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Tsakiris P, Damalas CA, Koutroubas SD. Risk perception and use of personal protective equipment (PPE) in pesticide use: does risk shape farmers' safety behavior? INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH RESEARCH 2024:1-11. [PMID: 38803231 DOI: 10.1080/09603123.2024.2359076] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/28/2023] [Accepted: 05/19/2024] [Indexed: 05/29/2024]
Abstract
Risk perception and use of personal protective equipment (PPE) in pesticide use were studied in 109 farmers of northern Greece. Farmers differed in the levels of pesticide risk perception, with 26.6% showing very low and low levels, 34.9% showing moderate levels, and 38.5% showing high and very high levels. Pesticide risk perception was positively correlated with education and large cultivated area, but negatively with age and non-farming as a main profession. Most farmers (82.6%) showed adequate use of PPE (mostly face mask and gloves). The use of PPE was positively correlated with education and risk perception, but negatively with age and non-farming as a main profession. Farmers with high levels of risk perception used 1.3 and 2.6 times more PPE items than those with moderate and low levels of risk perception, respectively. High education was a positive predictor, whereas main profession other than farming was a negative predictor of PPE use.
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Affiliation(s)
- Petros Tsakiris
- Department of Agricultural Development, Democritus University of Thrace, Orestiada, Greece
| | - Christos A Damalas
- Department of Agricultural Development, Democritus University of Thrace, Orestiada, Greece
| | - Spyridon D Koutroubas
- Department of Agricultural Development, Democritus University of Thrace, Orestiada, Greece
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Chaiklieng S, Uengchuen K, Gissawong N, Srijaranai S, Autrup H. Biological Monitoring of Glyphosate Exposure among Knapsack Sprayers in Khon Kaen, Thailand. TOXICS 2024; 12:337. [PMID: 38787116 PMCID: PMC11125926 DOI: 10.3390/toxics12050337] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/23/2024] [Revised: 04/19/2024] [Accepted: 04/30/2024] [Indexed: 05/25/2024]
Abstract
Sprayers' exposure to glyphosate was analyzed through detection of its biomarker in spot urine biological monitoring, and the health risk was assessed using the biomatrix model. Urine samples were collected from 15 sprayers after spraying, and the glyphosate concentration was determined by using the DLLME-HPLC method with a UV detector. The calibration curve for glyphosate was linear in the range of 0.4-100 µg/L, while the limits of detection and quantification were 0.1 µg/L and 0.4 µg/L, respectively. The human health risk was estimated using the hazard quotient (HQ) and the biomatrix of risk assessment. The internal dose ranged from 0.0001 to 0.0021 mg/kg b.w./day. The non-cancer HQ showed no potential health risk concerns (HQ < 1). The biomatrix of health risk assessment, based on urinary glyphosate concentration, exhibited a strong correlation with the health risk matrix model. This correlation was determined by considering the likelihood of exposure, calculated from the quantity of glyphosate used and the usage of personal protective equipment (r = 0.854, p < 0.001). Although low risk was observed in sprayers, proper PPE use and the application of more knowledge are required. The simplified health risk assessment can be used for easy self-assessment of risk in preventive action regarding health risk awareness among sprayers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sunisa Chaiklieng
- Department of Occupational Safety and Environmental Health, Faculty of Public Health, Khon Kaen University, Khon Kaen 40002, Thailand
| | - Kodchakorn Uengchuen
- Program in M.Sc. Occupational Health and Safety, Faculty of Public Health, Khon Kaen University, Khon Kaen 40002, Thailand
| | - Netsirin Gissawong
- Materials Chemistry Research Center, Department of Chemistry and Center of Excellence for Innovation in Chemistry, Faculty of Science, Khon Kaen University, Khon Kaen 40002, Thailand
| | - Supalax Srijaranai
- Materials Chemistry Research Center, Department of Chemistry and Center of Excellence for Innovation in Chemistry, Faculty of Science, Khon Kaen University, Khon Kaen 40002, Thailand
| | - Herman Autrup
- Institute of Public Health, Aarhus University, 8000 Aarhus, Denmark
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Mueller W, Jones K, Fuhrimann S, Ahmad ZNBS, Sams C, Harding AH, Povey A, Atuhaire A, Basinas I, van Tongeren M, Kromhout H, Galea KS. Factors influencing occupational exposure to pyrethroids and glyphosate: An analysis of urinary biomarkers in Malaysia, Uganda and the United Kingdom. ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2024; 242:117651. [PMID: 37996007 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2023.117651] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2023] [Revised: 10/17/2023] [Accepted: 11/10/2023] [Indexed: 11/25/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Long-term exposure to pesticides is often assessed using semi-quantitative models. To improve these models, a better understanding of how occupational factors determine exposure (e.g., as estimated by biomonitoring) would be valuable. METHODS Urine samples were collected from pesticide applicators in Malaysia, Uganda, and the UK during mixing/application days (and also during non-application days in Uganda). Samples were collected pre- and post-activity on the same day and analysed for biomarkers of active ingredients (AIs), including synthetic pyrethroids (via the metabolite 3-phenoxybenzoic acid [3-PBA]) and glyphosate, as well as creatinine. We performed multilevel Tobit regression models for each study to assess the relationship between exposure modifying factors (e.g., mixing/application of AI, duration of activity, personal protective equipment [PPE]) and urinary biomarkers of exposure. RESULTS From the Malaysia, Uganda, and UK studies, 81, 84, and 106 study participants provided 162, 384 and 212 urine samples, respectively. Pyrethroid use on the sampling day was most common in Malaysia (n = 38; 47%), and glyphosate use was most prevalent in the UK (n = 93; 88%). Median pre- and post-activity 3-PBA concentrations were similar, with higher median concentrations post-compared to pre-activity for glyphosate samples in the UK (1.7 to 0.5 μg/L) and Uganda (7.6 to 0.8 μg/L) (glyphosate was not used in the Malaysia study). There was evidence from individual studies that higher urinary biomarker concentrations were associated with mixing/application of the AI on the day of urine sampling, longer duration of mixing/application, lower PPE protection, and less education/literacy, but no factor was consistently associated with exposure across biomarkers in the three studies. CONCLUSIONS Our results suggest a need for AI-specific interpretation of exposure modifying factors as the relevance of exposure routes, levels of detection, and farming systems/practices may be very context and AI-specific.
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Affiliation(s)
- William Mueller
- Institute of Occupational Medicine (IOM), Edinburgh, United Kingdom.
| | - Kate Jones
- Health and Safety Executive (HSE), Buxton, United Kingdom
| | - Samuel Fuhrimann
- Institute for Risk Assessment Sciences (IRAS), Utrecht University, Utrecht, Netherlands
| | - Zulkhairul Naim Bin Sidek Ahmad
- Centre for Occupational and Environmental Health, School of Health Sciences, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, University of Manchester, Manchester, United Kingdom; Department Medical Education and Department Public Health Medicine, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Universiti Malaysia Sabah, 88450 Kota Kinabalu, Sabah, Malaysia
| | - Craig Sams
- Health and Safety Executive (HSE), Buxton, United Kingdom
| | | | - Andrew Povey
- Centre for Occupational and Environmental Health, School of Health Sciences, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, University of Manchester, Manchester, United Kingdom
| | - Aggrey Atuhaire
- Uganda National Association of Community and Occupational Health (UNACOH), Kampala, Uganda
| | - Ioannis Basinas
- Centre for Occupational and Environmental Health, School of Health Sciences, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, University of Manchester, Manchester, United Kingdom
| | - Martie van Tongeren
- Centre for Occupational and Environmental Health, School of Health Sciences, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, University of Manchester, Manchester, United Kingdom
| | - Hans Kromhout
- Institute for Risk Assessment Sciences (IRAS), Utrecht University, Utrecht, Netherlands
| | - Karen S Galea
- Institute of Occupational Medicine (IOM), Edinburgh, United Kingdom
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Chow R, Curchod L, Davies E, Veludo AF, Oltramare C, Dalvie MA, Stamm C, Röösli M, Fuhrimann S. Seasonal drivers and risks of aquatic pesticide pollution in drought and post-drought conditions in three Mediterranean watersheds. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2023; 858:159784. [PMID: 36328263 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2022.159784] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/13/2022] [Revised: 10/05/2022] [Accepted: 10/24/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
The Western Cape in South Africa has a Mediterranean climate, which has in part led to an abundance of agriculturally productive land supporting the wheat, deciduous fruit, wine, and citrus industries. South Africa is the leading pesticide user in Sub-Saharan Africa. There is limited data on the pesticide pollution of surface water over different seasons in low- and middle-income countries. We evaluated the seasonal drivers of aquatic pesticide pollution in three river catchments (Berg, Krom, and Hex Rivers) from July 2017 to June 2018 and April to July 2019, using 48 passive samplers. Our sampling followed the most severe drought (2015-2018) since recordings in 1960. Thus, our analyses focus on how drought and post-drought conditions may affect in-stream pesticide concentrations and loads. Samples were analyzed for 101 pesticide compounds using liquid chromatography - high-resolution mass spectrometry. Environmental Quality Standards (EQS) were used to assess the risks. We detected 60 pesticide compounds across the sampling periods. Our results indicate that all samples across all three catchments contained at least three pesticides and that the majority (83%) contained five or more pesticides. Approximately half the number of pesticides were detected after the drought in 2018. High concentration sums of pesticides (>1 μg/L) were detected over long time periods in the Hex River Valley (22 weeks) and in Piketberg (four weeks). Terbuthylazine, imidacloprid, and metsulfuron-methyl were detected in the highest concentrations, making up most of the detected mass, and were frequently above EQS. The occurrence of some pesticides in water generally correlated with their application and rainfall events. However, those of imidacloprid and terbuthylazine did not, suggesting that non-rainfall-driven transport processes are important drivers of aquatic pesticide pollution. The implementation of specific, scientifically sound, mitigation measures against aquatic pesticide pollution would require comprehensive pesticide application data as well as a targeted study identifying sources and transport processes for environmentally persistent pesticides.
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Affiliation(s)
- R Chow
- Department of Earth Sciences, Stellenbosch University, Stellenbosch, South Africa; Swiss Federal Institute of Aquatic Science and Technology (eawag), 8600 Dübendorf, Switzerland.
| | - L Curchod
- Swiss Federal Institute of Aquatic Science and Technology (eawag), 8600 Dübendorf, Switzerland; Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute (Swiss TPH), 4123 Allschwil, Switzerland; University of Basel, 4002 Basel, Switzerland
| | - E Davies
- Department of Earth Sciences, Stellenbosch University, Stellenbosch, South Africa
| | - A F Veludo
- Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute (Swiss TPH), 4123 Allschwil, Switzerland; University of Basel, 4002 Basel, Switzerland
| | - C Oltramare
- Swiss Federal Institute of Aquatic Science and Technology (eawag), 8600 Dübendorf, Switzerland
| | - M A Dalvie
- Centre for Environmental and Occupational Health Research, School of Public Health and Family Medicine, University of Cape Town, 7925 Cape Town, South Africa
| | - C Stamm
- Swiss Federal Institute of Aquatic Science and Technology (eawag), 8600 Dübendorf, Switzerland
| | - M Röösli
- Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute (Swiss TPH), 4123 Allschwil, Switzerland; University of Basel, 4002 Basel, Switzerland
| | - S Fuhrimann
- Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute (Swiss TPH), 4123 Allschwil, Switzerland; University of Basel, 4002 Basel, Switzerland.
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Campbell G, Mannetje A, Keer S, Eaglesham G, Wang X, Lin CY, Hobson P, Toms LM, Douwes J, Thomas KV, Mueller JF, Kaserzon S. Characterization of glyphosate and AMPA concentrations in the urine of Australian and New Zealand populations. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2022; 847:157585. [PMID: 35882334 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2022.157585] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/20/2022] [Revised: 07/18/2022] [Accepted: 07/19/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Glyphosate is the most used herbicide globally, but our understanding of human exposure and how different uses affect exposure is not well understood. The aim of this study was to obtain the first data on glyphosate and its primary degradation product aminomethylphosphonic acid (AMPA) concentrations in pooled and individual urine from the Australia and New Zealand region using a sensitive direct injection method and compare results with studies from elsewhere. Pooled urine samples from the Australian general population (n = 125 pools representing >1875 individuals) and individual urine samples (n = 27) from occupationally exposed New Zealand farmers were analysed by LC-MS/MS. Glyphosate was detected above the LOD (0.20-1.25 μg/L) in 8 % of the Australian population pooled urine samples with most detections in the 45-60 years age group. Furthermore, glyphosate (0.85 to 153 μg/L) and AMPA (0.50 to 3.35 μg/L) were detected in 96 % and 33 % of farmers, respectively. The maximum glyphosate urine concentration was 1.7 times above the recommended acceptable daily intake (ADI), when assuming a urinary excretion rate of 1 %. The pooled sampling and analysis approach proved effective for rapid large-scale screening of populations and could be used to determine where targeted and more specific individual sampling may be required.
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Affiliation(s)
- Garth Campbell
- Queensland Alliance for Environmental Health Sciences (QAEHS), The University of Queensland, 20 Cornwall Street, Woolloongabba, Queensland 4102, Australia.
| | - Andrea Mannetje
- Research Centre for Hauora and Health, Massey University, New Zealand
| | - Samuel Keer
- Research Centre for Hauora and Health, Massey University, New Zealand
| | - Geoff Eaglesham
- Queensland Alliance for Environmental Health Sciences (QAEHS), The University of Queensland, 20 Cornwall Street, Woolloongabba, Queensland 4102, Australia
| | - Xianyu Wang
- Queensland Alliance for Environmental Health Sciences (QAEHS), The University of Queensland, 20 Cornwall Street, Woolloongabba, Queensland 4102, Australia
| | - Chun-Yin Lin
- Queensland Alliance for Environmental Health Sciences (QAEHS), The University of Queensland, 20 Cornwall Street, Woolloongabba, Queensland 4102, Australia
| | - Peter Hobson
- Sullivan Nicolaides Pathology, Fortitude Valley, QLD 4006, Australia
| | - Leisa-Maree Toms
- School of Public Health and Social Work, Queensland University of Technology, Kelvin Grove, QLD, Australia
| | - Jeroen Douwes
- Research Centre for Hauora and Health, Massey University, New Zealand
| | - Kevin V Thomas
- Queensland Alliance for Environmental Health Sciences (QAEHS), The University of Queensland, 20 Cornwall Street, Woolloongabba, Queensland 4102, Australia
| | - Jochen F Mueller
- Queensland Alliance for Environmental Health Sciences (QAEHS), The University of Queensland, 20 Cornwall Street, Woolloongabba, Queensland 4102, Australia
| | - Sarit Kaserzon
- Queensland Alliance for Environmental Health Sciences (QAEHS), The University of Queensland, 20 Cornwall Street, Woolloongabba, Queensland 4102, Australia
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Röösli M, Fuhrimann S, Atuhaire A, Rother HA, Dabrowski J, Eskenazi B, Jørs E, Jepson PC, London L, Naidoo S, Rohlman DS, Saunyama I, van Wendel de Joode B, Adeleye AO, Alagbo OO, Aliaj D, Azanaw J, Beerappa R, Brugger C, Chaiklieng S, Chetty-Mhlanga S, Chitra GA, Dhananjayan V, Ejomah A, Enyoh CE, Galani YJH, Hogarh JN, Ihedioha JN, Ingabire JP, Isgren E, Loko YLE, Maree L, Metou’ou Ernest N, Moda HM, Mubiru E, Mwema MF, Ndagire I, Olutona GO, Otieno P, Paguirigan JM, Quansah R, Ssemugabo C, Solomon S, Sosan MB, Sulaiman MB, Teklu BM, Tongo I, Uyi O, Cueva-Vásquez H, Veludo A, Viglietti P, Dalvie MA. Interventions to Reduce Pesticide Exposure from the Agricultural Sector in Africa: A Workshop Report. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 19:ijerph19158973. [PMID: 35897345 PMCID: PMC9330002 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph19158973] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/20/2022] [Revised: 07/05/2022] [Accepted: 07/19/2022] [Indexed: 12/10/2022]
Abstract
Despite the fact that several cases of unsafe pesticide use among farmers in different parts of Africa have been documented, there is limited evidence regarding which specific interventions are effective in reducing pesticide exposure and associated risks to human health and ecology. The overall goal of the African Pesticide Intervention Project (APsent) study is to better understand ongoing research and public health activities related to interventions in Africa through the implementation of suitable target-specific situations or use contexts. A systematic review of the scientific literature on pesticide intervention studies with a focus on Africa was conducted. This was followed by a qualitative survey among stakeholders involved in pesticide research or management in the African region to learn about barriers to and promoters of successful interventions. The project was concluded with an international workshop in November 2021, where a broad range of topics relevant to occupational and environmental health risks were discussed such as acute poisoning, street pesticides, switching to alternatives, or disposal of empty pesticide containers. Key areas of improvement identified were training on pesticide usage techniques, research on the effectiveness of interventions targeted at exposure reduction and/or behavioral changes, awareness raising, implementation of adequate policies, and enforcement of regulations and processes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Martin Röösli
- Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute (Swiss TPH), 4123 Allschwil, Switzerland; (C.B.); (S.C.-M.); (A.V.)
- Faculty of Science, University of Basel, 4001 Basel, Switzerland
- Correspondence: (M.R.); (S.F.); (M.A.D.)
| | - Samuel Fuhrimann
- Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute (Swiss TPH), 4123 Allschwil, Switzerland; (C.B.); (S.C.-M.); (A.V.)
- Faculty of Science, University of Basel, 4001 Basel, Switzerland
- Correspondence: (M.R.); (S.F.); (M.A.D.)
| | - Aggrey Atuhaire
- Uganda National Association of Community and Occupational Health (UNACOH), YMCA Building, Plot 37/41, Buganda Road, Kampala P.O. BOX 12590, Uganda;
| | - Hanna-Andrea Rother
- Division of Environmental Health, School of Public Health and Family Medicine, University of Cape Town, Cape Town 7729, South Africa; (H.-A.R.); (L.L.)
| | - James Dabrowski
- Sustainability Research Unit, Nelson Mandela University, P.O. Box 6531, George 6530, South Africa;
| | - Brenda Eskenazi
- Center for Environmental Research and Community Health (CERCH), School of Public Health, University of California, Berkeley, CA 94720, USA;
| | - Erik Jørs
- Odense University Hospital, University of Southern Denmark, 5230 Odense, Denmark;
| | - Paul C. Jepson
- Oregon IPM Center, Oregon State University, Corvallis, OR 97331, USA;
| | - Leslie London
- Division of Environmental Health, School of Public Health and Family Medicine, University of Cape Town, Cape Town 7729, South Africa; (H.-A.R.); (L.L.)
| | - Saloshni Naidoo
- Discipline of Public Health Medicine, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban 4000, South Africa;
| | - Diane S. Rohlman
- College of Public Health, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA 52242, USA;
| | - Ivy Saunyama
- Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations, Subregional Office for Southern Africa, Block 1 Tendeseka Office Park, Eastlea, Harare, Zimbabwe 00153 Rome, Italy;
| | - Berna van Wendel de Joode
- Infants’ Environmental Health Program (ISA), Central American Institute for Studies on Toxic Substances (IRET), Universidad Nacional de Costa Rica, Heredia 40101, Costa Rica;
| | - Adeoluwa O. Adeleye
- Department of Crop Production and Protection, Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife 220282, Nigeria; (A.O.A.); (O.O.A.); (M.B.S.)
| | - Oyebanji O. Alagbo
- Department of Crop Production and Protection, Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife 220282, Nigeria; (A.O.A.); (O.O.A.); (M.B.S.)
| | - Dem Aliaj
- Department of Health Sciences and Medicine, University of Lucerne, 6002 Lucerne, Switzerland;
| | - Jember Azanaw
- Department of Environmental and Occupational Health and Safety, Institute of Public Health, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Gondar, Gondar, Ethiopia;
| | - Ravichandran Beerappa
- ICMR-Regional Occupational Health Centre (Southern), Bangalore 562110, India; (R.B.); (V.D.)
| | - Curdin Brugger
- Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute (Swiss TPH), 4123 Allschwil, Switzerland; (C.B.); (S.C.-M.); (A.V.)
| | - Sunisa Chaiklieng
- Department of Environmental Health, Occupational Health and Safety, Faculty of Public Health, Khon Kaen University, Khon Kaen 40002, Thailand;
| | - Shala Chetty-Mhlanga
- Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute (Swiss TPH), 4123 Allschwil, Switzerland; (C.B.); (S.C.-M.); (A.V.)
| | - Grace A. Chitra
- Global Institute of Public Health, Ananthapuri Hospitals and Research Institute, Trivandrum 695024, Kerala, India;
| | - Venugopal Dhananjayan
- ICMR-Regional Occupational Health Centre (Southern), Bangalore 562110, India; (R.B.); (V.D.)
| | - Afure Ejomah
- Department of Animal and Environmental Biology, University of Benin, P.M.B. 1154, Benin City 300212, Nigeria; (A.E.); (O.U.)
| | - Christian Ebere Enyoh
- Green and Sustainable Chemical Technologies, Graduate School of Science and Engineering, Saitama University, Saitama 3388570, Japan;
| | - Yamdeu Joseph Hubert Galani
- Section of Natural and Applied Sciences, School of Psychology and Life Sciences, Canterbury Christ Church University, Canterbury CT1 1QU, UK;
| | - Jonathan N. Hogarh
- Department of Environmental Science, College of Science, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Kumasi, Ghana;
| | - Janefrances N. Ihedioha
- Department of Pure and Industrial Chemistry, University of Nigeria, Nsukka 410001, Nigeria; (J.N.I.); (M.B.S.)
| | - Jeanne Priscille Ingabire
- Horticulture Program, Rwanda Agriculture and Animal Resources Development Board, Kigali 5016, Rwanda;
| | - Ellinor Isgren
- Lund University Centre for Sustainability Studies (LUCSUS), P.O. Box 170, SE-221 00 Lund, Sweden;
| | - Yêyinou Laura Estelle Loko
- Ecole Nationale Supérieure des Biosciences et Biotechnologies Appliquées (ENSBBA), Université Nationale des Sciences, Technologies, Ingénierie et Mathématiques (UNSTIM), BP 2282 Abomey, Benin;
| | - Liana Maree
- Department of Medical Bioscience, University of the Western Cape, Bellville 7493, South Africa;
| | - Nkoum Metou’ou Ernest
- Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development, Cameroon, Direction of Regulation and Quality Control of Agricultural Inputs and Product, Messa, Yaoundé P.O. Box 2082, Cameroon;
| | - Haruna Musa Moda
- Department of Health Professions, Manchester Metropolitan University, Manchester M15 6BG, UK;
| | - Edward Mubiru
- Chemistry Department, School of Physical Sciences, College of Natural Sciences, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda;
| | - Mwema Felix Mwema
- School of Materials, Energy, Water and Environmental Sciences, The Nelson Mandela African Institution of Science and Technology, Arusha P.O. Box 447, Tanzania;
| | - Immaculate Ndagire
- Southern and Eastern Africa Trade Information and Negotiation Institute (SEATINI) Uganda, Kampala P.O. Box 3138, Uganda;
| | - Godwin O. Olutona
- Industrial Chemistry Programme, College of Agriculture Engineering and Science, Bowen University, Iwo 232101, Nigeria;
| | - Peter Otieno
- Pest Control Products Board, Loresho, Nairobi P.O. Box 13794-00800, Kenya;
| | - Jordan M. Paguirigan
- Common Services Laboratory, Food and Drug Administration (FDA) Philippines, Alabang, Muntinlupa 1781, Philippines;
| | - Reginald Quansah
- School of Public Health, University of Ghana, Accra P.O. Box LG13, Ghana;
| | - Charles Ssemugabo
- Department of Disease Control and Environmental Health, School of Public Health, Makerere University College of Health Sciences, Kampala P.O. Box 7072, Uganda;
| | - Seruwo Solomon
- CropLife Uganda, Chicken House, Plot1, Old Kampala Road, Second Floor Room 17, Kampala P.O. Box 36592, Uganda;
| | - Mosudi B. Sosan
- Department of Crop Production and Protection, Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife 220282, Nigeria; (A.O.A.); (O.O.A.); (M.B.S.)
| | - Mohammad Bashir Sulaiman
- Department of Pure and Industrial Chemistry, University of Nigeria, Nsukka 410001, Nigeria; (J.N.I.); (M.B.S.)
| | - Berhan M. Teklu
- Ethiopian Agriculture Authority, Addis Ababa P.O. Box 313003, Ethiopia;
- Faculty of Naval and Ocean Engineering, Istanbul Technical University, Maslak P.O. Box 34469, Turkey
| | - Isioma Tongo
- Laboratory for Ecotoxicology and Environmental Forensics, Department of Animal and Environmental Biology, University of Benin, P.M.B. 1154, Benin City 300212, Nigeria;
| | - Osariyekemwen Uyi
- Department of Animal and Environmental Biology, University of Benin, P.M.B. 1154, Benin City 300212, Nigeria; (A.E.); (O.U.)
- Department of Zoology and Entomology, Faculty of Natural and Agricultural Sciences, University of the Free State, P.O. Box 339, Bloemfontein 9300, South Africa
| | - Henry Cueva-Vásquez
- Facultad de Ciencias de la Salud, Carrera de Medicina Humana Lima, Universidad Científica del Sur, Lima 15067, Peru;
| | - Adriana Veludo
- Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute (Swiss TPH), 4123 Allschwil, Switzerland; (C.B.); (S.C.-M.); (A.V.)
| | - Paola Viglietti
- Centre for Environmental and Occupational Health (CEOHR), School of Public Health and Family Medicine, University of Cape Town, Cape Town 7700, South Africa;
| | - Mohamed Aqiel Dalvie
- Centre for Environmental and Occupational Health (CEOHR), School of Public Health and Family Medicine, University of Cape Town, Cape Town 7700, South Africa;
- Correspondence: (M.R.); (S.F.); (M.A.D.)
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7
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Lud D, Schwemm A, Kalandadze B, Babaev E, Simon MP, Weller P, Düring RA. Pesticide handling and waste management: a case study on DDT and HCHs from the Southern Caucasus. SN APPLIED SCIENCES 2022. [DOI: 10.1007/s42452-022-04999-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Abstract
This study presents a survey on pesticide use, pesticide storage and pesticide disposal among 100 residents near a former pesticide store in rural Georgia using a standardized paper questionnaire. More than one quarter of the participants responded that the age of the pesticides they use is higher than 20 years. Based on this finding, it cannot be excluded that persistent organic pollutants like Dichloro-diphenyl-trichloroethane and hexachlorocyclohexanes still are released to the environment. Knowledge about active ingredients of pesticides is lacking among farmers: More than two thirds state that they know the active ingredients, while less than 10% mention an active ingredient matching the brand name they report. Purchasing pesticides in containers without labels appears to be common practice. Information about the pesticides is mainly obtained from the pesticide retailer, while the label is less important as a source of information. More than 95% of the participants store the pesticides in a separate store, but appropriate possibilities of hazardous waste disposal seem to be insufficient in rural areas in the region. The finding that pesticides are purchased and stored in repacked secondary containers, poses direct risks and hampers communication of risks to users. Improving (implementation of) regulations for pesticide handling and strengthening local knowledge through better vocational training can improve soil and groundwater protection and sustainable use of resources.
Article highlights
One of the main findings is that residents report using the pesticides for a long time. Not only are the pesticides used way longer than they may remain suitable for use, but also the pesticides could be dating from before international legislation entered into force which was set up to protect from long-lived organic pollutants (the Stockholm Convention). Our results show that often pesticides are repacked and stored in alternative containers such as plastic containers for detergents. This means users cannot find important information on how to use pesticides safely on these alternative containers. The label cannot be used as a source of information for example regarding health risks. This may lead to poisoning of users.
In Georgia, the transition process results in poor implementation of environmental regulations such as laws about waste management. The results show that educational level has a positive influence on choosing safe storage options such as a separate store. The results indicate that especially in rural areas possibilities of proper disposal of old pesticides or other dangerous chemicals are poor. This has implications for the health of residents.
Efforts to better implement environmental regulations should be strengthened especially in rural areas to overcome the legacy of long-lived pesticides which are now banned. Old pesticides might still be in use because they are difficult to dispose of safely.
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Msibi SS, Chen CY, Chang CP, Chen CJ, Chiang SY, Wu KY. High pesticide inhalation exposure from multiple spraying sources amongst applicators in Eswatini, Southern Africa. PEST MANAGEMENT SCIENCE 2021; 77:4303-4312. [PMID: 33942970 DOI: 10.1002/ps.6459] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/27/2020] [Revised: 04/10/2021] [Accepted: 05/04/2021] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Serious concerns surround the potential risks resulting from inhalation exposure to pesticides amongst agricultural workers when mixing and applying these compounds. In Eswatini (formerly known as Swaziland), Southern Africa, pesticides are widely used to improve the yield and quality of sugar cane production, the largest contributor to the country's economy. We assessed applicators' inhalation exposures from multiple spraying sources to four commonly used herbicides in Eswatini. RESULTS Analysis of 76 personal air samples by liquid chromatography with tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) revealed four pesticides: ametryn, atrazine, pendimethalin and 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid, with mean concentrations of 36.91, 21.57, 31.05 and 0.89 μg m-3 , respectively. These inhalation exposures are much higher than those recorded in previous similar studies. CONCLUSION Although all applicators in this study used personal protective equipment (PPE), they nevertheless recorded high levels of inhalation exposure to commonly used pesticides. Our findings suggest that in addition to observing mandated regular changing and cleaning practices with PPE for ultimate personal protection, pesticide applicators should distance themselves from each other when spraying to effectively reduce their exposure to pesticides from multiple spraying sources. Further studies are needed to determine the optimal spraying distance between pesticide applicators. © 2021 Society of Chemical Industry.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sithembiso S Msibi
- Institute of Environmental and Occupational Health Science, College of Public Health, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Chung-Yu Chen
- Department of Occupational Safety and Health, School of Safety and Health Sciences, Chang Jung Christian University, Tainan, Taiwan
| | - Cheng-Ping Chang
- Department of Occupational Safety and Health, School of Safety and Health Sciences, Chang Jung Christian University, Tainan, Taiwan
| | - Chiou-Jong Chen
- Department of Occupational Safety and Health, School of Safety and Health Sciences, Chang Jung Christian University, Tainan, Taiwan
| | - Su-Yin Chiang
- School of Chinese Medicine, College of Chinese Medicine, China Medical University, Taichung, Taiwan
| | - Kuen-Yuh Wu
- Institute of Environmental and Occupational Health Science, College of Public Health, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan
- Institute of Food Safety and Health, College of Public Health, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan
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9
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Whose Jurisdiction Is Home Contamination? Para-Occupational 'Take-Home' Herbicide Residue Exposure Risks among Forestry Workers' Families in South Africa. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2021; 18:ijerph181910341. [PMID: 34639641 PMCID: PMC8507814 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph181910341] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/25/2021] [Revised: 09/27/2021] [Accepted: 09/28/2021] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Para-occupational “take-home” exposure risks among forestry workers and their families in low-and middle-income countries (LMICs) have not been well characterized. This is a concern because research shows an association between chronic low-dose herbicide exposure and adverse health effects. This study explored take-home herbicide residue exposure risks among forestry workers in the Western Cape, South Africa, through the community-based participatory research approach of photovoice. A key finding of the study was the absence of provisions related to take-home exposure in the national legislation and workplace policies, which largely contributed to poor adherence to risk reduction practices at worksites, in addition to workers transporting residues to their homes. This study demonstrated evidence of the key omissions regarding take-home exposure at the policy level (e.g., recommendations for employers to reduce take-home risks among employees, and training of workers and their families on take-home exposure) and take-home herbicide residue exposure among worker’s families, including children.
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Mehmood Y, Arshad M, Mahmood N, Kächele H, Kong R. Occupational hazards, health costs, and pesticide handling practices among vegetable growers in Pakistan. ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2021; 200:111340. [PMID: 34043972 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2021.111340] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/02/2020] [Revised: 05/11/2021] [Accepted: 05/13/2021] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
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.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yasir Mehmood
- Department of Social and Behavioral Sciences, National University of Medical Sciences, Rawalpindi, Pakistan.
| | - Muhammad Arshad
- Department of Economics, School of Social Sciences and Humanities (S3H), National University of Science and Technology (NUST), Islamabad, Pakistan; Leibniz Centre for Agricultural Landscape Research (ZALF), Eberswalder Straße 84, 15374, Müncheberg, Germany
| | - Nasir Mahmood
- Department of Economics & Agricultural Economics, PMAS-Arid Agriculture University, Rawalpindi, Pakistan
| | - Harald Kächele
- Leibniz Centre for Agricultural Landscape Research (ZALF), Eberswalder Straße 84, 15374, Müncheberg, Germany; Eberswalde University for Sustainable Development, Schicklerstraße 5, 16225, Eberswalde, Germany
| | - Rong Kong
- College of Economics and Management, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, China
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Fuhrimann S, Klánová J, Přibylová P, Kohoutek J, Dalvie MA, Röösli M, Degrendele C. Qualitative assessment of 27 current-use pesticides in air at 20 sampling sites across Africa. CHEMOSPHERE 2020; 258:127333. [PMID: 32947666 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2020.127333] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/03/2020] [Revised: 06/02/2020] [Accepted: 06/03/2020] [Indexed: 05/27/2023]
Abstract
Increasing use of current-use pesticides (CUPs) in Africa raises environmental and public health concerns. But there is a large uncertainty about their occurrence and the composition of pesticide mixtures on this continent. This paper investigates the presence of 27 CUPs in air across 20 sampling sites in Africa. 166 passive air samples, consisting of polyurethane foam (PUF), were collected in 12 African countries between 2010 and 2018. Samples were extracted with methanol and analyzed via high-performance liquid chromatography coupled with tandem mass spectrometry. The detection frequencies of CUPs per site were compared to land use patterns and sampling years, while their similarities were assessed using hierarchical cluster analysis. Overall, 24 CUPs were detected at least once. In 93% of all samples, at least one CUP was detected, while 78% of the samples had mixtures of two or more CUPs (median 3, interquartile range 5). Atrazine and chlorpyrifos were detected in 19 out of 20 sampling sites. Carbaryl, metazachlor, simazine, tebuconazole and terbuthylazine had the highest detection frequencies at sampling sites dominated by croplands. Across all the sampling years, 16 CUPs were present. Seven CUPs were newly detected from 2016 onwards (azinfos-methyl, dimetachlor, chlorsulfuron, chlortoluron, isoproturon, prochloraz and pyrazon), while metamitron was only present before 2012. Sites within a radius of about 200 km showed similarities in detected CUP mixtures across all samples. Our results show the presence of CUP mixtures across multiple agricultural and urban locations in Africa which requires further investigation of related environmental and human health risks.
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Affiliation(s)
- Samuel Fuhrimann
- Centre for Environmental and Occupational Health Research, School of Public Health and Family Medicine, University of Cape Town, 7925, Cape Town, South Africa; Institute for Risk Assessment Sciences (IRAS), Utrecht University, 3584, Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | - Jana Klánová
- Masaryk University, Faculty of Sciences, RECETOX Centre, Kamenice 5, 625 00, Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Petra Přibylová
- Masaryk University, Faculty of Sciences, RECETOX Centre, Kamenice 5, 625 00, Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Jiři Kohoutek
- Masaryk University, Faculty of Sciences, RECETOX Centre, Kamenice 5, 625 00, Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Mohamed Aqiel Dalvie
- Centre for Environmental and Occupational Health Research, School of Public Health and Family Medicine, University of Cape Town, 7925, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Martin Röösli
- Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute (Swiss TPH), 4002, Basel, Switzerland; University of Basel, 4002, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Céline Degrendele
- Masaryk University, Faculty of Sciences, RECETOX Centre, Kamenice 5, 625 00, Brno, Czech Republic.
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Sapbamrer R, Thammachai A. Factors affecting use of personal protective equipment and pesticide safety practices: A systematic review. ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2020; 185:109444. [PMID: 32247154 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2020.109444] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/17/2020] [Revised: 03/24/2020] [Accepted: 03/24/2020] [Indexed: 05/21/2023]
Abstract
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.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ratana Sapbamrer
- Department of Community Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Chiang Mai University, 110 Inthavaroros Road, Sri Phum Subdistrict, Muang District, Chiang Mai Province, 50200, Thailand.
| | - Ajchamon Thammachai
- Department of Community Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Chiang Mai University, 110 Inthavaroros Road, Sri Phum Subdistrict, Muang District, Chiang Mai Province, 50200, Thailand; Department of Physical Therapy, School of Allied Health Sciences, University of Phayao, 19 Mae Ka Subdistrcit, Muang District, Phayao Province, 56000, Thailand
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Development of Personal Protective Clothing for Reducing Exposure to Insecticides in Pesticide Applicators. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2020; 17:ijerph17093303. [PMID: 32397471 PMCID: PMC7246602 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph17093303] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/14/2020] [Revised: 05/06/2020] [Accepted: 05/07/2020] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Wearing appropriate personal protective equipment during the application of pesticides is one method of reducing dermal exposure to pesticides. Thus, the aim of this research is to develop personal protective clothing (PPC) coated with gum rosin and investigate the efficiency of its level of protection against chlorpyrifos and cypermethrin. Comparison of the protection efficiency of each PPC with Tychem® C coveralls was also investigated. Five commercially available cotton fabrics were chosen for tailoring the PPC, and then, the PPC was coated with a gum rosin finish to provide water repellence. The efficiency of the level of protection of the gum rosin-coated PPC against insecticides was tested in a laboratory (closed chamber). The remarkable findings were that the % protection efficiencies for all the PPC, with the exception of one, were not significantly different to those for Tychem® C coveralls. The protection efficiencies ranged from 99.85% to 99.97% against chlorpyrifos and 99.11% to 99.89% against cypermethrin. Therefore, our results suggest that gum rosin-coated clothing provided satisfactory levels of protection against insecticides and could be considered as suitable protective clothing for pesticide applicators. Choice of an appropriate fabric for coating with gum rosin also needs to be considered. A further study in field conditions is warranted to confirm the protection efficiency in a working environment.
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14
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Nassar PPM, Ribeiro MG. Considerations for cholinesterase biomonitoring in flower and ornamental plant greenhouse workers. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2020; 711:135228. [PMID: 31822418 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2019.135228] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/05/2019] [Revised: 10/23/2019] [Accepted: 10/25/2019] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
Flower cultivation in greenhouses enhances productivity and ensures high-quality product supply throughout the year. However, under such protected environments, climate conditions are designed to favor flower growth and can intensify occupational exposure to pesticides. In this study, flower greenhouse workers were tested for cholinesterase inhibition, a valuable indicator of occupational exposure to organophosphate and carbamate pesticides. The quantified inhibition was also associated with working practices using these outcomes to explore ways in which provisions of regulatory Occupational Health Control Programs can be met considering the peculiarities of this working environment. Despite their preliminary nature, and considering that workers had not been previously tested, the obtained results suggested that the designed pre- and post-screening process, enabled biomonitoring of the exposed population. The pre-exposure sample was collected after 11 days from pesticide spraying and the post-exposure sample was collected no later than 10 days after pesticide spraying. AChE activity was significantly depressed in flower greenhouse workers, comparing pre- and post-exposure intervals. Nursery workers, often overlooked, presented greater inhibition of AChE activity. Such finding is consistent with effects believed to be associated with the described job and the way activities are conducted, once nursery workers are regularly exposed to low levels of pesticides owing to their continuous contact with sprayed crops. As predicted by Occupational Safety and Health Standards, establishing biomonitoring programs is achievable, despite the intensive use of pesticides. Quantification is important to target the exposed population but is not sufficient to assure good working conditions and avoid exposure. Administrative and working practices, such as job misclassification, non-compliance with national regulations for occupational health control, pesticide handling, lack of REI protocols, and unsuitable delivery of PPE, must be addressed. Anything less will contribute to worsening an already bleak picture in terms of occupational safety and health in flower and ornamental plant greenhouses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paula Peixoto Monteiro Nassar
- Fundação Jorge Duprat Figueiredo de Segurança e Medicina do Trabalho (FUNDACENTRO), Rua Capote Valente 710, CEP 05409-002, São Paulo, SP, Brazil.
| | - Marcela Gerardo Ribeiro
- Fundação Jorge Duprat Figueiredo de Segurança e Medicina do Trabalho (FUNDACENTRO), Rua Capote Valente 710, CEP 05409-002, São Paulo, SP, Brazil.
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15
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Curchod L, Oltramare C, Junghans M, Stamm C, Dalvie MA, Röösli M, Fuhrimann S. Temporal variation of pesticide mixtures in rivers of three agricultural watersheds during a major drought in the Western Cape, South Africa. WATER RESEARCH X 2020; 6:100039. [PMID: 31891151 PMCID: PMC6931231 DOI: 10.1016/j.wroa.2019.100039] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/06/2019] [Revised: 11/18/2019] [Accepted: 11/23/2019] [Indexed: 05/02/2023]
Abstract
South Africa is the leading pesticide user in Sub-Saharan Africa. However, little is known about the occurrence of pesticide mixtures in surface water and potential environmental risks in Africa. This study investigated the occurrence of pesticides mixtures in three watersheds during a drought year in South Africa. The study was conducted in the Krom River, Berg River and Hex River watersheds within larger agriculture systems in the Western Cape. Pesticide spray records were collected from 38 farms. A total of 21 passive water samplers (styrenedivinylbenzene disks (SDB)) were deployed, each for two weeks per month, over seven sampling rounds during the main pesticide application period between July 2017 and January 2018. Samples were analyzed for 248 pesticide compounds using LC-HR-MS/MS. Pesticide occurrence was analyzed for temporal agreement with pesticide spraying events (Cohen's κ) and correlation with rainfall patterns and river discharge (Pearson correlation (r p )). Pesticide time-weighted average concentrations were estimated and compared to environmental quality standards (EQS). According to the farm spray records, 96 different pesticides were sprayed during the sampling period and differed considerably between the three study areas, seasons and crops grown. In total, 53 compounds were detected in river water. We detected 39% of compounds from the spraying records and demonstrated close temporal correlations of seasonal patterns for 11 pesticide compounds between reported on spraying records and observations in the streams (κ = 0.90). However, 23 detected pesticides were not found on spray records, many of them being herbicides. Most of the estimated two-week average pesticide concentrations were below 40 ng/L. The insecticides imidacloprid, thiacloprid, chlorpyrifos and acetamiprid and the herbicide terbuthylazine exceeded at least once their EQS 58-fold (EQS 13 ng/L), 12-fold (EQS 10 ng/L), 9-fold (EQS 0.46 ng/L), 5-fold (EQS 24 ng/L) and 3-fold (EQS 220 ng/L), respectively. Our study substantially widens the view on pesticide pollution in surface water compared to previous studies in Sub-Saharan Africa by targeting more than 200 pesticides using passive sampling systems. This broad assessment revealed the presence of 53 compounds, some of them in high concentrations, indicating possible adverse effects on biota and the quality of the ecosystem. Whether the observed concentration levels in the year 2017 were exceptional due to the lowest ever recorded rainfall and river discharge needs to be tested with additional data to better understand how pesticide pollution levels manifest under average rainfall and river discharge conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lou Curchod
- Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute (Swiss TPH), 4002, Basel, Switzerland
- University of Basel, 4002, Basel, Switzerland
- Swiss Federal Institute of Aquatic Science and Technology (eawag), 8600, Dübendorf, Switzerland
- Swiss Centre for Applied Ecotoxicology, 8600, Dübendorf, Switzerland
| | - Christelle Oltramare
- Swiss Federal Institute of Aquatic Science and Technology (eawag), 8600, Dübendorf, Switzerland
| | - Marion Junghans
- Swiss Centre for Applied Ecotoxicology, 8600, Dübendorf, Switzerland
| | - Christian Stamm
- Swiss Federal Institute of Aquatic Science and Technology (eawag), 8600, Dübendorf, Switzerland
| | - Mohamed Aqiel Dalvie
- Centre for Environmental and Occupational Health Research, School of Public Health and Family Medicine, University of Cape Town, 7925, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Martin Röösli
- Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute (Swiss TPH), 4002, Basel, Switzerland
- University of Basel, 4002, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Samuel Fuhrimann
- Centre for Environmental and Occupational Health Research, School of Public Health and Family Medicine, University of Cape Town, 7925, Cape Town, South Africa
- Institute for Risk Assessment Sciences (IRAS), Utrecht University, 3584, Utrecht, the Netherlands
- Corresponding author. Yalelaan 2, 3584, CM Utrecht, the Netherlands.
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16
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Perceptions of Occupational Heat, Sun Exposure, and Health Risk Prevention: A Qualitative Study of Forestry Workers in South Africa. ATMOSPHERE 2019. [DOI: 10.3390/atmos11010037] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Occupational exposure to heat and solar ultraviolet radiation (UVR) threatens the health and wellbeing of outdoor workers. These threats are likely to increase as a result of climate change. This study examined the perceptions of occupational heat and sun exposure and health risk prevention among forestry workers removing alien invasive vegetation in the Western Cape, South Africa. The linkages between workers’ perceptions of heat, solar UVR, and herbicide exposure and impacts under the current climate were investigated to better understand potential adaptation needs under a changing climate. Using focus group discussions and participatory risk mapping, heat stresses identified by workers were either environmental (e.g., lack of shade) or work-related (e.g., wearing required personal protective equipment). Several heat and solar UVR health impacts were reportedly experienced by workers; local indigenous knowledge and coping mechanisms, such as wearing ochre for sun protection, were used to prevent these impacts. Despite workers’ current efforts to protect their health, existing gaps and opportunities to improve working conditions were identified. Institutional structures for improved reporting of adverse events are imperative, together with awareness and education campaigns about the risks associated with working in hot and sunny environments.
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Babalola OO, Van Wyk JH. Comparative Early Life Stage Toxicity of the African Clawed Frog, Xenopus laevis Following Exposure to Selected Herbicide Formulations Applied to Eradicate Alien Plants in South Africa. ARCHIVES OF ENVIRONMENTAL CONTAMINATION AND TOXICOLOGY 2018; 75:8-16. [PMID: 29051999 DOI: 10.1007/s00244-017-0463-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/03/2017] [Accepted: 09/26/2017] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
Abstract
The rise in pesticides application has increased the need for better understanding of their ecological impacts. The global amphibian declines, for example, have been positively correlated with pesticides use. The differential susceptibility in the developmental stages of amphibians to chemical substances are still largely unknown. We examined the 96-h differential toxicity responses of embryos, premetamorphic and transitional larval stage of Xenopus laevis, to six formulated aquatic herbicide products containing the active ingredients of diquat dibromide (Midstream), glufosinate ammonium (Basta), imazapyr (Arsenal), and three glyphosate formulations (Roundup, Kilo Max, and Environ Glyphosate). The results showed the premetamorphic stage as the most sensitive to the herbicides toxicity. This study confirmed that the developmental stage at which amphibian are exposed to contaminants is critical to their survival and that the chemical contamination hypothesis of the global decline of amphibians should continue to be considered. This establishment of the premetamorphic larval as sensitive toxicity representative for all developmental stages of X. laevis means that this stage could be used more extensively in pesticides toxicity assessments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Oluwaseun O Babalola
- Ecophysiology Laboratory, Botany and Zoology Department, University of Stellenbosch, Stellenbosch, 7600, South Africa.
- Ecotoxicology and Ecophysiology Research Group, Zoology and Environmental Biology Department, Lagos State University, Lagos, Nigeria.
| | - J H Van Wyk
- Ecophysiology Laboratory, Botany and Zoology Department, University of Stellenbosch, Stellenbosch, 7600, South Africa
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Rezaei R, Damalas CA, Abdollahzadeh G. RETRACTED: Understanding farmers' safety behaviour towards pesticide exposure and other occupational risks: The case of Zanjan, Iran. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2018; 616-617:1190-1198. [PMID: 29107371 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2017.10.201] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/02/2017] [Revised: 10/19/2017] [Accepted: 10/19/2017] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
Abstract
This article has been retracted: please see Elsevier Policy on Article Withdrawal (https://www.elsevier.com/about/our-business/policies/article-withdrawal). This article has been retracted at the request of request of the Editors-in-Chief. After a thorough investigation, the Editors have concluded that the acceptance of this article was partly based upon the positive advice of one illegitimate reviewer report. The report was submitted from an email account which was provided by the corresponding author Christos A. Damalas as a suggested reviewer during the submission of the article. Although purportedly a real reviewer account, the Editors have concluded that this was not of an appropriate, independent reviewer. This manipulation of the peer-review process represents a clear violation of the fundamentals of peer review, our publishing policies, and publishing ethics standards. Apologies are offered to the reviewer whose identity was assumed and to the readers of the journal that this deception was not detected during the submission process.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rohollah Rezaei
- Department of Agricultural Extension, Communication and Rural Development, Faculty of Agriculture, University of Zanjan, Zanjan, Iran.
| | - Christos A Damalas
- Department of Agricultural Development, Democritus University of Thrace, GR 682 00 Orestiada, Greece.
| | - Gholamhossein Abdollahzadeh
- Department of Agricultural Extension and Education, Gorgan University of Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources, Gorgan, Iran
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Oyekale AS. Cocoa Farmers' Compliance with Safety Precautions in Spraying Agrochemicals and Use of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) in Cameroon. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2018; 15:ijerph15020327. [PMID: 29438333 PMCID: PMC5858396 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph15020327] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/18/2017] [Revised: 12/09/2017] [Accepted: 12/12/2017] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
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.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abayomi Samuel Oyekale
- Department of Agricultural Economics and Extension, North-West University, Mafikeng Campus, Mmabatho 2735, South Africa.
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Apatsidou M, Konstantopoulou I, Foufa E, Tsarouhas K, Papalexis P, Rezaee R, Spandidos DA, Kouretas D, Tsitsimpikou C. Safe use of chemicals by professional users and health care specialists. Biomed Rep 2018; 8:160-165. [PMID: 29435275 PMCID: PMC5778840 DOI: 10.3892/br.2018.1037] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/10/2017] [Accepted: 12/13/2017] [Indexed: 11/05/2022] Open
Abstract
The awareness of Greek professional users and health care specialists regarding the safe use of chemicals was investigated, to be the best of our knowledge, for the first time after the introduction of Regulations (EC) 1907/2006 (REACH) and 1272/2008 (CLP) on chemicals. A total of 200 professional users and 150 health care specialists from various regions of Greece contributed to the use of a closed-ended, anonymous and validated questionnaire. The findings showed that over 85% of the responders were not aware of classification, labelling and packaging (CLP) and 67.8% of the responders were unaware of any changes made in the labeling of the products they were using. The majority (>75%) of individuals were cognizant that they were using hazardous products; however, the perception of hazard varied significantly between the two groups (P=0.012) and statistically were dependent on the educational (P=0.022) and the profession (P=0.014) level. One third of the professional users read the label as the main source of information for the product, while for health care specialists the number increased to 65% and a strong correlation was detected with the educational level (P=0.017). In both groups, 7% of professional users and health care specialists declared that hazard communication through product labeling is not well understood. The use of personal protective equipment (PPE) is almost universal for health care specialists with women being more sensitive (P=0.041), while 25% of the professional users do not use any PPE. Almost 60% of the health care specialists are required to provide instructions regarding the safe use of chemicals or the action to be undertaken in case of accident. In the latter situation, the National Poisoning Centre is the reference point for information. Limited use of the safety data sheets has been observed both for professional users (18%) and health care specialists (23%). In conclusion, rising awareness campaigns are needed, in collaboration with trade unions and health care professional associations, in order to alert professionals regarding the safe use of chemicals and protect human health and the environment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Margarita Apatsidou
- Department of Biochemistry-Biotechnology, School of Health Sciences, University of Thessaly, Viopolis, 41500 Larissa, Greece
| | - Ioanna Konstantopoulou
- Department of Biochemistry-Biotechnology, School of Health Sciences, University of Thessaly, Viopolis, 41500 Larissa, Greece
| | - Eleni Foufa
- General Chemical State Laboratory of Greece, Ampelokipi, 11521 Athens, Greece
| | - Konstantinos Tsarouhas
- Department of Cardiology, University Hospital of Larissa, Mezourlo, 41110 Larissa, Greece
| | - Petros Papalexis
- General Chemical State Laboratory of Greece, Ampelokipi, 11521 Athens, Greece
| | - Ramin Rezaee
- Clinical Research Unit, Faculty of Medicine, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad 91778-99191, Iran
| | - Demetrios A Spandidos
- Department of Virology, Medical School, University of Crete, Heraklion, 71003 Crete, Greece
| | - Demetrios Kouretas
- Department of Biochemistry-Biotechnology, School of Health Sciences, University of Thessaly, Viopolis, 41500 Larissa, Greece
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Hongsibsong S, Sittitoon N, Sapbamrer R. Association of health symptoms with low-level exposure to organophosphates, DNA damage, AChE activity, and occupational knowledge and practice among rice, corn, and double-crop farmers. J Occup Health 2017; 59:165-176. [PMID: 28077823 PMCID: PMC5478518 DOI: 10.1539/joh.16-0107-oa] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Objectives: This study aims to determine (1) total dialkylphosphate (ΣDAP) levels, occupational knowledge and practice, DNA damage, AChE activity, and health symptoms in rice, corn, and double-crop farmers; (2) the association of health symptoms with ΣDAP levels, occupational knowledge and practice, DNA damage, and AChE activity in farmers; and (3) the prevalence of health symptoms between farmers and non-farmers. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted by interviewing as well as analyzing urine and blood samples during July to August 2014. Results: There were no differences in ΣDAP levels, AChE activity, and occupational knowledge and practice scores among all farmer groups. In terms of health symptoms related to ΣDAP, AChE activity, DNA damage, and occupational knowledge and practice, pesticide-related symptoms were determined, including breathlessness, chest pain, dry throat, numbness, muscle weakness, cramp, headache, dizziness, eye irritation, white/red rash, and white/red pimple, which were classified as respiratory, muscle, nervous, and epithelial symptoms. A remarkable finding was that farmers had a significantly higher prevalence of muscle weakness (odds ratio (OR)=3.79) and numbness (OR=3.45) as compared with non-farmers. Conclusion: Our findings, therefore, suggest that a long-term low-level exposure to organophosphates (OPs) may be associated with an increasing prevalence of muscle symptoms. However, a further cohort study incorporating sensitive health outcomes and measurement of multiple pesticides monitoring on a larger scale is warranted.
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Affiliation(s)
- Surat Hongsibsong
- Environment and Health Research Unit, Research Institute for Health Sciences, Chiang Mai University
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