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Aye TS, Jirapongsuwan A, Siri S. Pesticide safety behaviours among agricultural workers and farmers: A cross-sectional study. Int J Nurs Pract 2024; 30:e13222. [PMID: 38097357 DOI: 10.1111/ijn.13222] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/17/2023] [Revised: 11/08/2023] [Accepted: 11/14/2023] [Indexed: 06/06/2024]
Abstract
AIM The aim of this study is to investigate the pesticide safety behaviours and related factors among cabbage farmers in Kalaw Township, Myanmar. BACKGROUND Unsafe chemical pesticide practices affect farmers' health and the environment. Understanding pesticide safety behaviours is necessary for healthcare providers to protect agriculture workers against unwanted adverse health effects. METHODS The cross-sectional study was conducted among 195 cabbage farmers from March to May 2019. Safety behaviours and factors applied in the PRECEDE-PROCEDE model as a framework were assessed using questionnaires. Bivariate and multivariate logistic regression was applied to identify any associations. RESULTS Altogether, 72.1% of the farmers had a low level of safety behaviours. Goggles and masks were rarely used before and during pesticide applications. All of the farmers experienced adverse health effects after using pesticides. The attitudes toward pesticide poisoning; support from family, co-workers and healthcare providers; and the availability of personal protective equipment were significantly associated with safety behaviours. CONCLUSION Our data provide novel empirical evidence for an opportunity to design effective nursing interventions to promote pesticide safety behaviours among Myanmar agricultural workers. Nurses should pay more attention to promoting comprehensive interventions to reduce both exposure and health effects among agricultural workers through the involvement of supported stakeholders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thant Sin Aye
- Faculty of Public Health, Mahidol University, Nakhon Pathom, Thailand
| | - Ann Jirapongsuwan
- Department of Public Health Nursing, Faculty of Public Health, Mahidol University, Nakhon Pathom, Thailand
| | - Sukhontha Siri
- Department of Epidemiology, Faculty of Public Health, Mahidol University, Nakhon Pathom, Thailand
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Jestin-Guyon N, Raherison-Semjen C. [Pesticide exposure and chronic respiratory diseases]. Rev Mal Respir 2024; 41:343-371. [PMID: 38594123 DOI: 10.1016/j.rmr.2024.03.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/26/2023] [Accepted: 03/19/2024] [Indexed: 04/11/2024]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Pesticides are used worldwide, mainly in agriculture as a means of controlling pests and protecting crops. That said, the entire world population is ultimately subject to pesticide exposure (consumption of fruits and vegetables, living near treated fields…), with varying degrees of toxicity involved. STATE OF THE ART In recent decades, epidemiological studies have contributed to the identification of chemical pesticide families with detrimental effects on human health: cognitive disorders, Parkinson's disease, prostate cancer… and impairment in respiratory functioning. Current scientific evidence points to the implication of the active substances in insecticides, herbicides and fungicides in chronic respiratory diseases, two examples being chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) in exposed workers, and asthmatic wheezing in children during prenatal or postnatal exposure. PERSPECTIVES The safety of individuals exposed to pesticides is of key importance in public health. Further epidemiological investigations are needed to identify the chemical families affecting certain populations. CONCLUSIONS The scientific literature suggests strong links between pesticide exposure and respiratory health. Whether it be environmental or occupational, pesticide exposure can lead to respiratory disorders and symptoms of varying severity.
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Affiliation(s)
- N Jestin-Guyon
- UMR1219 Bordeaux Population Health Centre de Recherche, ISPED, université de Bordeaux, 146, rue Léo-Saignat, 33000 Bordeaux, France.
| | - C Raherison-Semjen
- UMR1219 Bordeaux Population Health Centre de Recherche, ISPED, université de Bordeaux, 146, rue Léo-Saignat, 33000 Bordeaux, France; Centre hospitalier universitaire de la Guadeloupe, 97159 Pointe-à-Pitre, Guadeloupe
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Sapbamrer R, Sittitoon N, Thongtip S, Chaipin E, Sutalangka C, La-up A, Thirarattanasunthon P, Thammachai A, Suwannakul B, Sangkarit N, Kitro A, Panumasvivat J, Srisookkum T. Socio-demographic, agricultural, and personal protective factors in relation to health literacy among farmers from all regions of Thailand. Front Public Health 2024; 12:1364296. [PMID: 38590809 PMCID: PMC10999635 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2024.1364296] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/02/2024] [Accepted: 03/07/2024] [Indexed: 04/10/2024] Open
Abstract
Introduction Farmers are vulnerable to adverse health effects from pesticide exposure due to their health literacy (HL). Therefore, this study aims to investigate HL among farmers in four main regions of Thailand, investigating socio-demographics, agricultural, and personal protective factors to their HL. Methods This cross-sectional design study was conducted on 4,035 farmers from January to July 2023. The European Health Literacy Survey Questionnaire-47 items were used to measure HL. Results Thai farmers had a mean HL score of 34.7 ± 8.7, and the farmers in the North region of Thailand had the highest frequency of limited HL (75.8%). Socio-demographic factors that were associated with HL included gender, region of living, marital status, education level, co-morbidity, and number of family members. Agricultural factors associated with HL included planting status, working hours on farm, spraying pesticides, harvesting crops, pesticide use of >1 type, access information from government officers, access information from posters/brochures, information from online multimedia, and access information from neighbors. Personal protective factors that were associated with HL included wearing a hat, goggles, a rubber apron, and a long-sleeved shirt. Discussion Our study recommends that strategies and interventions to enhance the HL of farmers should be focused on the target populations, which include men, widows, or divorced, those with low levels of education, those who have co-morbidities, and those who applied pesticides of more than 1 type and improper personal protective equipment (PPE) use. The primary emphasis needs to be on the North region of Thailand, making that the target area to improve health equity in Thailand. These efforts would enhance the HL of farmers and sustainably improve pesticide safety behavior. Additionally, there is an urgent need for supportive measures aimed at altering on-farm practices and promoting education on alternative pest management strategies, particularly non-chemical crop protection, to ensure sustainable agriculture.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ratana Sapbamrer
- Department of Community Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai, Thailand
- Environmental and Occupational Medicine Excellence Center (EnOMEC), Faculty of Medicine, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai, Thailand
| | - Nalin Sittitoon
- School of Environmental Health, Institute of Public Health, Suranaree University of Technology, Nakhon Ratchasima, Thailand
| | - Sakesun Thongtip
- Department of Environmental Health, School of Public Health, University of Phayao, Phayao, Thailand
| | - Eakasit Chaipin
- Department of Public Health, Faculty of Science, Rajabhat Lampang University, Lampang, Thailand
| | - Chatchada Sutalangka
- Department of Physical Therapy, School of Integrative Medicine, Mae Fah Luang University, Chiang Rai, Thailand
| | - Aroon La-up
- Nakhonsawan Campus, Mahidol University, Nakhonsawan, Thailand
| | | | - Ajchamon Thammachai
- Department of Physical Therapy, School of Allied Health Sciences, University of Phayao, Phayao, Thailand
| | - Boonsita Suwannakul
- Department of Physical Therapy, School of Allied Health Sciences, University of Phayao, Phayao, Thailand
| | - Noppharath Sangkarit
- Department of Physical Therapy, School of Allied Health Sciences, University of Phayao, Phayao, Thailand
| | - Amornphat Kitro
- Department of Community Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai, Thailand
- Environmental and Occupational Medicine Excellence Center (EnOMEC), Faculty of Medicine, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai, Thailand
| | - Jinjuta Panumasvivat
- Department of Community Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai, Thailand
- Environmental and Occupational Medicine Excellence Center (EnOMEC), Faculty of Medicine, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai, Thailand
| | - Taweewun Srisookkum
- Department of Community Health, School of Public Health, University of Phayao, Phayao, Thailand
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Kangavari M, Sarvi M, Afshari M, Maleki S. Understanding determinants related to farmers' protective measures towards pesticide exposure: A systematic review. PLoS One 2024; 19:e0298450. [PMID: 38359033 PMCID: PMC10868758 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0298450] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/18/2023] [Accepted: 01/23/2024] [Indexed: 02/17/2024] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Pesticide poisoning is the main cause of adverse effects and mortality worldwide. Protective measures can reduce the intensity of the effects of pesticides on the health of farmers. Numerous cross-sectional studies have been conducted on the determinants of performing protective measures to reduce exposure to pesticides, but there is no systematic study that comprehensively examines the impact of these factors. Therefore, the aim of this study is to identify existing studies on the determinants of effective protective measures to reduce exposure to pesticides among farmers. METHODS In this systematic review, studies were obtained from PubMed, Web of Science and Scopus databases using a search strategy that covered articles from the first years of database design to April 20, 2023. The inclusion and exclusion criteria were based on the PICOs criteria. The study included cross-sectional studies that measured the implementation of protective measures using objective or valid subjective tools. The data were extracted and analyzed based on several criteria and ecological levels. The Ecological Model of Health Behavior was used to classify the determinants that affect the performance of protective behaviors. The National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute (NHLBI) has developed a quality assessment tool for studies. RESULTS A total of 39 studies were ultimately selected for inclusion in this analysis. Many of these studies were conducted in developing countries. The most important factors that have an impact on protective measures include a variety of socio-demographic characteristics (age, gender, level of education, income, farming experience, experience of using pesticides), individual level (knowledge, attitude, risk perception, intention), interpersonal level (subjective norms), organizational level (education), and public policy level (government attention, health costs, governmental extension services). The quality of most studies was fair. CONCLUSIONS Research indicates that several factors influence the use of personal protective equipment and safe behaviors when handling pesticides. These include farmers' education level, knowledge, and attitudes towards safety measures. Environmental factors such as access to information, extension services, training programs, and media coverage can also help minimize exposure to pesticides.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mehdi Kangavari
- Department of Occupational Health and Safety, School of Public Health and Safety, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Mahsa Sarvi
- Department of Public Health, Hamadan University of Medical Sciences, Hamadan, Iran
| | - Maryam Afshari
- Department of Public Health, Hamadan University of Medical Sciences, Hamadan, Iran
- Social Determinants of Health Research Center, Hamadan University of Medical Sciences, Hamadan, Iran
- Research Center for Health Sciences, Hamadan University of Medical Sciences, Hamadan, Iran
| | - Shahnaz Maleki
- Department of Public Health, Hamadan University of Medical Sciences, Hamadan, Iran
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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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Sapbamrer R, Sittitoon N, Thongtip S, Chaipin E, Sutalangka C, Chaiut W, La-up A, Thirarattanasunthon P, Thammachai A, Suwannakul B, Sangkarit N, Kitro A, Panumasvivat J. Acute health symptoms related to perception and practice of pesticides use among farmers from all regions of Thailand. Front Public Health 2024; 11:1296082. [PMID: 38259756 PMCID: PMC10800609 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2023.1296082] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/18/2023] [Accepted: 12/19/2023] [Indexed: 01/24/2024] Open
Abstract
Introduction Occupational exposure to pesticides may cause acute health effects for farmers and agricultural workers. Therefore, this study aims to investigate the prevalence of poisoning symptoms related pesticide exposure among farmers from all regions of Thailand, as well as factors linked to poisoning symptoms of neurological and neuromuscular systems, the respiratory system, and eye and skin disorders. Methods A cross sectional study was conducted in 4,035 farmers who lived in four regions of Thailand. The samples were chosen using stratified random sampling, with 746 for the Central region, 2,065 for the North-East, 586 for the North, and 638 for the South. Results The results found that the highest prevalence of poisoning symptoms was found in association with neurological and neuromuscular systems (75%), followed by the respiratory system (60.4%), the eyes (41.2%), and skin (14.8%). The most prevalent symptoms were muscle pain (49%) for neurological and neuromuscular symptoms, burning nose (37.6%) for respiratory symptoms, itchy eyes (26.3%) for eye symptoms, and rashes (14.4%) for skin symptoms. The remarkable findings were that types of pesticide use, task on the farm, types of pesticide sprayers, and perception are the crucial factors affecting all poisoning symptoms. Discussion The findings are also beneficial to the Thai government and other relevant organizations for launching measures, campaigns, or interventions to lower modifiable risk factors, resulting in reducing health risks associated with pesticide exposure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ratana Sapbamrer
- Department of Community Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai, Thailand
| | - Nalin Sittitoon
- School of Environmental Health, Institute of Public Health, Suranaree University of Technology, Nakhon Ratchasima, Thailand
| | - Sakesun Thongtip
- Department of Environmental Health, School of Public Health, University of Phayao, Phayao, Thailand
| | - Eakasit Chaipin
- Department of Public Health, Faculty of Science, Rajabhat Lampang University, Lampang, Thailand
| | - Chatchada Sutalangka
- Department of Physical Therapy, School of Integrative Medicine, Mae Fah Luang University, Chiang Rai, Thailand
| | - Wilawan Chaiut
- Department of Physical Therapy, School of Integrative Medicine, Mae Fah Luang University, Chiang Rai, Thailand
| | - Aroon La-up
- Nakhonsawan Campus, Mahidol University, Nakhon Sawan, Thailand
| | | | - Ajchamon Thammachai
- Department of Physical Therapy, School of Allied Health Sciences, University of Phayao, Phayao, Thailand
| | - Boonsita Suwannakul
- Department of Physical Therapy, School of Allied Health Sciences, University of Phayao, Phayao, Thailand
| | - Noppharath Sangkarit
- Department of Physical Therapy, School of Allied Health Sciences, University of Phayao, Phayao, Thailand
| | - Amornphat Kitro
- Department of Community Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai, Thailand
| | - Jinjuta Panumasvivat
- Department of Community Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai, Thailand
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Bhandari G, Chiaia-Hernández AC, Atreya K, Geissen V, Singh SP. Knowledge and practices of commercial banana farmers related to pesticide use in Chitwan district, Nepal; a cross-sectional study and meta-analyses. ENVIRONMENTAL MONITORING AND ASSESSMENT 2023; 195:1490. [PMID: 37978088 DOI: 10.1007/s10661-023-12093-w] [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: 08/10/2023] [Accepted: 11/04/2023] [Indexed: 11/19/2023]
Abstract
The exposure of farmers to pesticides due to inadequate safety measures is a concern in low-income countries in Africa and Asia. However, until now, there have been limited studies on the farmers' risk due to pesticide application to fruit crops. The knowledge of farmers' exposure related to pesticide use and their safety practices was studied among 100 banana farmers in three areas (Padampur, Jagatpur, and Thimura) of Chitwan district, Nepal. More than 75% of the farmers complained about problems related to insects. Most frequently used insecticides in the area were chlorpyrifos and cypermethrin. Ten percent (10%) of the applied pesticides were highly hazardous to humans, according to the World Health Organization hazard category, with skin rash being the most common acute symptom reported by 29% of the farmers. Banned organochlorine and organophosphate insecticides, such as endosulfan and triazophos, respectively, are still being used by farmers in the aforementioned areas. Spearman's correlation analysis revealed the lack of knowledge and safety practices among farmers leading to inadequate awareness related to the negative effects of pesticide use on human health and the environment. Therefore, government extension service can play a crucial role in improving banana farmers' knowledge of the toxic effects of pesticides as well as enforcing the Nepali language in the labeling of pesticide containers and packages.
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Affiliation(s)
- Govinda Bhandari
- Progressive Sustainable Developers Nepal (PSD-Nepal), Kathmandu, Nepal.
| | - Aurea C Chiaia-Hernández
- Institute of Geography & Oeschger Centre for Climate Change Research, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Kishor Atreya
- School of Forestry and Natural Resources Management, Institute of Forestry, Tribhuvan University, Kathmandu, Nepal
- Department of Watershed Management and Environmental Science, Institute of Forestry (Pokhara Campus), Tribhuvan University, Pokhara, Nepal
| | - Violette Geissen
- Soil Physics and Land Management Group, Wageningen University and Research, Wageningen, The Netherlands
| | - Sheelendra Pratap Singh
- Toxicokinetics laboratory, ASSIST Group, CSIR-Indian Institute of Toxicology Research, Lucknow, India
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Tsakiris P, Damalas CA, Koutroubas SD. Safety behavior in pesticide use among farmers of northern Greece: the role of information sources. PEST MANAGEMENT SCIENCE 2023; 79:4335-4342. [PMID: 37380619 DOI: 10.1002/ps.7632] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2023] [Revised: 03/23/2023] [Accepted: 06/29/2023] [Indexed: 06/30/2023]
Abstract
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.
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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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Bukovetz J, Kochubovski M, Memeti S, Ristovska G. Preventive Measures and Hygiene Habits of Apple Producers in the Prespa Region. Indian J Occup Environ Med 2023; 27:214-218. [PMID: 38047165 PMCID: PMC10691515 DOI: 10.4103/ijoem.ijoem_47_22] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/09/2022] [Revised: 10/05/2022] [Accepted: 12/13/2022] [Indexed: 12/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Agriculture is one of the most dangerous industries, both for the employees in that sector and for their families and the environment. The use of personal protective preventive measures and the maintenance of good hygienic practices are the basis for healthy production and healthy workers. The safety and hygiene of food products should be present during all stages of production. Objectives The study aimed to assess the use of personal protective equipment (PPE) by apple growers during agricultural procedures as well as the hygiene habits of agricultural workers. Subjects and Methods A cross-sectional study was conducted including 101 farmers from the Prespa region in the Republic of North Macedonia by using a questionnaire with 34 questions. The questions were formulated in order to give us an insight into the protective preventive measures undertaken at work by apple producers and their hygiene. Results The study included 101 apple growers from the Prespa region. Wearing a completely tidy special PPE when using pesticides was registered in 78.2% of farmers, and when lawn mowing in 42.5%. 16% of the surveyed farmers during agricultural activities did not always wash their hands after going to the toilet, and almost 30% of them did not use soap when washing their hands. Conclusion There is inadequate hygiene practice/personal hygiene during agricultural activities. In addition, the proper use of PPE is not at a satisfactory level and poses a risk to the health of apple growers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jansun Bukovetz
- Institute of Public Health of the Republic of North Macedonia, Skopje, North Macedonia
| | - Mihail Kochubovski
- Institute of Public Health of the Republic of North Macedonia, Skopje, North Macedonia
- Faculty of Medicine, Ss Cyril and Methodius University in Skopje, Skopje, North Macedonia
| | - Shaban Memeti
- Institute of Public Health of the Republic of North Macedonia, Skopje, North Macedonia
- Faculty of Medicine, Ss Cyril and Methodius University in Skopje, Skopje, North Macedonia
| | - Gordana Ristovska
- Institute of Public Health of the Republic of North Macedonia, Skopje, North Macedonia
- Faculty of Medicine, Ss Cyril and Methodius University in Skopje, Skopje, North Macedonia
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Laroche E, Fournier PS, Ouedraogo NC. Prediction of compliance with preventive measures among teachers in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic. TECHNOLOGICAL FORECASTING AND SOCIAL CHANGE 2023; 192:122564. [PMID: 37065093 PMCID: PMC10080279 DOI: 10.1016/j.techfore.2023.122564] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/17/2022] [Revised: 02/10/2023] [Accepted: 02/16/2023] [Indexed: 05/21/2023]
Abstract
The objective of this study is to examine, in primary and high schools, teachers' compliance with preventive infection control measures (in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic). Inspired by the technology acceptance model (TAM) and occupational health and safety (OHS) literature on personal protective equipment (PPE) use, we propose a model of compliance with preventive measures among teachers. Data were collected following an observational, cross-sectional design. The data for the study were collected via a questionnaire survey of teachers working in the province of Quebec, Canada. To study the impact of the explanatory variables on the dependent variable, we developed a multiple linear regression model. This model was estimated to assess the preventive measures as a whole (six items). Results show that having tested positive for a COVID test in the last year, judging that the situation does not require the use of the mask or the protective glasses, training received on preventive measures, factors related to comfort and use of protective eyewear, as well as age influence teacher compliance with COVID-19 preventive measures.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elena Laroche
- Faculty of Administrative Sciences, Laval University, Pavillon Palasis-Prince (local 0523), 2325 rue de la Terrasse, Québec G1V 0A6, Canada
| | - Pierre-Sébastien Fournier
- Faculty of Administrative Sciences, Laval University, Pavillon Palasis-Prince (local 0523), 2325 rue de la Terrasse, Québec G1V 0A6, Canada
| | - Nafissatou Cynthia Ouedraogo
- Faculty of Administrative Sciences, Laval University, Pavillon Palasis-Prince (local 0523), 2325 rue de la Terrasse, Québec G1V 0A6, Canada
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Shen C, Tang C, Zhu K, He C, Yang C, Zuo Z. Toxicity and ecological risk assessment for two AhR agonistic pesticides mepanipyrim and cyprodinil and their metabolites. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2023; 30:58944-58955. [PMID: 37002518 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-023-26735-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/26/2022] [Accepted: 03/27/2023] [Indexed: 05/10/2023]
Abstract
Mepanipyrim and cyprodinil are widely used to control and/or prevent fungal diseases in fruit culture. They are frequently detected in the aquatic environment and some food commodities. Different from TCDD, mepanipyrim and cyprodinil are more easily metabolised in the environments. However, the risk of their metabolites to the ecological environment is unclear and needs to be further confirmed. In this study, we investigated the temporal pattern of mepanipyrim- and cyprodinil-induced CYP1A and AhR2 expression and EROD enzyme activity at different time frames during zebrafish embryonic and larval development. Then, we assessed the ecological risk of mepanipyrim, cyprodinil, and their metabolites to aquatic organisms. Our results showed that mepanipyrim and cyprodinil exposure could increase the expression level of cyp1a and ahr2 genes and EROD activity by a dynamic pattern in different developmental stages of zebrafish. Besides, their several metabolites showed strong AhR agonistic activity. Importantly, these metabolites could cause potential ecological risks to aquatic organisms and should be paid more attention to. Our results would provide an important reference value for environmental pollution control and the use management of mepanipyrim and cyprodinil.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chao Shen
- State Key Laboratory of Cellular Stress Biology, School of Life Sciences, Xiamen University, Xiamen, 361005, Fujian, China
| | - Chen Tang
- State Key Laboratory of Cellular Stress Biology, School of Life Sciences, Xiamen University, Xiamen, 361005, Fujian, China
| | - Kongyang Zhu
- State Key Laboratory of Cellular Stress Biology, School of Life Sciences, Xiamen University, Xiamen, 361005, Fujian, China
| | - Chengyong He
- State Key Laboratory of Cellular Stress Biology, School of Life Sciences, Xiamen University, Xiamen, 361005, Fujian, China
| | - Chunyan Yang
- State Key Laboratory of Cellular Stress Biology, School of Life Sciences, Xiamen University, Xiamen, 361005, Fujian, China
| | - Zhenghong Zuo
- State Key Laboratory of Cellular Stress Biology, School of Life Sciences, Xiamen University, Xiamen, 361005, Fujian, China.
- State Key Laboratory of Marine Environmental Science, Xiamen University, Xiamen, 361005, Fujian, China.
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12
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Straw EA, Kelly E, Stanley DA. Self-reported assessment of compliance with pesticide rules. ECOTOXICOLOGY AND ENVIRONMENTAL SAFETY 2023; 254:114692. [PMID: 36950982 DOI: 10.1016/j.ecoenv.2023.114692] [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: 11/16/2022] [Revised: 02/13/2023] [Accepted: 02/23/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
How pesticides are used is very important in determining the risk they pose to both the user, and the environment. Given they can have toxic properties, if pesticides are misused they could cause serious harm to the users health as well as a range of environmental damage. Despite this, very little research has quantified whether agricultural use of pesticides is compliant with the legally binding obligations and associated guidance surrounding application. In this survey we used an online, fully anonymous, questionnaire to ask Irish farmers about how they use pesticides. We used a self-reporting methodology, directly asking farmers about their compliance levels. We had a total of 76 unique valid respondents. Our respondents covered the broad range of Irish agriculture, and we quantified how this relates to national demographics. Overall compliance regarding pesticide use was high, with the majority of respondents complying the majority of the time. However, we also found a sizable group who report low compliance levels for certain topics. Respondents reported the highest levels of non-compliance with the use of personal protective equipment, with nearly half of all respondents admitting to not wearing certain required protective equipment on a regular basis. In contrast, for some areas like application rate, very high compliance was reported. Moderate levels of non-compliance with bee protective mitigation measures were found, and some reported practices like not emptying or washing out the spray tank between sprays could have serious impacts on pollinators, soil organisms and other non-targets. Additionally, a minority of respondents admitted to actions which could cause serious water course pollution. As the first survey on a range of pesticide compliance topics within a developed nation, the compliance seen is very high compared to levels in developing nations. Our results demonstrate that the assumption that all legal obligations and guidance surrounding pesticide use are followed is unfounded, but that the majority of the respondents are mostly compliant. Education or enforcement should be targeted to certain areas where compliance is weakest to minimise harm from pesticide use. Reducing the non-compliance we report here could benefit both farmer and environmental health, and ensure that pesticides are used in a manner that risk assessment has deemed safe.
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Affiliation(s)
- Edward A Straw
- School of Agriculture and Food Science, University College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland.
| | - Edel Kelly
- School of Agriculture and Food Science, University College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Dara A Stanley
- School of Agriculture and Food Science, University College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
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13
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Tabe-Ojong MPJ, Nyam YS, Lokossou JC, Gebrekidan BH. Farmer advisory systems and pesticide use in legume-based systems in West Africa. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2023; 867:161282. [PMID: 36608819 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2022.161282] [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: 09/15/2022] [Revised: 12/23/2022] [Accepted: 12/26/2022] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
Despite the adverse effects of pesticides on the environment and human health, they are a key ingredient in boosting agricultural productivity as a way of meeting global food demand. While global levels of pesticides are towering in high-income countries, pesticide use in many parts of Africa remains low, with significant impacts on agricultural productivity and food production. We use a rich longitudinal dataset to examine the relationship between farmer advisory systems and pesticide use in legume-based production systems in Ghana, Mali, and Nigeria. We find that farmers who are advised by private extension systems are approximately 8 % more likely to use pesticides at an extensive level. They also use pesticides more intensively (41 %). On the other hand, farmers advised by public extension systems are about 5 % more likely to extensively use pesticides. These farmers are observed to reduce the intensive use of pesticides by about 14 %. Furthermore, we also show that farmers advised by joint private-public extension systems are about 4 % more likely to use pesticides as well as reduce their intensity of use by approximately 11 %. At the various country levels, there exists significant heterogeneity in the relationship between advisory systems and pesticide use, suggesting that context matters. Of course, the pesticide regulatory systems and the institutional environments in these countries vary greatly. Given these findings, our study offers key entry and leveraging points for increasing pesticide use at levels that limit their environmental and human effects but may ascertain increased agricultural productivity and food production.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Yong Sebastian Nyam
- Disaster Management Training and Education Centre (DiMTEC) for Africa, University of the Free State, Internal Box 66, P.O. Box 339, Bloemfontein 9300, South Africa
| | - Jourdain C Lokossou
- Department of Agri-Food Economics and Consumer Sciences, Faculty of Agriculture and Food Sciences, Laval University, Quebec, Canada
| | - Bisrat Haile Gebrekidan
- Institute for Food and Resource Economics, University of Bonn, Nußallee 19-21, 53115 Bonn, Germany
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14
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Thammachai A, Sapbamrer R, Rohitrattana J, Tongprasert S, Hongsibsong S, Wangsan K. Effects of urinary of organophosphate metabolites on nerve conduction and neurobehavioral performance among farmers in northern Thailand. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2023; 30:38794-38809. [PMID: 36586021 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-022-24955-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/22/2022] [Accepted: 12/20/2022] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
Farmers are regarded as a high-risk population for pesticide exposure because of the frequency of their occupational exposure to organophosphate (OP) pesticides. The purposes of this study were 1) to compare urinary OP metabolites, nerve conduction, and neurobehavioral (NB) performance between farmers and a control group, as well as between baseline measurement and after spraying OP pesticides; 2) to investigate the factors associated with increased urinary OP metabolites after spraying OP pesticides; and 3) to investigate the effects of OP metabolites on changes in nerve conduction and NB performance after spraying OP pesticides. This study was conducted with a sample size of 71 farmers and a control group of 26. The findings showed that after spraying OP pesticides total dialkylphosphate (DAP) levels were significantly higher than baseline levels. Multiple linear regression showed that increased urinary OP metabolites among farmers after spraying pesticides were negatively associated with wearing a mask when spraying OP pesticides and positively associated with the number of years of farm work and type of sprayer equipment. The results also showed a positive association between the increased urinary total diethylphosphate (DEP) levels and the decreased amplitude of motor nerve conduction. Furthermore, a positive correlation was observed between increased urinary total DEP and decreased right amplitude of sympathetic skin response (SSR). An increase in urinary total DMP was positively associated with a decrease in raw score and a standard score of visual-motor integration (VMI). Our findings provide evidence that exposure to OP pesticides can cause a deficit in nerve conduction and NB performance in farmers. These findings may contribute to the early detection of neurological disease and inform strategies to prevent damage to the peripheral and central nervous systems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ajchamon Thammachai
- Department of Community Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Chiang Mai University, 110 Inthavaroros Road, Sri Phum Subdistrict, Chiang Mai, 50200, Muang District, Thailand
- Department of Physical Therapy, School of Allied Health Sciences, University of Phayao, 19 Mae Ka Subdistrict, Phayao, 56000, Muang District, Thailand
| | - Ratana Sapbamrer
- Department of Community Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Chiang Mai University, 110 Inthavaroros Road, Sri Phum Subdistrict, Chiang Mai, 50200, Muang District, Thailand.
| | - Juthasiri Rohitrattana
- Center for Safety, Health and Environment of Chulalongkorn University, 254 Phayathai Road, Pathumwan, Bangkok, 10330, Thailand
| | - Siam Tongprasert
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Chiang Mai University, 110 Inthavaroros Road, Sri Phum Subdistrict, Chiang Mai, 50200, Muang District, Thailand
| | - Surat Hongsibsong
- School of Health Sciences Research, Research Institute for Health Sciences, Chiang Mai University, 110 Inthavaroros Road, Sriphum Subdistrict, Chiang Mai, 50200, Muang District, Thailand
| | - Kampanat Wangsan
- Department of Community Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Chiang Mai University, 110 Inthavaroros Road, Sri Phum Subdistrict, Chiang Mai, 50200, Muang District, Thailand
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15
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Mengesha Y, Dagnew Z, Aderaw Z, Telayneh AT, Temesgen T, Tegegne E, Yirdaw G. Factors associated with the level of Knowledge and self-reported Practice toward safety precautions among Factory Workers in East Gojjam Zone, Northwest Ethiopia. SAGE Open Med 2023; 11:20503121221150957. [PMID: 36741936 PMCID: PMC9893073 DOI: 10.1177/20503121221150957] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/05/2022] [Accepted: 12/26/2022] [Indexed: 01/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Background According to the International Labor Organization, occupational accidents and diseases kill millions of workers every year. Objective To assess factors associated with the level of knowledge and self-reported practice toward safety precautions among factory workers in the East Gojjam Zone, Northwest Ethiopia, 2021. Methods An institution-based, cross-sectional study was conducted on 420 randomly selected factory workers. Data were collected through face-to-face interviews using structured questionnaires and an observation checklist. The data were analyzed using the descriptive statistical method and using bivariate binary and multivariable logistic regression models. Variables with a p-value <0.05 with a 95% confidence interval were considered to have statistical significance. Results The study had a response rate of 99.0%, with a total of 416 respondents. 53.4% of respondents were aware of safety precautions, and 56.0% of them rated the use of personal protective equipment as an indicator of the practice of safety precautions. Factory workers' educational status (adjusted odds ratio: 4.3, 95% confidence interval: 2.4, 7.8), job satisfaction (adjusted odds ratio: 4.7, 95% confidence interval: 2.1, 10.4), and having training on safety issues (adjusted odds ratio: 12.8, 95% confidence interval: 6.3, 26.1) were determinant factors of knowledge regarding safety precautions, while the type of factory (adjusted odds ratio: 16.0, 95% confidence interval: 5.8, 44.1), the presence of regular supervision (adjusted odds ratio: 3.8, 95% confidence interval: 2.1, 6.8), and overall knowledge about safety precautions (adjusted odds ratio: 7.2, 95% confidence interval: 3.9, 13.2) were the independent determinants of the practice of safety precautions. Conclusions Workers' knowledge and practice regarding safety precautions were low as compared to studies in developing countries. Interventions targeted at the provision of training, promotion, and enforcement of issues regarding safety precautions should be in place. Employers, the government, and employees should work together to address these workplace safety issues.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yeshiemebet Mengesha
- Debre Markos Town Administration Zonal Health Department, Debre Markos, Ethiopia
| | - Zewdu Dagnew
- Department of Environmental Health, College of Health Sciences, Debre Markos University, Debre Markos, Ethiopia
| | - Zewdie Aderaw
- Department of Human Nutrition, College of Health Sciences, Debre Markos University, Debre Markos, Ethiopia
| | - Animut Takele Telayneh
- Department of Public Health, College of Health Sciences, Debre Markos University, Debre Markos, Ethiopia
| | - Tegegne Temesgen
- Department of Environmental Health, College of Health Sciences, Debre Markos University, Debre Markos, Ethiopia
| | - Eniyew Tegegne
- Department of Environmental Health, College of Health Sciences, Debre Markos University, Debre Markos, Ethiopia
| | - Getasew Yirdaw
- Department of Environmental Health, College of Health Sciences, Debre Markos University, Debre Markos, Ethiopia,Getasew Yirdaw, Department of Environmental Health, College of Health Sciences, Debre Markos University, Debre Markos, Ethiopia.
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16
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Cevik C, Ozdemir R, Ari S. How to reduce pesticide exposure in farmers: An intervention study. Work 2023:WOR211380. [PMID: 36683475 DOI: 10.3233/wor-211380] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/22/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Pesticide poisoning is a serious public health problem. OBJECTIVE The aim was to investigate the effect of safe pesticide application training given to farmers on their behaviors towards compliance with protective measures. METHODS In this interventional study, the target population was 9750 farmers living in Turkey. To achieve a study power of 95% , type I error and the effect size were assumed as 5% and 0.50 respectively. In the study, 61 farmers were selected using the systematic sampling method. Farmers were interviewed twice, before and after the training, and at each interview, they were asked questions about their pesticide use-related behaviors in the last four sprayings. In the analysis, the paired t test, repeated measures of ANOVA (post hoc: Bonferroni) were used. RESULTS The scores the participants obtained from the Pesticide Exposure Prevention Behavior Form which questions their compliance with protective measures taken during pesticide applications at the post-interview were significantly higher than were the scores they obtained at the pre-interview (P < 0.001). The analysis of the independent variables demonstrated that the scores obtained from the Pesticide Exposure Prevention Behavior Form at the post-interview were significantly different from those obtained at the pre-interview in almost all of the subgroups in terms of their sociodemographic characteristics. CONCLUSION It was observed that the training given to the farmers on the safe use of pesticides encouraged the farmers to develop positive behavioral changes. The study emphasizes the importance of implementing ongoing health education programs for farmers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Celalettin Cevik
- Department of Public Health Nursing, Faculty of Health Sciences, Balikesir University, Balikesir, Turkey
| | - Raziye Ozdemir
- Department of Midwifery, Faculty of Health Sciences, Karabuk University, Karabuk, Turkey
| | - Sezgin Ari
- Department of Nursing, Faculty of Health Sciences, Balikesir University, Balikesir, Turkey
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17
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Sapbamrer R, Kitro A, Panumasvivat J, Assavanopakun P. Important role of the government in reducing pesticide use and risk sustainably in Thailand: Current situation and recommendations. Front Public Health 2023; 11:1141142. [PMID: 36935660 PMCID: PMC10020362 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2023.1141142] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/11/2023] [Accepted: 02/14/2023] [Indexed: 03/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Agriculture is an important aspect of Thailand's GDP and development. It ranks as the 8th largest exporter in the world, however, pesticide use associated with the agriculture is ranked 18th in the world and 5th in Asia. Previous studies have clearly stated that pesticides are a threat to human health and the environment. The government is now making efforts to address pesticide use and the health impacts of pesticide use, however, these efforts are still in need of completion. This paper aims to summarize: (1) the current situation with regard to pesticide use in Thailand; (2) the current situation with regard to pesticide poisoning in Thailand; and (3) important role of government in reducing pesticide use and risk sustainably in Thailand: current situation and recommendations. This article suggests that government is a significant driver for reducing pesticide use and risk sustainably and the establishment of push and pull policies, legislation, and strategies. The government needs to strictly adhere to international conventions. Introducing a pesticide tax is essential to reduce redundant pesticide use. Updating of the current act, specific regulations with regard to pesticides and strict enforcement are urgently required. Licensing pesticide applicators should be implemented continuously. Promotion of alternative pest management is needed by supportive production inputs, technology, and markets as well as the development of a monitoring and certification system. Educating consumers on how to choose safe agricultural products and reduce risk from pesticide residues in the products is also necessary. All approaches should be implemented simultaneously and instantly. Importantly, the government needs to cooperate with agricultural sectors, health and environmental sectors, private sectors, as well as food industries to tackle complicate issues in a sustainable manner and lower pesticide use and risk sustainably in Thailand.
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18
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Pandiyan A, Lari S, Vanka J, Gavaravarapu SM, Jee B, Jonnalagadda PR. Knowledge, attitude and practices related to pesticide usage among farmers: Findings from a hospital based cross-sectional study. Work 2023; 76:1061-1070. [PMID: 37248931 DOI: 10.3233/wor-220038] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/31/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND In India, where agriculture is the prime occupation among the rural population, farmers are extensively using pesticides in crop production without taking adequate precautions. OBJECTIVE The current study aimed to examine pesticide usage patterns, usage of personal protective equipment (PPE), knowledge on pesticide toxicity, and attitude towards occupational safety among farmers diagnosed with leukaemia (n = 60), lymphoma (n = 33), and breast cancer (n = 30) visiting a tertiary cancer care hospital in Hyderabad, India. METHODS Face-to-face interviews were conducted using a pre-tested questionnaire and the data collected were analysed with statistical software SPSS 23. RESULTS The survey revealed that the participants had an average of 19.6 years of farming experience and women were predominantly involved in the mixing of pesticides and other agricultural work apart from spraying. All of them were not using any PPE and the majority of them did not have any knowledge on the route of exposure, toxicity symbols, and safe handling of pesticides. Statistical analysis showed no significant association between educational status and knowledge, attitude and practices (p > 0.05). CONCLUSION Even though the majority of the farmers were educated, their lack of adequate knowledge on pesticides had enabled them to adopt risky behaviours in handling and storage of pesticides. There is a need for continuous training programs for farmers to promote awareness and minimize the hazards of occupational exposure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Arun Pandiyan
- Food Safety Division, ICMR - National Institute of Nutrition, Hyderabad, India
| | - Summaiya Lari
- Food Safety Division, ICMR - National Institute of Nutrition, Hyderabad, India
| | - Janardhan Vanka
- Food Safety Division, ICMR - National Institute of Nutrition, Hyderabad, India
| | - SubbaRao M Gavaravarapu
- Nutrition Information, Communication and Health Education (NICHE), ICMR - National Institute of Nutrition, Hyderabad, India
| | - Babban Jee
- Department of Health Research, Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, Government of India, New Delhi, India
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19
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Chittrakul J, Sapbamrer R, Hongsibsong S. Exposure to organophosphate insecticides, inappropriate personal protective equipment use, and cognitive performance among pesticide applicators. Front Public Health 2022; 10:1060284. [PMID: 36466523 PMCID: PMC9712794 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2022.1060284] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/03/2022] [Accepted: 10/31/2022] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Inappropriate use of personal protective equipment (PPE) among pesticide applicators may increase urinary organophosphate (OP) metabolite levels and subsequently increase risks of cognitive performance. Therefore, this study aims to (1) compare urinary OP metabolite levels and cognitive performance between pre-and post-pesticide application seasons; (2) PPE use and factors associated with PPE use linked to increased urinary OP metabolite levels during pesticide application; and (3) the association between urinary OP metabolite levels and cognitive performance. This longitudinal follow-up study on 79 pesticide applicators was carried out between October 2021 and January 2022. The applicators were interviewed, collected urine samples, and tested for cognitive performance in pre-and post-pesticide application seasons. The results found that the levels of urinary OP metabolites in post-application season were significantly higher than those in pre-application season (p < 0.001). Multiple linear regression analysis found that increased total diethylphosphate (DEP) and total dialkylphosphate (DAP) levels were associated with not wearing gloves while mixing pesticides [beta (β) ± standard error (SE) = -43.74 ± 18.52, 95% confidence interval (95% CI) = -80.84, -6.64 for total DEP and -50.84 ± 19.26, 95% CI = -89.41, -12.26 for total DAP] and also with not wearing a mask while spraying pesticides (β ± SE = -31.76 ± 12.24, 95% CI = -56.28, -7.24 for total DEP and -33.20 ± 12.63, 95% CI = -58.49, -7.92 for total DAP) after adjusting for covariates. The scores of Montreal Cognitive Assessment-Thai, Thai Mental State Examination, and Mini-Cognitive test in post-pesticide application were significantly lower than those in pre-pesticide application (p < 0.001). However, no association was found between urinary OP metabolite levels and cognitive decline. Our findings indicate that inappropriate PPE use during pesticide application was the major factor affecting urinary OP metabolite levels among pesticide applicators. Wearing gloves when mixing pesticides and a mask when spraying pesticides were key factors in reducing occupational exposure to OP. Exposure to OP at low levels and for short periods of exposure may not affect cognitive performance significantly. Therefore, long-term exposure and exposure to high levels of OP should be investigated further.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiraporn Chittrakul
- Department of Community Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai, Thailand
| | - Ratana Sapbamrer
- Department of Community Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai, Thailand,*Correspondence: Ratana Sapbamrer ;
| | - Surat Hongsibsong
- School of Health Sciences Research, Research Institute for Health Sciences, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai, Thailand
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20
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Saraji M, Talebi K, Balali-Mood M, Imani S. Urinary metabolites of diazinon and chlorpyrifos in sprayer operators and farm workers of a potato farm. JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND HEALTH. PART. B, PESTICIDES, FOOD CONTAMINANTS, AND AGRICULTURAL WASTES 2022; 57:745-755. [PMID: 36048024 DOI: 10.1080/03601234.2022.2111152] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
In order to investigate the effect of diazinon and chlorpyrifos on agricultural workers exposed to pesticides, urinary metabolites 2-Isopropyl-6-methyl-4-pyrimidinol (IMPy) and 3,5,6-Trichloro-2-pyridinol (TPCy) in farm workers, sprayer operators, and non-exposed people as a control group were measured. The modified QuEChERS method was applied to extract samples and was measured using a gas chromatograph/nitrogen-phosphorus detector. The obtained results showed that the median concentrations of TCPy were 36.92-547.7 and 7.7-49.58 ng/mL for sprayer operators and farm workers, respectively. Moreover, the median concentrations of IMPy were 81.66-593.1 ng/mL for sprayer operators and 40.6-66.1 ng/mL for farm workers. The control group had no measurable metabolites. The IMPy level of 60% of sprayer operators was significantly higher (P ˂ 0.05) than the TCPy level. The analysis of variance highlighted the significant relationship (P ˂ 0.05) between the levels of each metabolite and the use of safety gloves, respiratory masks, safety goggles, working time per week, and type of insecticide exposure. Our findings revealed the need to measure the urinary metabolites of these insecticides in other exposed workers. Also, workers should be taught the impact of using personal protective equipment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mahdiyar Saraji
- Department of Plant Protection, Science and Research Branch, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran
| | - Khalil Talebi
- Department of Plant Protection, University of Tehran, Karaj, Iran
| | - Mahdi Balali-Mood
- Medical Toxicology and Drug Abuse Research Center, Birjand University of Medical Sciences, Birjand, Iran
| | - Sohrab Imani
- Department of Plant Protection, Science and Research Branch, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran
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21
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Galli A, Winkler MS, Doanthu T, Fuhrimann S, Huynh T, Rahn E, Stamm C, Staudacher P, Van Huynh T, Loss G. Assessment of pesticide safety knowledge and practices in Vietnam: A cross-sectional study of smallholder farmers in the Mekong Delta. JOURNAL OF OCCUPATIONAL AND ENVIRONMENTAL HYGIENE 2022; 19:509-523. [PMID: 35853141 DOI: 10.1080/15459624.2022.2100403] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Over the past three decades, the Vietnamese Mekong Delta has experienced a significant increase in agricultural productivity, partly achieved through increased agrochemical use. To abate negative effects on human and environmental health, several national programs were launched to enhance safer pesticide use. This study aimed to assess the patterns and relationships of official sustainable agriculture educational programs, pesticide safety knowledge, and practices of smallholder farmers in the Mekong Delta. A cross-sectional survey was conducted with 400 smallholder farmers from three communes in Thoi Lai district (Can Tho province) from March to May 2020. Twenty-four questions on pesticide safety knowledge and practices were used to identify traits using latent class analysis. Adjusted generalized linear regression was used to assess determinants of pesticide safety knowledge and estimate associations of pesticide safety knowledge with pesticide practices. 96.2% of participants have used at least one WHO class II pesticide during the past year while the use of specific personal protective equipment was limited mainly due to unavailability (37.0%) or discomfort (83.0%). High education (Odds Ratio (OR), 95% Confidence Interval; 3.84, 1.70-9.45), exposure to official educational programs (1.87, 1.13-3.12), peer-to-peer knowledge exchange (3.58, 2.18-6.00), and learning from governmental extension services (2.31, 1.14-4.98) were positively associated with increased pesticide safety knowledge. Compared to poor practices, pesticide safety knowledge was increasingly positively associated with intermediate (1.65, 1.02-2.66) and good pesticide practices (8.96, 2.58-31.12). These findings highlight the importance of school education and educational programs, access to PPE, and addressing discomforts of PPE to improve the protection of farmers from pesticide exposures. Simultaneously, pesticide market authorization processes should be reconsidered to promote the authorization of less toxic products. Further in-depth studies on the nature of pesticides used, nonuse of personal protective equipment, and effectiveness of educational programs will further define leverage points for safer pesticide use.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anaïs Galli
- Department of Epidemiology and Public Health, Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, Allschwil, Switzerland
- Faculty of Natural Sciences, University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Mirko S Winkler
- Department of Epidemiology and Public Health, Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, Allschwil, Switzerland
- Faculty of Natural Sciences, University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Thuy Doanthu
- CISDOMA, The Consultative Institute for Socio-Economic Development of Rural and Mountainous Areas, Hanoi, Vietnam
| | - Samuel Fuhrimann
- Department of Epidemiology and Public Health, Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, Allschwil, Switzerland
- Faculty of Natural Sciences, University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Tuyen Huynh
- International Center for Tropical Agriculture (CIAT), Hanoi, Vietnam
| | - Eric Rahn
- International Center for Tropical Agriculture (CIAT), Hanoi, Vietnam
| | - Christian Stamm
- Eawag, Swiss Federal Institute of Aquatic Science and Technology, Dübendorf, Switzerland
| | - Philipp Staudacher
- Eawag, Swiss Federal Institute of Aquatic Science and Technology, Dübendorf, Switzerland
| | - Tung Van Huynh
- CISED, Can Tho City Institute for Socio-Economic Development Studies, Can Tho, Vietnam
| | - Georg Loss
- Department of Epidemiology and Public Health, Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, Allschwil, Switzerland
- Faculty of Natural Sciences, University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
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22
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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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23
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Samareh A, Asadikaram G, MojtabaAbbasi-Jorjandi, Abdollahdokht D, Abolhassani M, Khanjani N, Nematollahi MH. Occupational exposure to pesticides in farmworkers and the oxidative markers. Toxicol Ind Health 2022; 38:455-469. [PMID: 35701988 DOI: 10.1177/07482337221106754] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Organophosphate (OPPs) and organochlorine pesticides (OCPs) are the two predominant forms of pesticides extensively used all around the world and are being reconsidered as environmental pollutants. The current study sought to assess the role of socioeconomic factors on the level of pesticides residues and the oxidative effects of exposure to OPPs and OCPs among the farmworkers of southeast Iran. In this cross-sectional study, 192 farmworkers and 74 non-farmworkers (controls) were involved. Gas chromatography (GC) was performed to measure the serum levels of organochlorine chemicals (2,4-DDT, 4,4-DDT, 2,4-DDE, 4,4-DDE, α-HCH, β-HCH, and γ-HCH). Furthermore, acetylcholinesterase (AChE) activity, arylesterase activity of paraoxonase-1 (PON-1), and several oxidative stress (OS) markers were assessed. In addition, the impact of several parameters such as home to farm distance, education level, ventilation status, and personal protective equipment (PPE) on pesticide levels was analyzed. The levels of OCPs in the farmworkers were significantly higher than the control subjects. In addition, AChE activity, arylesterase activity of PON-1, and total antioxidant capacity in farmworkers were significantly less, and MDA levels were higher than the controls. Education level was associated with farmworkers' protective behavior. The current findings suggested that some phased out OCPs can still be measured in human samples in the southeast of Iran. Furthermore, the current study demonstrated that exposure to OCPs and OPPs was accompanied by adverse consequences regarding OS parameters and subsequent health problems. In addition, the findings of the present study suggest that improving farmworkers' education might be associated with reduced exposure to pesticides and less adverse health effects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ali Samareh
- Endocrinology and Metabolism Research Center, Institute of Basic and Clinical Physiology Sciences, Kerman, Iran.,Department of Clinical Biochemistry, School of Medicine, 48463Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran
| | - Gholamreza Asadikaram
- Department of Clinical Biochemistry, School of Medicine, 48463Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran.,Neuroscience Research Center, Institute of Neuropharmacology, School of Medicine, 48463Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran
| | - MojtabaAbbasi-Jorjandi
- Department of Clinical Biochemistry, School of Medicine, 48463Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran.,Physiology Research center, Institute of Basic and Clinical Physiology Sciences, 48463Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran
| | - Danial Abdollahdokht
- Physiology Research center, Institute of Basic and Clinical Physiology Sciences, 48463Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran
| | - Moslem Abolhassani
- Department of Clinical Biochemistry, School of Medicine, 48463Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran
| | - Narges Khanjani
- Environmental Health Engineering Research Center, 48463Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran
| | - Mohammad H Nematollahi
- Department of Clinical Biochemistry, School of Medicine, 48463Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran.,Physiology Research center, Institute of Basic and Clinical Physiology Sciences, 48463Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran
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24
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Mota TFM, Sampaio AR, Vasconcelos MW, de Castilhos Ghisi N. Allium cepa test vs. insecticides: a scientometric and meta-analytical review. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2022; 29:42678-42691. [PMID: 35089509 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-021-15953-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/04/2021] [Accepted: 08/09/2021] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Insecticides stand out as the most dangerous pesticides, and many of them can cause cytotoxic and genotoxic effects in organisms. For this reason, a systematic review was performed focusing on the effect of insecticides on Allium cepa system by two ways: (1) a scientometric study to identify trends and gaps in the literature on the evaluation of insecticides to guide future research efforts and (2) a meta-analytical approach compiling the information to obtain an overall result about insecticide effect on A. cepa. It was found that there is an increasing production of articles in this research area. The H-index of our data set was 11, with an average of 13.72 citations per item. The leader country in this research area was India, followed by Turkey and Brazil. The best cited research area was "Environmental Sciences" and "Environmental Sciences and Ecology," followed by "Cell Biology." The most used keywords were genotoxicity, pesticides, and insecticide. The meta-analytical test showed that the number of micronuclei found in onion cells treated with insecticides is higher than that in untreated ones, and the use of pesticides reduced the mitotic index. In conclusion, it is evident the need for more studies about biotechnology, nanotechnology, and biopesticides to develop safer pesticides.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thais Fernandes Mendonça Mota
- Collegiate of Biological Sciences, Universidade Estadual do Paraná (UNESPAR), Campus Paranavaí, Avenida Gabriel Esperidião, s/n, Jardim Morumbi, 87703-000 Paranavaí, Paraná, Brazil.
- Graduate Program in Biotechnology, Universidade Tecnológica Federal do Paraná (UTFPR), Campus Dois Vizinhos, Estrada para Boa Esperança s/n, km 04, Comunidade Sao Cristovão, P.O. Box 157, Dois Vizinhos, Paraná, 85660-000, Brazil.
| | - Amanda Roberta Sampaio
- Graduate Program in Agroecossistems, Universidade Tecnológica Federal do Paraná (UTFPR), Campus Dois Vizinhos, Estrada para Boa Esperança s/n, km 04, Comunidade Sao Cristovão, P.O. Box 157, Dois Vizinhos, Paraná, 85660-000, Brazil
| | - Marina Wust Vasconcelos
- Graduate Program in Biotechnology, Universidade Tecnológica Federal do Paraná (UTFPR), Campus Dois Vizinhos, Estrada para Boa Esperança s/n, km 04, Comunidade Sao Cristovão, P.O. Box 157, Dois Vizinhos, Paraná, 85660-000, Brazil
| | - Nédia de Castilhos Ghisi
- Graduate Program in Biotechnology, Universidade Tecnológica Federal do Paraná (UTFPR), Campus Dois Vizinhos, Estrada para Boa Esperança s/n, km 04, Comunidade Sao Cristovão, P.O. Box 157, Dois Vizinhos, Paraná, 85660-000, Brazil
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25
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Thammachai A, Sapbamrer R, Rohitrattana J, Tongprasert S, Hongsibsong S, Wangsan K. Differences in Knowledge, Awareness, Practice, and Health Symptoms in Farmers Who Applied Organophosphates and Pyrethroids on Farms. Front Public Health 2022; 10:802810. [PMID: 35186843 PMCID: PMC8847372 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2022.802810] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/17/2021] [Accepted: 01/10/2022] [Indexed: 01/24/2023] Open
Abstract
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.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ajchamon Thammachai
- Department of Community Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai, Thailand
| | - Ratana Sapbamrer
- Department of Community Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai, Thailand
| | - Juthasiri Rohitrattana
- Center for Safety, Health and Environment of Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Siam Tongprasert
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai, Thailand
| | - Surat Hongsibsong
- School of Health Sciences Research, Research Institute for Health Sciences, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai, Thailand
| | - Kampanat Wangsan
- Department of Community Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai, Thailand
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26
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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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Karami R, Ahmadi N. Moderating role of locus of control over health belief model: a study of horticulturists' protective behavior. CURRENT PSYCHOLOGY 2022; 42:1-12. [PMID: 35261533 PMCID: PMC8891430 DOI: 10.1007/s12144-022-02928-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 02/15/2022] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
The widespread prevalence of using chemical substances such as fertilizers and pesticides in garden threatens the health of horticulturists. This study aimed to investigate the underlying elements of protective behavior of horticulturists from psychological aspects. The health Belief Model is the theoretical basis of this study and moderating the role of locus of control is explored over the model. The target population of study was horticulturists of Zanjan County, Iran. A questionnaire was distributed among a random sample of 293, who were selected using multi stage stratified sampling. The study results revealed that all elements of the proposed theory significantly influence the protective behavior. Furthermore, the study results confirmed the moderating effects of locus of control on the path relation between perceived profit and cues to action with protective behavior. The suggestions to improve protective behavior for individual with internal and external locus of control are presented.
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Affiliation(s)
- Roya Karami
- Department of Agriculture, Payame Noor University (PNU), Tehran, P. O. Box 19395-4697 Iran
| | - Nasrin Ahmadi
- Department of Agriculture, Payame Noor University (PNU), Tehran, P. O. Box 19395-4697 Iran
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28
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Kursunoglu N, Onder S, Onder M. Evaluation of Personal Protective Equipment Usage Habit of Mining Employees Using Structural Equation Modeling. Saf Health Work 2022; 13:180-186. [PMID: 35664905 PMCID: PMC9142738 DOI: 10.1016/j.shaw.2022.03.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/09/2021] [Revised: 02/18/2022] [Accepted: 03/09/2022] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
Background In occupational studies, it is a known situation that technical and organizational attempts are used to prevent occupational accidents. Especially in the mining sector, if these attempts cannot prevent occupational accidents, personal protective equipment (PPE) becomes a necessity. Thus, in this study, the main objective is to examine the effects of the variables on the use of PPE and identify important factors. Methods A questionnaire was implemented and structural equation modeling was conducted to ascertain the significant factors affecting the PPE use of mining employees. The model includes the factors that ergonomics, the efficiency of PPE and employee training, and PPE usage habit. Results The results indicate that ergonomics and employee training have no significant effect (p > 0.05) on the use of PPE. The efficiency of PPE has a statistically meaningful effect (p < 0.05) on the use of PPE. Various variables have been evaluated in previous studies. However, none of them examined the variables simultaneously. Conclusion The developed model in the study enables to better focus on ergonomics and employee training in the PPE usage. The effectiveness of a PPE makes its use unavoidable. Emphasizing PPE effectiveness in OHS training and even showing them in practice will increase employees’ PPE usage. The fact that a PPE with high effectiveness is also ergonomic means that it will be used at high rates by the employee.
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29
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Efficiency of Gum Rosin-Coated Personal Protective Clothing to Protect against Chlorpyrifos Exposure in Applicators. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 19:ijerph19052594. [PMID: 35270286 PMCID: PMC8909465 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph19052594] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/15/2022] [Revised: 02/21/2022] [Accepted: 02/21/2022] [Indexed: 02/01/2023]
Abstract
An ideal theoretical model for personal protective clothing (PPC) is to protect wearers from external workplace hazards while meeting certain ergonomic requirements. This study aims to compare the efficiency of different personal protective clothing in its protection against chlorpyrifos, including gum rosin-coated PPC, commercial PPC (Tychem® coverall), and everyday clothing, during application under field conditions. Perception of discomfort and physiological effects after wearing PPC were also investigated. Thirty-one applicators were invited and consented to participate in the study. The study established that the median percentage of chlorpyrifos protection efficiency was 90.7% for commercial PPC, 89.2% for gum rosin-coated PPC, and 76.5% for everyday PPC. When the protection efficiency was compared among the different types of PPC, the percentage protection efficiency of gum rosin-coated PPC was not significantly different from that of commercial PPC. The percentage protection efficiencies of commercial PPC and gum rosin-coated PPC were significantly higher than that of everyday PPC. The major characteristics of gum rosin-coated PPC were water-repellency, breathability, low cost, and ease of manufacture. Therefore, this study suggests that gum rosin-coated PPC is a reasonable alternative PPC for farmers, particularly in low and middle-low-income countries and tropical climates, to protect against pesticides while providing acceptable comfort.
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The effectiveness of educational interventions aimed at agricultural workers' knowledge, behaviour, and risk perception for reducing the risk of pesticide exposure: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Int Arch Occup Environ Health 2022; 95:1167-1178. [PMID: 35103845 DOI: 10.1007/s00420-022-01838-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/04/2021] [Accepted: 01/12/2022] [Indexed: 11/05/2022]
Abstract
AIM The aim of this study was to determine the effectiveness of educational interventions aimed at agricultural workers' knowledge, behaviour, and risk perception for reducing the risk of pesticide exposure. METHOD All studies published in the English language between the years 2000 and 2020 were screened on relevant databases. The study protocol was registered on PROSPERO. Randomised controlled studies (RCTs) and quasi-experimental studies meeting the inclusion and exclusion criteria according to the PICOS criteria were included. In line with the PRISMA flow diagram, 38 studies were included in the systematic review and meta-analysis. Risk of bias was assessed with the Cochrane risk-of-bias assessment tool. A random-effects model was applied and Hedge's g was used to calculate effect size. FINDINGS Five of the included studies are RCTs, two are cluster RCTs, 17 are quasi-experimental studies with experimental and control groups, and 14 have single-group pretest-posttest study designs. Educational interventions had a large effect on knowledge level (Hedge's g = 0.890), a medium effect on behaviour level (Hedge's g = 0.707), and a small effect on risk perception (Hedge's g = 0.377). No publication bias was detected. The largest effect of educational interventions on both knowledge and behaviour levels belonged to studies grounded on a theoretical basis and carried out between the years 2011 and 2020. CONCLUSION It was determined that educational interventions are an appropriate method for reducing the pesticide exposure risks of agricultural workers. To increase the effectiveness of these interventions, it is recommended that consideration is given to a theoretical basis, the use of multiple education components, and evidence-based practices.
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Combined Modification of Fiber Materials by Enzymes and Metal Nanoparticles for Chemical and Biological Protection. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23031359. [PMID: 35163283 PMCID: PMC8835833 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23031359] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/30/2021] [Revised: 01/13/2022] [Accepted: 01/24/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
To obtain fiber materials with pronounced chemical-biological protection, metal (Zn or Ta) nanoparticles were jointly applied with polyelectrolyte complexes of enzymes and polypeptides being their stabilizers. Computer modeling revealed the preferences between certain polyelectrolyte partners for N-acyl-homoserine lactone acylase and hexahistidine-tagged organophosphorus hydrolase (His6-OPH) possessing the quorum quenching (QQ) behavior with bacterial cells. The combinations of metal nanoparticles and enzymes appeared to function better as compared to the combinations of the same QQ-enzymes with antibiotics (polymyxins), making it possible to decrease the applied quantities by orders of magnitude while giving the same effect. The elimination of Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacterial cells from doubly modified fiber materials notably increased (up to 2.9-fold), whereas His6-OPH retained its hydrolytic activity in reaction with organophosphorus compounds (up to 74% of initially applied activity). Materials with the certain enzyme and Zn nanoparticles were more efficient against Bacillus subtilis cells (up to 2.1-fold), and Ta nanoparticles acted preferentially against Escherichia coli (up to 1.5-fold). Some materials were proved to be more suitable for combined modification by metal nanoparticles and His6-OPH complexes as antimicrobial protectants.
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Istriningsih, Dewi YA, Yulianti A, Hanifah VW, Jamal E, Dadang, Sarwani M, Mardiharini M, Anugrah IS, Darwis V, Suib E, Herteddy D, Sutriadi MT, Kurnia A, Harsanti ES. Farmers' knowledge and practice regarding good agricultural practices (GAP) on safe pesticide usage in Indonesia. Heliyon 2022; 8:e08708. [PMID: 35036601 PMCID: PMC8753126 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2021.e08708] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/10/2021] [Revised: 12/14/2021] [Accepted: 12/30/2021] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Synthetic pesticides are widely applied for pest and disease control in Indonesia. However, a lack of knowledge and use of Good Agricultural Practices (GAP) for safe pesticide usage among Indonesian farmers remains a problem. This study aims to investigate the gap between farmers' knowledge of GAP for safe pesticide usage and their application of it. This research was conducted in 2020 in five Indonesian provinces. Primary data collection was by means of a survey, in which 298 respondents answered structured questionnaires. The survey also identified the sources of the information recorded and the respondents’ experience of pesticide exposure. The analysis tools used were the Wilcoxon Signed Ranked Test and Importance-Performance Analysis (IPA). There were significant differences in the results of the first analysis. These results appear to confirm the results of further analysis using IPA, which show that a high level of knowledge does not mean that farmers will apply this knowledge in practice: this is particularly relevant to wearing gloves and masks, using tools to remove blockages, never clearing blocked nozzles by blowing into them, and disposing of empty containers properly. Nevertheless, in some cases high levels of knowledge do result in high levels of application. Cases of pesticide exposure affecting human health by causing symptoms such as dizziness, nausea, and vomiting confirm that GAP for pesticide usage are not being implemented properly by some farmers. It is therefore recommended that their knowledge should be enhanced through the series of technical training programs using participatory approaches, so that farmers accumulate knowledge which will drive them to adopt GAP for safe pesticide usage.
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Affiliation(s)
- Istriningsih
- Indonesian Institute for Agricultural Technology Transfer, Ministry of Agriculture, Indonesia
| | - Yovita Anggita Dewi
- Indonesian Center for Agricultural Technology Assessment and Development, Ministry of Agriculture, Indonesia
| | - Astrina Yulianti
- Indonesian Center for Agricultural Technology Assessment and Development, Ministry of Agriculture, Indonesia
| | - Vyta W Hanifah
- Indonesian Center for Agricultural Technology Assessment and Development, Ministry of Agriculture, Indonesia
| | - Erizal Jamal
- Center for Plant Variety Protection and Agricultural Licensing, Ministry of Agriculture, Indonesia
| | - Dadang
- Department of Plant Protection, Faculty of Agriculture, IPB University, Indonesia
| | - Muhrizal Sarwani
- Indonesian Center for Agricultural Land Resources Research and Development, Ministry of Agriculture, Indonesia
| | - Maesti Mardiharini
- Indonesian Center for Agricultural Technology Assessment and Development, Ministry of Agriculture, Indonesia
| | - Iwan Setiajie Anugrah
- Indonesian Center for Agricultural Socio Economic and Policy Studies, Ministry of Agriculture, Indonesia
| | - Valeriana Darwis
- Indonesian Center for Agricultural Socio Economic and Policy Studies, Ministry of Agriculture, Indonesia
| | - Ewin Suib
- Center for Plant Variety Protection and Agricultural Licensing, Ministry of Agriculture, Indonesia
| | - Dwi Herteddy
- Center for Plant Variety Protection and Agricultural Licensing, Ministry of Agriculture, Indonesia
| | - Mas Teddy Sutriadi
- Indonesian Agricultural Environment Research Institute, Ministry of Agriculture, Indonesia
| | - Asep Kurnia
- Indonesian Agricultural Environment Research Institute, Ministry of Agriculture, Indonesia
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Mueller W, Jones K, Mohamed H, Bennett N, Harding AH, Frost G, Povey A, Basinas I, Kromhout H, van Tongeren M, Fuhrimann S, Galea KS. OUP accepted manuscript. Ann Work Expo Health 2022; 66:754-767. [PMID: 35169836 PMCID: PMC9250286 DOI: 10.1093/annweh/wxac002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/17/2021] [Revised: 12/21/2021] [Accepted: 01/13/2022] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Occupational epidemiological studies on pesticide use commonly rely on self-reported questionnaire or interview data to assess exposure. Insight into recall accuracy is important, as misclassification of exposures due to imperfect recall can bias risk estimates. Methods We assessed the ability of workers in three UK cohorts (Prospective Investigation of Pesticide Applicators’ Health [PIPAH], Pesticide Users’ Health Study [PUHS], and Study of Health in Agricultural Work [SHAW]) to remember their working history related to pesticide exposure over time periods ranging from 3 to 14 years prior. During 2019–2020, cohort participants were re-surveyed using a similar questionnaire to that used previously. We compared recall of responses at follow-up to those reported at baseline related to crops/areas of work, use of personal protective equipment (PPE) items, hygiene habits, frequency of pesticide use, and application method. To assess the extent of recall, we used sensitivity, specificity, the percentage of overall agreement, and area under the curve (AUC) values. We also examined the presence of over or underestimation of recalled years, and days and hours per year, of working with pesticides using geometric mean ratios (GMR) and regression analysis to investigate any trends based on demographic characteristics. Results There were 643 individuals who completed both the baseline and follow-up surveys in the three cohorts with response rates ranging from 17 to 46%. There was a strong correlation (rho = 0.77) between the baseline and recalled years working with pesticides, though higher values were reported at follow-up (GMR = 1.18 [95% confidence interval: 1.07–1.30]) with no consistent differences by demographic characteristics. There was stronger agreement in the recalled days compared to hours per year in two of the cohorts. Recall for a number of exposure determinants across short and longer periods entailed overall agreement of >70%, though with some differences: for example, sensitivity for long-term recall of crops was poor (<43% in PUHS), whereas short-term recall of hygiene practices was good (AUC range = 0.65–1.00 in PIPAH). Conclusion Results indicate that recall ability may deteriorate over a longer period. Although low-response rates may require these findings to be interpreted with caution, recall for a number of exposure determinants appeared reliable, such as crops and hygiene practices within 3 years, as well as days per year working with pesticides.
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Affiliation(s)
- William Mueller
- Author to whom correspondence should be addressed. Tel: +(44) 0131 449 8013; e-mail:
| | - Kate Jones
- Health and Safety Executive (HSE), Buxton, UK
| | - Hani Mohamed
- Centre for Occupational and Environmental Health, School of Health Sciences, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, University of Manchester, Manchester Academic Health Science Centre Manchester, UK
| | | | | | | | - Andrew Povey
- Centre for Occupational and Environmental Health, School of Health Sciences, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, University of Manchester, Manchester Academic Health Science Centre Manchester, UK
| | - Ioannis Basinas
- Institute of Occupational Medicine (IOM), Edinburgh, UK
- Centre for Occupational and Environmental Health, School of Health Sciences, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, University of Manchester, Manchester Academic Health Science Centre Manchester, UK
| | - Hans Kromhout
- Institute for Risk Assessment Sciences (IRAS), Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Martie van Tongeren
- Centre for Occupational and Environmental Health, School of Health Sciences, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, University of Manchester, Manchester Academic Health Science Centre Manchester, UK
| | - Samuel Fuhrimann
- Institute for Risk Assessment Sciences (IRAS), Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Karen S Galea
- Institute of Occupational Medicine (IOM), Edinburgh, UK
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Ben Khadda Z, Fagroud M, El Karmoudi Y, Ezrari S, Berni I, De Broe M, Behl T, Bungau SG, Sqalli Houssaini T. Farmers' Knowledge, Attitudes, and Perceptions Regarding Carcinogenic Pesticides in Fez Meknes Region (Morocco). INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2021; 18:ijerph182010879. [PMID: 34682625 PMCID: PMC8535244 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph182010879] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/12/2021] [Revised: 10/05/2021] [Accepted: 10/12/2021] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
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.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zineb Ben Khadda
- Laboratory of Epidemiology and Research in Health Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Pharmacy, Sidi Mohammed Ben Abdellah University, Fez 30050, Morocco;
- Faculty of Science and Technology, Sidi Mohammed Ben Abdellah University, Fez 30050, Morocco;
- Correspondence: (Z.B.K.); (S.G.B.)
| | - Mustapha Fagroud
- Department of Agronomy, National School of Agriculture, Meknes 50001, Morocco;
| | - Yahya El Karmoudi
- Laboratory of Ecology, Biodiversity and Environment, Faculty of Sciences, Abdelmalek Essaâdi University, Tetouan 93000, Morocco;
| | - Said Ezrari
- Faculty of Science and Technology, Sidi Mohammed Ben Abdellah University, Fez 30050, Morocco;
- Laboratory of Functional Ecology and Engineering Environment, Department of Biology, Sidi Mohamed Ben Abdellah University, Fez 30050, Morocco
| | - Imane Berni
- Cluster of Competencies “Health and Environment”, Moulay Ismail University, Meknes 50050, Morocco;
| | - Marc De Broe
- Laboratory of Pathophysiology, University of Antwerp, 2000 Antwerp, Belgium;
| | - Tapan Behl
- Chitkara College of Pharmacy, Chitkara University, Punjab 140401, India;
| | - Simona Gabriela Bungau
- Department of Pharmacy, Faculty of Medicine and Pharmacy, University of Oradea, 410028 Oradea, Romania
- Faculty of Medicine and Pharmacy, Doctoral School of Biological and Biomedical Sciences, University of Oradea, 410073 Oradea, Romania
- Correspondence: (Z.B.K.); (S.G.B.)
| | - Tarik Sqalli Houssaini
- Laboratory of Epidemiology and Research in Health Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Pharmacy, Sidi Mohammed Ben Abdellah University, Fez 30050, Morocco;
- Department of Nephrology, University of Hospital Hassan II, Fez 30050, Morocco
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Suwannakul B, Sapbamrer R, Wiwattanadittakul N, Hongsibsong S. Prenatal organophosphate exposure can cause adverse birth outcomes to humans. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2021; 28:45064-45074. [PMID: 33860419 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-021-13974-8] [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: 11/04/2020] [Accepted: 04/13/2021] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Organophosphate (OP) pesticides may accumulate in pregnant agricultural workers, resulting in adverse effects on the growth and development of the fetus and neonates. This study aims to evaluate a possible association between prenatal urinary OP metabolite levels among pregnant agricultural workers and birth outcomes of infants. This study also investigated the factors associated with urinary OP metabolites among pregnant agricultural workers. The spot urine samples were collected and analyzed for six OP metabolite levels. Birth outcomes data were abstracted from medical records. Multiple regression analysis found that gestational age at childbirth was negatively associated with diethylphosphate (DEP) levels (β = -0.073; 95% CI, -0.121, -0.024). Apgar score at 1 and 5 min after birth were negatively associated with diethyldithiophosphate (DEDTP) levels (β = -0.036; 95% CI, -0.069, -0.003; and β = -0.034, 95% CI, -0.057, -0.011, respectively). In addition, DEDTP levels were negatively associated with maternal age (β = -0.181; 95% CI, -0.339, -0.023), and dimethylphosphate (DMP) levels were positively associated with frequency of agricultural work during pregnancy (β = 31.554; 95% CI, 0.194, 62.914). Our results indicate that prenatal OP exposure can cause adverse birth outcomes in babies. Therefore, it is necessary to develop an effective strategy for reducing prenatal exposure to OP pesticides.
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Affiliation(s)
- Boonsita Suwannakul
- Department of Community Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Chiang Mai University, 110 Inthavaroros, Sri Phum Subdistrict, Muang District, Chiang Mai, 50200, Thailand
| | - Ratana Sapbamrer
- Department of Community Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Chiang Mai University, 110 Inthavaroros, Sri Phum Subdistrict, Muang District, Chiang Mai, 50200, Thailand.
| | - Natrujee Wiwattanadittakul
- Department of Pediatrics, Faculty of Medicine, Chiang Mai University, 110 Inthavaroros, Sri Phum Subdistrict, Muang District, Chiang Mai, 50200, Thailand
| | - Surat Hongsibsong
- School of Health Science, Research Institute for Health Sciences, Chiang Mai University, 110 Inthavaroros, Sri Phum Subdistrict, Muang District, Chiang Mai, 50200, Thailand
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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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Migheli M. Income, wealth and use of personal protection equipment in the Mekong Delta. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2021; 28:39920-39937. [PMID: 33768455 PMCID: PMC8310476 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-021-13449-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/01/2020] [Accepted: 03/10/2021] [Indexed: 05/09/2023]
Abstract
Both in developing and developed countries, farmers often do not protect themselves adequately, especially when applying agrochemicals that are dangerous for their health. The issue is relevant because insufficient protection is between the causes leading to intoxication of farmers and workers who handle these products. The literature suggests that both lack of training and information and low income may explain why, especially in developing countries, protective equipment is under-used. Using data from the Mekong Delta, this study addresses the issue of whether income and household wealth may help explaining the use of incomplete protections against pesticides. The results suggest that income, more than wealth, is a reason why Vietnamese farmers operating in the Mekong Delta fail in using adequate protections. In particular, the data suggest that they may prefer to divert resources to increasing the production of their fields or to buying goods that may be used both as protection and as everyday garments. This behaviour leads to underinvestment in some important protective goods. Possible public interventions to mitigate the problem are suggested; in particular, the promotion of integrated pest management techniques could be useful.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matteo Migheli
- Department of Economics and Statistics "Cognetti de Martiis", University of Torino, Lungo Dora Siena 100, I-10153, Torino, Italy.
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Kafle S, Vaidya A, Pradhan B, Jørs E, Onta S. Factors Associated with Practice of Chemical Pesticide Use and Acute Poisoning Experienced by Farmers in Chitwan District, Nepal. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2021; 18:4194. [PMID: 33920994 PMCID: PMC8071468 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph18084194] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/20/2021] [Revised: 03/31/2021] [Accepted: 04/09/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
In view of increasing irrational use and unsafe handling of pesticides in agriculture in Nepal, a descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted to assess the practice of chemical pesticide use and acute health symptoms experienced by farmers. A total of 790 farmers from the Chitwan district were randomly selected for the study. X2 test, T-test, and Multiple Logistic Regression were used for analysis. Among the farmers, 84% used exclusively chemical pesticide. Farmers with better knowledge on pesticide handling were 8.3 times more likely to practice safe purchasing, four times more likely to practice safe mixing and spraying, and two times more likely to practice safe storage and disposal. Similarly, perception/attitude of farmers about chemical pesticide policy and market management was significantly associated with the practice of farmers during purchasing, mixing and spraying, and storage and disposal. Among the users of chemical pesticides, 18.7% farmers experienced one or more pesticide related acute symptoms of health problems during the previous 12 months. Farmers with unsafe practices of pesticide handling were two times more likely to suffer from acute poisoning. It is concluded that knowledge about pesticide handling and favorable perception/attitude on pesticide policy and market management are the predictors of safe use of pesticide.
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Affiliation(s)
- Simrin Kafle
- Nepal Public Health Foundation, Kathmandu 44600, Nepal or (A.V.); or (S.O.)
| | - Abhinav Vaidya
- Nepal Public Health Foundation, Kathmandu 44600, Nepal or (A.V.); or (S.O.)
| | - Bandana Pradhan
- Institute of Medicine, Tribhuwan University, Kathmandu 44600, Nepal;
| | - Erik Jørs
- Clinic of Occupational Medicine, Clinical Institute, University of Southern Denmark, 5000 Odense, Denmark; or
| | - Sharad Onta
- Nepal Public Health Foundation, Kathmandu 44600, Nepal or (A.V.); or (S.O.)
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Sapbamrer R, Hongsibsong S, Naksata M, Naksata W. Insecticide Filtration Efficiency of Respiratory Protective Equipment Commonly Worn by Farmers in Thailand. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2021; 18:2624. [PMID: 33807896 PMCID: PMC7967504 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph18052624] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/19/2021] [Revised: 02/15/2021] [Accepted: 03/02/2021] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Farmers are at a high risk of inhalation exposure when handling pesticides. Thai farmers usually protect themselves against pesticide exposure by wearing commercial respiratory protective equipment (RPE) available from rural community markets. However, scientific data regarding the pesticide filtration efficiency of RPE commonly worn by farmers is limited. Thus, this study aimed to investigate the efficiency of insecticide filtration of various RPE commonly worn by farmers in Thailand. The half facepiece respirator was used as a control to compare the results with other RPE. Ten types of RPE were selected for testing. The filtration efficiency of each RPE against insecticides was tested in a laboratory. The remarkable findings were that a surgical mask demonstrated the least filtration efficiency of all tested insecticides, with a range of 25.7-61.5%. The RPE available in rural markets of Thailand had a filtration efficiency within a range of 64.9-95.4%, whereas a half facepiece respirator was the most efficient in filtering insecticides, with a range of 96.5-98.9%. Therefore, our results suggest that the RPE most frequently worn by farmers may not provide adequate protection when compared with the respirator. However, considerations around RPE use in low-and middle-income countries and tropical climate conditions should be based on pesticide toxicity and practical use, ensuring balance between the risks from pesticide exposure and acceptance of PPE use.
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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 50200, Thailand
- Environmental and Occupational Health Sciences and Non Communicable Diseases Center of Excellence, Chiang Mai University, 110 Inthavaroros Road, Sriphum Subdistrict, Muang District, Chiang Mai 50200, Thailand
| | - Surat Hongsibsong
- Environmental and Occupational Health Sciences and Non Communicable Diseases Center of Excellence, Chiang Mai University, 110 Inthavaroros Road, Sriphum Subdistrict, Muang District, Chiang Mai 50200, Thailand
- School of Health Sciences Research, Research Institute for Health Sciences, Chiang Mai University, 110 Inthavaroros Road, Sriphum Subdistrict, Muang District, Chiang Mai 50200, Thailand
| | - Manoch Naksata
- Department of Physics and Material Science, Faculty of Science, Chiang Mai University, 239, Huay Kaew Road, Suthep Subdistrict, Muang District, Chiang Mai 50200, Thailand; (M.N.); (W.N.)
| | - Wimol Naksata
- Department of Physics and Material Science, Faculty of Science, Chiang Mai University, 239, Huay Kaew Road, Suthep Subdistrict, Muang District, Chiang Mai 50200, Thailand; (M.N.); (W.N.)
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Sidthilaw S, Sapbamrer R, Pothirat C, Wunnapuk K, Khacha-Ananda S. Factors associated with respiratory symptoms among herbicide applicators and assistant applicators in maize field. ARCHIVES OF ENVIRONMENTAL & OCCUPATIONAL HEALTH 2021; 77:320-327. [PMID: 33663354 DOI: 10.1080/19338244.2021.1893628] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
A cross-sectional study was conducted with 3,291 maize farmers enrolled whose main roles were herbicide applicators and assistant applicators. This study aimed to compare the prevalence of respiratory symptoms and the use of personal protective equipment (PPE) between herbicide applicators and assistant applicators, and determine factors associated with respiratory symptoms. Our results suggest that wheeze and dyspnea were associated with the task on the farm (adj. OR = 10.33 for wheeze and 24.13 for dyspnea), amount of herbicide use (adj. OR = 1.95 for wheeze and 1.41 for dyspnea), frequency of herbicide use (adj. OR = 2.87 for wheeze and 4.08 for dyspnea), not always wearing a mask (adj. OR = 1.49 for wheeze and 3.17 for dyspnea), not always wearing gloves (adj. OR = 2.63 for wheeze and 2.44 for dyspnea), and not always wearing goggles (adj.OR = 2.01 for dyspnea) after adjusting for confounding factors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sutthinee Sidthilaw
- Department of Community Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai, Thailand
| | - Ratana Sapbamrer
- Department of Community Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai, Thailand
| | - Chaicharn Pothirat
- Division of Pulmonary, Critical Care and Allergy, Department of Internal Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai, Thailand
| | - Klintean Wunnapuk
- Department of Forensic Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai, Thailand
| | - Supakit Khacha-Ananda
- Department of Forensic Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai, Thailand
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Silva Pinto BG, Marques Soares TK, Azevedo Linhares M, Castilhos Ghisi N. Occupational exposure to pesticides: Genetic danger to farmworkers and manufacturing workers - A meta-analytical review. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2020; 748:141382. [PMID: 32818891 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2020.141382] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/24/2020] [Revised: 07/27/2020] [Accepted: 07/29/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
In the last decades, the use of pesticides has grown worldwide. However, there is great worry about the impact of pesticides on human health, due to their wide distribution and possible long-term effects. Complex mixtures with different formulations are often used, including a variety of genotoxic compounds. Thus, genotoxicity tests form an important part of cancer research and risk assessment of potential carcinogens. This study aimed to conduct a meta-analytical review of possible genetic damage resulting from occupational exposure in farmworkers and workers employed in pesticide production, both ever in comparison to non-exposed people, using comet assay (CA), micronucleus test (MN) and telomere length (TL) data available in the scientific literature. A total of 145 datasets were evaluated. The results showed that the occupationally exposed workers had more DNA damage in CA and MN than non-exposed workers. The TL result did not show difference between groups. When the data were categorized by gender (male, female or both), crop (general, tobacco, fruits, soybeans, cotton) and occupation (manufacturing or farmworkers), the study found that the exposed group always presented higher damage than the non-exposed individuals, in CA and MN. More studies with TL are needed to obtain a more precise response, and to segregate the effect of tobacco farming from pesticide exposure. When TL was segregated by gender, women and men presented difference between exposed and non-exposed groups. In general, the publication bias impact was modest. If all relevant studies were included, the key finding (i.e. the effect of pesticide exposure increases the genotoxicity and mutation rate) would probably remain unchanged. Lastly, it is important to highlight the importance of the use of personal protective equipment (PPE), and offer safer options to farmworkers (e.g. organic farming or less toxic alternatives).
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Affiliation(s)
- Bruna Gabriele Silva Pinto
- Universidade Tecnológica Federal do Paraná (UTFPR), Estrada para Boa Esperança, s/n, km 04, P.O. Box 157, CEP: 85660-000 Dois Vizinhos, PR, Brazil.
| | - Tábatta Kim Marques Soares
- Universidade Tecnológica Federal do Paraná (UTFPR), Estrada para Boa Esperança, s/n, km 04, P.O. Box 157, CEP: 85660-000 Dois Vizinhos, PR, Brazil.
| | - Maristela Azevedo Linhares
- Centro de Tecnologia em Saúde e Meio Ambiente, Instituto de Tecnologia do Paraná (Tecpar), Rua Professor Algacyr Munhoz Mader, 3775, CEP: 81350-10 Curitiba, PR, Brazil.
| | - Nédia Castilhos Ghisi
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Biotecnologia, Universidade Tecnológica Federal do Paraná (UTFPR), Estrada para Boa Esperança, s/n, km 04, P.O. Box 157, CEP: 85660-000 Dois Vizinhos, PR, Brazil.
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What Socio-Economic and Political Factors Lead to Global Pesticide Dependence? A Critical Review from a Social Science Perspective. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2020; 17:ijerph17218119. [PMID: 33153166 PMCID: PMC7663108 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph17218119] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/25/2020] [Revised: 10/30/2020] [Accepted: 10/31/2020] [Indexed: 01/30/2023]
Abstract
Dependence on chemical pesticides has become one of the most pressing challenges to global environmental sustainability and public health. Considerable regulatory efforts have been taken to mitigate pesticide dependence, which however has resulted in a prevalent ‘managerial failure’. Massive pesticide application has generated severe genetic resistance from pests, which has in turn further aggravated pesticide dependence and thus induced agrochemical industries to develop new pesticide varieties. This review proposes to look beyond the resistance-dependence nexus and presents a comprehensive discussion about global pesticide dependence in a social science perspective, i.e., revealing the socio-economic and political factors that reinforce pesticide dependence. These factors are classified into five intertwined themes: (1) agricultural regime, (2) social process of pesticide application, (3) economic analysis, (4) politics and governance, and (5) promotional failure of alternatives. It is found that pesticide dependence is not just a technological issue in the sphere of natural sciences, but more a human-made issue, with deep-seated socio-economic and political reasons. Addressing contemporary trap of global pesticide dependence entails a full acknowledgement and comprehension of the complex and intertwined factors. Furthermore, this review identifies two major explanatory approaches underlying the extant social science literature: a structuralist approach that stresses macro-level structures such as institutions, policies and paradigms, and an individualist approach that focuses on the decision-making of farmers at the micro level. This review recognizes the limitations of the two approaches and calls for transcending the duality. This study advocates a policy framework that emphasizes alignment and coordination from multi-dimensions, multi-actors and multi-scales. For future research, collaborations between natural and social scientists, and more integrated and interdisciplinary approaches should be strengthened.
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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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Staudacher P, Fuhrimann S, Farnham A, Mora AM, Atuhaire A, Niwagaba C, Stamm C, Eggen RIL, Winkler MS. Comparative Analysis of Pesticide Use Determinants Among Smallholder Farmers From Costa Rica and Uganda. ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH INSIGHTS 2020; 14:1178630220972417. [PMID: 33402828 PMCID: PMC7739084 DOI: 10.1177/1178630220972417] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/17/2020] [Accepted: 10/13/2020] [Indexed: 05/05/2023]
Abstract
Pesticides are used globally in agriculture and pose a threat to the health of farmers, communities, and the environment. Smallholder farmers in low- and middle-income countries have generally a low socio-economic status and educational level. Consequently, they are particularly vulnerable to negative impacts of pesticides on their health, yields, or land. In a Knowledge, Attitude, and Practices study, we compared the pest management practices between a market-oriented farming system in Zarcero County, Costa Rica, and a subsistence-based farming system in Wakiso District, Uganda. We conducted a cross-sectional survey among smallholder farmers from Costa Rica (n = 300) in 2016 and from Uganda (n = 302) in 2017. We enrolled conventional and organic farmers, but also farmers with mixed practices and non-applicators of any pest management strategy. We found that the majority of pesticides used in both case studies are classified as highly hazardous by the World Health Organization. While more than 90% of smallholder farmers from both countries were aware of the negative health effects of pesticide exposure, <11% in Costa Rica and <2% in Uganda reported using personal protective equipment every time they handled or applied pesticides. Hygiene and other safe use practices were not adopted by all farmers (<61%), especially among farmers applying more hazardous pesticides. Conventional farmers from Costa Rica (14%) and Uganda (19%) reported disposing pesticide residuals into rivers. Using a logistic regression we found that organic farmers were more likely to having been trained on safe pesticide use practices. Using a robust regression, we observed that smallholder household income was primarily driven by education and not directly by the use of synthetic pesticides. Our results suggest that negative effects of pesticides can be managed over the whole life cycle, from purchase, via storage and application to residual and waste management by fostering professionalization of farmers. We advise future safe use and handling interventions to consider the pesticide use-related socioeconomic and demographic findings highlighted in this paper.
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Affiliation(s)
- Philipp Staudacher
- Eawag, Swiss Federal Institute of Aquatic Science and Technology, Dübendorf, Switzerland
- Institute of Biogeochemistry and Pollutant Dynamics, CHN, ETH Zürich, Zürich, Switzerland
- Philipp Staudacher, Eawag, Environmental Chemistry, Swiss Federal Institute of Aquatic Science and Technology, Überlandstrasse 133, Dübendorf, CH-8600, Switzerland.
| | - Samuel Fuhrimann
- Institute for Risk Assessment Sciences, Utrecht University, CM Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | - Andrea Farnham
- Department of Epidemiology and Public Health, Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, Basel, Switzerland
- University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Ana M Mora
- Central American Institute for Studies on Toxic Substances (IRET), Universidad Nacional, Heredia, Costa Rica
- Center for Environmental Research and Children’s Health (CERCH), School of Public Health, University of California, Berkeley, Berkeley, CA, USA
| | - Aggrey Atuhaire
- Uganda National Association of Community and Occupational Health (UNACOH), Kampala, Uganda
| | - Charles Niwagaba
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, College of Engineering, Design, Art and Technology (CEDAT), Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Christian Stamm
- Eawag, Swiss Federal Institute of Aquatic Science and Technology, Dübendorf, Switzerland
| | - Rik IL Eggen
- Eawag, Swiss Federal Institute of Aquatic Science and Technology, Dübendorf, Switzerland
- Institute of Biogeochemistry and Pollutant Dynamics, CHN, ETH Zürich, Zürich, Switzerland
| | - Mirko S Winkler
- Department of Epidemiology and Public Health, Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, Basel, Switzerland
- University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
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