducing pesticide exposure and environmental contamination in Moghan region of Iran. Awareness creation and behavioral change communication are required to improve farmers' attitudes towards disposal of pesticide waste along with training in IPM which minimizes pesticide use.

Knowledge, attitude and practices of farmers about pesticide use, risks, and wastes; a cross-sectional study (Kermanshah, Iran)

This study was aimed to investigate the knowledge, attitude, and behavior of farmers about the pesticide use and wastes, and to determine the factors affecting the use of pesticides and their health effects, in agricultural lands located in Kermanshah province, western Iran. Three hundred eleven (311) farmers were included in this study, and filled a structured questionnaire containing questions about their basic information, their knowledge and attitude regarding pesticides, and their practices for pesticide disposal. In addition, the type and amount of pesticide consumption, and the health symptoms during the last year were recorded. Prevalence ratios and linear regression were used to evaluate the association between the different factors, and health symptoms and the amount of pesticide use, respectively. The majority of respondents had not been trained formally for the use of pesticides before. Approximately 10%, 45%, and 17% of pesticides contained highly hazardous, moderately hazardous, and slightly hazardous compounds, respectively. The farmers mainly had incorrect knowledge about pesticides and their risks, and used incorrect and high-risk methods for handling and application of pesticides and relevant wastes. Health symptoms were more associated with age ≥ 65, having no education, having income < 482 USD, not trained for pesticide use, and applying highly hazardous pesticides. In addition, the factors contributing to the amount of pesticide use included age, education level, and pesticide training. In order to reduce the amount of pesticide released to the environment, comprehensive training programs and implementing a waste management system could be effective.

Environmental risk assessment for sustainable pesticide use in coffee production

The extensive use of pesticides in agricultural practices has been associated with human health problems and environmental contamination worldwide. Brazil is the largest consumer of pesticides in the world and Espírito Santo State stands out as the second Brazilian producer of coffee. However, there is no information about environmental impact of coffee producing at Itapemirim River Basin (IRB) region, Espírito Santo State, Brazil; hence a simple and quick method using open access softwares (AGROSCRE and ARAquá Web) to estimate surface entrainment and pesticide leaching potential was carried out. AGROSCRE evaluates the contamination risk of superficial and groundwater by Active Ingredients (AIs), using GOSS Method, GUS index and US EPA criteria, while ARAquá Web estimates AI concentrations in water resources, indicating their suitability based on water quality requirements for different uses. Regarding pesticides used in coffee plantations, there is 44.7% chance of surface water and 23.7% chance of groundwater contamination. Results showed that ametryne, cyproconazole, diuron, epoxiconazole, flutriafol, triadimenol and triazophos pose contamination risk to both surface water and groundwater in the IRB region. Of these, 10.5% of the total AIs are triazoles and fall under environmental classes II and III (Product Very/Dangerous to the Environment). The AIs ametryne, thiamethoxam, iprodione, flutriafol, triazophos, endosulfan, triadimenol, cyproconazole, diuron, pendimethalin, chlorpyrifos, copper II hydroxide, etion, epoxiconazole and paraquat dichloride, were found to be potentially toxic, presenting environmental concentrations ranging from 123.40 μg L^-1 to 0.14 μg L^-1, which are higher than the safety standard for potable water (0.1 μg L^-1). With respect to these AIs, chlorpyrifos, ethion and triazophos showed concentrations higher than EC₅₀ values for aquatic invertebrates and ametryne and diuron for algae. Thus, local residents and environment may be at high risk of pesticide exposure, when these AIs are used in coffee plantations next to surface water or groundwater.

Determination of insecticide residues and their adverse effects on blood profile of occupationally exposed individuals

Insecticides, essential for crop protection measures, leave behind several toxic residues that can result in a series of human health disorders. Therefore, this study was planned for the determination of residues and adverse effects of insecticides in blood samples of sprayers, pesticide-industry workers and controls by using blood parameters of these individuals as biomarkers. Optimized analytical methods using GC-MS and HPLC for the simultaneous detection of 22 currently used insecticides were adopted. Eight of twenty-seven (22.22%) sprayers' blood samples were found positive for five different insecticides. Eleven of twenty-seven (40.74%) pesticide-industry workers were found positive for eight different insecticides. The blood samples of both the exposed groups, sprayers and industry workers had significantly (P < 0.001; Mann-Whitney U-tests) low hemoglobin-Hb concentrations (12.17 ± 2.13 and 12.22 ± 2.37 g/dl respectively) than the average value of the control group with 14.23 ± 2.37 g/dl. The erythrocyte sedimentation rates (ESRs) in sprayers and insecticide industry workers (28.78 ± 20.72 and 28.17 ± 25.14 mm/1st h respectively) were greater significantly (P < 0.001; Mann-Whitney U test) than the control blood samples (9.53 ± 3.34 mm/1st h). These results indicate that the exposed individuals have experienced significant hemotoxic effects during insecticide exposure. The study also predicts the risk to exposed individuals in developing countries like Pakistan and demands realization of safety measures to prevent such dangerous effects of pesticide exposures.

Assessment of the generation of empty pesticide containers in agricultural areas

Data about the generation of empty pesticide containers (EPC) is scarce, even in countries where an EPC collection system is applied. In most cases, data refers to the total amount of EPC collected, which is lower than EPC generated depending on the extent of application of the collection project. Moreover, results are not correlated to the kind of crops, area and number of farmers involved, making impossible to use them elsewhere. This study aims at estimating EPC generation indices. It focuses on the indirect assessment of EPC generation based on information given by the agronomists of agricultural supplies stores and agricultural cooperatives (stakeholders) consulting farmers. For the study area (Pella prefecture in Greece), EPC waste production was estimated for arable crops, fruits and vegetables and it was found to range from 0.9 to 35.3 pieces/hectare depending on the crop type. The weight of empty plastic pesticide containers (EPPC_weight) indices were calculated at 0.97 kg/ha and 4.36 kg/farmer/year which are close to the scarce available literature data. These results can be the basis for the design of an EPC management program in areas where data of this type of wastes is lacking. Other results of this survey indicate that stakeholders (depending on their capacity) could be motivated to organize and operate EPC collection stations as well as to help farmers to comply with the national management plan. Based on the above findings, three alternative scenarios for EPC management are proposed to provide a basis for designing an applicable regional EPC management program.

Health and safety of pesticide applicators in a high income agricultural setting: a knowledge, attitude, practice, and toxicity study from North-Eastern Italy

Background

We assessed knowledge, attitudes and practices regarding pesticide handling and related health problems among pesticide applicators (PAs) from the Autonomous Province of Trento, Italy.

Methods

A cross-sectional questionnaire-based study was performed in spring 2016, involving 260 PAs. Logistic regression analyses were used to identify factors associated with a safer use of pesticides.

Results

The mean age of participants was 48.8 ± 13.2 years. 89.2% were males. Use of personal protective equipment (PPE) was diffuse, particularly gloves (92.7%), face mask (91.2%), and post-spraying personal hygiene practices were extensively applied. Overall, 43.5% had experienced pesticide-related symptoms especially in subjects misusing PPE, but also for avoiding hygienic procedures. Knowledge about pesticides was a significant predictor for frequency of symptoms.

Conclusions

As a better knowledge of pesticide-related risks was a significant predictor to reduce symptoms, our results stress that improving awareness and promoting safe use of pesticide may improve the health of PAs.

Knowledge Level, Attitude, and Behaviors of Farmers in Çukurova Region regarding the Use of Pesticides

Introduction and Purpose

Farmers are particularly at high risk of pesticide exposure due to added risk from occupational exposure. The aim of this study is to evaluate knowledge level of farmers in the Çukurova region of the effects of pesticides, toxic symptoms, and protective equipment as well as assessing their attitudes and practices regarding pesticides.

Material and Method

A total of 420 seasonal agricultural workers in Karataş District of Adana Province, Turkey, were included in the study. The questionnaire form consisting of 3 sections was administered using face-to-face interview method.

Results

The mean age of the participants was 40.2 ± 10.6 years. They were engaged in farming for a mean duration of 18.5 ± 10.6 years. All of them used pesticides, but none of them had been trained on the use of pesticides. Only 26.2% of them stored pesticides in a private depot. The farmers who took empty pesticide containers to special collection bins or centers constituted only 4.3% of them. While 84.0% of them thought that pesticides could have a negative impact on human health, 5.0% of them had experienced a medical problem and 1.0% of them were poisoned after applying pesticides.

Conclusion

The results show that knowledge level of farmers of safe use of pesticides is very inadequate. This lack of knowledge adversely affects workers' quality of life as well as occupational health and safety. Appropriate training programs should be organized to increase their level of knowledge.

Cocoa Farmers' Compliance with Safety Precautions in Spraying Agrochemicals and Use of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) in Cameroon

The inability of farmers to comply with essential precautions in the course of spraying agrochemicals remains a policy dilemma, especially in developing countries. The objectives of this paper were to assess compliance of cocoa farmers with agrochemical safety measures, analyse the factors explaining involvement of cocoa farmers in the practice of reusing agrochemical containers and wearing of personal protective equipment (PPE). Data were collected with structured questionnaires from 667 cocoa farmers from the Centre and South West regions in Cameroon. Data analyses were carried out with Probit regression and Negative Binomial regression models. The results showed that average cocoa farm sizes were 3.55 ha and 2.82 ha in South West and Centre regions, respectively, and 89.80% and 42.64% complied with manufacturers' instructions in the use of insecticides. Eating or drinking while spraying insecticides and fungicides was reported by 4.20% and 5.10% of all farmers in the two regions, respectively. However, 37.78% and 57.57% of all farmers wore hand gloves and safety boots while spraying insecticides in the South West and Centre regions of Cameroon, respectively. In addition, 7.80% of all the farmers would wash agrochemical containers and use them at home, while 42.43% would wash and use them on their farms. Probit regression results showed that probability of reusing agrochemical containers was significantly influenced (p < 0.05) by region of residence of cocoa farmers, gender, possession of formal education and farming as primary occupation. The Negative Binomial regression results showed that the log of number PPE worn was significantly influenced (p < 0.10) by region, marital status, attainment of formal education, good health, awareness of manufacturers' instructions, land area and contact index. It was among others concluded that efforts to train farmers on the need to be familiar with manufacturers' instructions and use PPE would enhance their safety in the course of spraying agrochemicals.

Methamidophos, an Organophosphorus Insecticide, Induces Pro-aggressive Behaviour in Mice

Although evidence indicates that exposure to organophosphorus (OP) pesticides induces neurobehavioral disorders, little is known about the effects of OP on aggressive behaviour. Our study investigated the effects of repeated exposure to an OP pesticide, methamidophos, on the isolation-induced aggressive behaviour in mice. Forty seven male mice were individually housed for a month. Socially isolated animals were then confronted with a standard non-isolated opponent for 15 min (pre-treatment trial), and the latency and frequency of aggressive and general exploratory behaviours were recorded. Based on the presence of attack behaviour in the pre-treatment trial, mice were classified as isolation-induced aggressive and non-aggressive. All mice were then treated for 7 days with methamidophos (3.5 mg/kg/day, n = 22, intraperitoneal (i.p.)) or saline (1 mL/kg/day, control group, n = 25, i.p.), and a second trial was performed. Repeated exposure to methamidophos induced attack behaviour in non-aggressive mice. The treatment with methamidophos also decreased plasma butyrylcholinesterase and brain acetylcholinesterase activity. These results suggest that methamidophos has a pro-aggressive effect on socially isolated mice.

Too much to handle? Pesticide dependence of smallholder vegetable farmers in Southeast Asia

This study aimed to understand farmers' knowledge, attitudes, and practices regarding agricultural pest management and synthetic pesticide use in Southeast Asia. Data were used from 900 farm households producing leaf mustard (Brassica juncea (L.) Czern. et Coss.) and yard-long bean (Vigna unguiculata subsp. sesquipedalis (L.) Verdc.) in Cambodia, Laos and Vietnam. Farmers heavily depended on synthetic pesticides as their main method of pest control. Most farmers were aware of the adverse health effects associated with pesticide use and covered body parts while spraying, but also considered pesticides to be highly effective and indispensable farm inputs. Farmers were largely unable to distinguish between common beneficial and harmful arthropods. Greater knowledge about this was associated with less pesticide use while greater awareness of pesticide health risks was associated with fewer observed poisoning symptoms. For the average farm and while controlling for other factors, farmers who sought advice from friends and neighbors used 45% less pesticide, but those who sought advice from pesticide shopkeepers used 251% more pesticide. Pesticide use was 42% less when a woman was in charge of pest management and 31% less when farmers had adopted biopesticides. These findings suggest relevant entry points for interventions aimed at reducing pesticide dependence.

Gender differences in pesticide use knowledge, risk awareness and practices in Chinese farmers

This study investigates gender differences in the pesticide use knowledge, risk awareness and practices of farmers in Anqiu County, China. A total of 452 male and 178 female farmers from seven towns were interviewed in 2016. The results show that there are gender differences regarding knowledge of pesticide impacts, pesticide use practices and protective behaviors. Male farmers had a better knowledge of pesticide use and greater awareness of associated health risks. More men than women used pesticides and disposed of the pesticide containers correctly, but fewer men applied protective measures or behaviors when using pesticides. Canonical correspondence analysis indicated that participation in farmer professional cooperatives differed by gender and contributed greatly to the protective behaviors of farmers (p<0.05). These results suggest that gender-sensitive educational programs should be implemented to increase the awareness of safety amongst farmers, and protective measures should be encouraged to reduce exposure to pesticide risks in China.

Management of Empty Pesticide Containers-A Study of Practices in Santa Cruz, Bolivia

AIMS

The mismanagement of empty containers of pesticides, posing a risk to the environment and the health of people, has motivated the promotion of international policies and guidelines to mitigate such problems. Despite these guidelines, attention to this problem is inadequate in Bolivia. The objective was to study the knowledge and practical management of the containers and to implement a responsible management plan for empty pesticide containers.

METHODS

This study implemented the project from 2014 to 2016 in 2 municipalities of the Department of Santa Cruz. Integral and participatory processes of information, education, and training were used. A questionnaire study among pesticide users was used to investigate knowledge and management of the empty pesticide containers.

RESULTS

The authorities and the population responded to the program by taking a critical and active approach to the problem, improving their responsible practices, and 5500 kg of empty containers were collected. The cross-sectional study showed that 93% of the empty containers were disposed of in vulnerable places; 62% of the population did not know what triple washing is; 60% felt discomfort, headache, and/or dizziness while using pesticides; and 31% of the empty containers had pesticide residue inside them.

CONCLUSIONS

The study illustrates a complex situation, mainly caused by lack of knowledge and clear guidelines. We recommend documentation of the social, economic, and productive characteristics of the region before any municipal program action is undertaken. The key element to sustainable change is an informed and coordinated participation of all actors.

Deleterious Effects From Occupational Exposure to Ethylene Thiourea in Pregnant Women

Human exposure to endocrine disrupting chemicals (EDCs) has become common as a result of widespread application of these chemicals to the food supply, environmental contamination, and occupational exposures (Caserta et al., 2011). However, relatively little is known about the effects of EDCs such as ethylene thiourea (ETU) in developing fetuses and the lasting implications of this disruption on human development from birth through adulthood. Of highest concern are chronic, low-dose exposures among industrial and agricultural workers. Current knowledge regarding the significance of endocrine thyroid signaling on normal human development raises serious concerns about the possible deleterious effects of EDCs in the developing fetus, children, and mature adults. Occupational health nurses are critical in identifying women and families at increased risk of ETU exposure and mitigating early exposures in pregnancy.

Multi-residue determination and ecological risk assessment of pesticides in the lakes of Rwanda

BACKGROUND

To boost agricultural productivity for both domestic and export purposes, agricultural inputs such as pesticides are being promoted in Rwanda. Even though the use of pesticides is important for agriculture, their residues eventually end up in different environmental compartments and may negatively affect the environment. The purpose of this study was to determine the level of knowledge and awareness of the smallholder farmers towards the use of pesticides in Rwanda and to evaluate the ecological risks of pesticides in the surface water and in the vertical profile of Lake Kivu.

RESULTS

Based on the collected data, a method to monitor 33 currently used pesticides was developed. No contamination of the lower water layer was found, indicating that the groundwater that flows into Lake Kivu has not been polluted. Of the pesticides in the surface water, malathion exceeded the risk thresholds and posed a risk towards arthropods.

CONCLUSION

The results of this study show that there is a lack of farmer's awareness towards the hazards of pesticides when working with these compounds. Farmers in Rwanda are in need of specialised stewardship for pesticide application training and guiding services. Surface water has been contaminated with malathion, metalaxyl and carbendazim which were the most used pesticides by the farmers in the environment.

Developmental Neurotoxicity of Methamidophos in the Embryo-Larval Stages of Zebrafish

Methamidophos is a representative organophosphate insecticide. The knowledge of its developmental neurotoxicity is limited, especially for zebrafish in the early stages of their life. Four hour post-fertilization (hpf) zebrafish embryos were exposed to several environmentally relevant concentrations of methamidophos (0, 25, and 500 μg/L) for up to 72 hpf. Locomotor behavior was then studied in the zebrafish larvae at this timepoint. Acridine orange (AO) staining was carried out in the zebrafish larvae, and the mRNA levels of genes associated with neural development (mbp and syn2a) were analyzed by reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). The number of escape responders for mechanical stimulation was significantly decreased in exposed groups. AO staining showed noticeable signs of apoptosis mainly in the brain. In addition, the mRNA levels of mbp and syn2a were both significantly down-regulated in exposed groups. Our study provides the first evidence that methamidophos exposure can cause developmental neurotoxicity in the early stages of zebrafish life, which may be caused by the effect of methamidophos on neurodevelopmental genes and the activation of cell apoptosis in the brain.