1
|
Xie L, Qiu Z, Chen S, Lei X. Smartphone access, digital economy, and pesticide use intensity: Evidence from China. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2024; 943:173867. [PMID: 38862040 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2024.173867] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/23/2024] [Revised: 06/04/2024] [Accepted: 06/07/2024] [Indexed: 06/13/2024]
Abstract
Pesticide overuse has been an increasing concern in China. Digital technology, such as smartphone access, is considered an effective way to promote proper use of pesticides. Using the Chinese Extended Family Database (2015, 2017, and 2019), this study empirically examines the impact of smartphone access on pesticide use intensity among Chinese farmers. The results show a "double-edged sword" effect of smartphone access on pesticide use intensity. In rural areas with a low level of digital economy, greater smartphone access led to higher pesticide use intensity. In rural areas with a high digital economy level, smartphone access reduced pesticide use intensity. The study results show that reducing pesticide use intensity through digital technology is not a linear process but a complicated one that involves social and engineering integration, including an increase in access to smartphones, development of a regional digital economy, reconstruction of agricultural extension systems, and enhancement of the capacity of digital technology.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Lin Xie
- College of Economics and Management, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China.
| | - Zeyuan Qiu
- College of Science and Liberal Arts, New Jersey Institute of Technology, Newark, NJ, USA.
| | - Shuyin Chen
- College of Economics and Management, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China.
| | - Xiao Lei
- Department of Sociology, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China.
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Yan A, Luo X, Tang L, Huang Y, Du S. Can socialized pest control service reduce the intensity of pesticide use? Evidence from rice farmers in China. PEST MANAGEMENT SCIENCE 2024; 80:317-332. [PMID: 37688776 DOI: 10.1002/ps.7764] [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: 05/24/2022] [Revised: 08/31/2023] [Accepted: 09/09/2023] [Indexed: 09/11/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Although a great deal of research has examined the impact of socialized pest control service, few studies have discussed the relationship between socialized pest control service and pesticide use intensity. In particular, the literature ignores the impact of advanced application technologies (drone sprayers) on the intensity of pesticide use by farmers. RESULTS Based on a survey of 1185 rice growers in Hubei Province, China, this study found that 64.13% of the sample farmers used pesticides more than three times in one rice season. Importantly, socialized pest control services have a significant negative effect on the pesticide use intensity of farmers. Compared to the sample that did not purchase the service, farmers who purchased socialized pest control services demonstrated 9.30% less pesticide intensity. Further, there was a significant difference among farmers using different application devices on pesticide use intensity. Compared to the sample using ground backpack sprayers, farmers using drone sprayers used 12.40% less pesticide intensity. CONCLUSION This study found that the frequency of pesticide use by farmers during rice cultivation was generally high. Socialized pest control services have played a positive role in reducing the intensity of pesticide use, especially with the more obvious pesticide reduction effect of the adoption of drone sprayers. Therefore, improving socialized pest control services and promoting advanced equipment such as drone sprayers may be an important way to reduce the use of pesticides in China. © 2023 Society of Chemical Industry.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Aqian Yan
- College of Economics and Management, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, China
- Hubei Rural Development Research Center, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, China
| | - Xiaofeng Luo
- College of Economics and Management, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, China
- International Joint Laboratory of Climate Change Response and Sustainable Agriculture, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, China
| | - Lin Tang
- School of Law and Business, Wuhan Institute of Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Yanzhong Huang
- School of Law and Business, Wuhan Institute of Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Sanxia Du
- College of Economics and Management, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, China
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Alshemmari H, Al-Kasbi MM, Kavil YN, Orif MI, Al-Hulwani EK, Al-Darii RJ, Al-Shukaili SM, Al-Balushi FAA, Chakraborty P. New and legacy pesticidal persistent organic pollutants in the agricultural region of the Sultanate of Oman. JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS 2023; 459:132205. [PMID: 37604036 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2023.132205] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2023] [Revised: 07/14/2023] [Accepted: 07/31/2023] [Indexed: 08/23/2023]
Abstract
Comprehensive air and surface soil monitoring was conducted for new and legacy organochlorine pesticides (OCPs) to fill the knowledge and data gap on the sources and fate of pesticidal persistent organic pollutants (POPs) in the Sultanate of Oman. DDTs in agricultural soil samples ranged from 0.013 to 95.80 ng/g (mean: 8.4 ± 25.06 ng/g), with a median value of 0.07 ng/g. The highest concentration was observed at Shinas, where intensive agricultural practice is prevalent. The dominance of p,p'-DDT in soil and air reflected technical DDT formulation usage in Oman. Among newly enlisted POPs, pentachlorobenzene had the maximum detection frequency in air (47%) and soil (41%). Over 90% of sites reflected extensive past use of hexachlorobenzene. Major OCP isomers and metabolites showed net volatilisation from the agricultural soil, thereby indicating concurrent emission and re-emission processes from the soil of Oman. However, the cleansing effect of oceanic air mass is the possible reason for relatively lower atmospheric OCP levels from a previous study. Although DDT displayed maximum cancer risk, the level is below the permissible limit. DDT primarily stemmed from obsolete stock and inadequate management practices. Hence, we suggest there is a need for DDT regulation in Oman.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Hassan Alshemmari
- Environmental Pollution and Climate Program, Environment & Life Sciences Research Center, Kuwait Institute for Scientific Research, P.O. Box: 24885, Safat 13109, State of Kuwait; Stockholm Convention Regional Center for Capacity-Building and the Transfer of Technology for West Asia (SCRC-Kuwait), Kuwait Institute for Scientific Research, P.O. Box: 24885, Safat 13109, State of Kuwait
| | - Mohammed M Al-Kasbi
- Department of Chemical and Waste Management, Environment Authority, PO. Box 323, Muscat P.C:100, Sultanate of Oman
| | - Yasar N Kavil
- Stockholm Convention Regional Center for Capacity-Building and the Transfer of Technology for West Asia (SCRC-Kuwait), Kuwait Institute for Scientific Research, P.O. Box: 24885, Safat 13109, State of Kuwait; Marine Chemistry Department, Faculty of Marine Sciences, King Abdulaziz University, P.O. Box 80207, Jeddah 21589, Saudi Arabia
| | - Mohammed I Orif
- Marine Chemistry Department, Faculty of Marine Sciences, King Abdulaziz University, P.O. Box 80207, Jeddah 21589, Saudi Arabia
| | - Ebtesam K Al-Hulwani
- Department of Chemical and Waste Management, Environment Authority, PO. Box 323, Muscat P.C:100, Sultanate of Oman
| | - Rawya J Al-Darii
- Department of Chemical and Waste Management, Environment Authority, PO. Box 323, Muscat P.C:100, Sultanate of Oman
| | - Suleiman M Al-Shukaili
- Department of Chemical and Waste Management, Environment Authority, PO. Box 323, Muscat P.C:100, Sultanate of Oman
| | - Fawaz A A Al-Balushi
- Department of Chemical and Waste Management, Environment Authority, PO. Box 323, Muscat P.C:100, Sultanate of Oman
| | - Paromita Chakraborty
- Environmental Science and Technology Laboratory, Centre for Research in Environment, Sustainability Advocacy and Climate Change (REACH), SRM Institute of Science and Technology, Kattankulathur 603203, India.
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Multi-Level Determinants of Acceptance in Centralized Pesticide Delivery among Farmers: Evidence from Huangshan City, China. WATER 2022. [DOI: 10.3390/w14101566] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/01/2023]
Abstract
Highly toxic pesticides bring negative externalities to water pollution, which increase the demand for green pesticides that are low-toxic and high-efficiency. With the implementation of the unique the Centralized Pesticide Distribution (CPD) policy aiming to reduce the use of chemical pesticides in Huangshan, we try to explore the factors that affect farmers’ acceptance of CPD and thus change their pesticides selection. Based on the theory of farmers’ ecological rationality, we build a decision-making ecosystem on accepting CPD and assuming that farmers’ behavior is determined hierarchically by factors, then the Logistic-AISM model is used for empirical testing using data collected from 233 representative farmers. The results show that the proportion of agri-income and participation in cooperatives fundamentally affected choices for CPD acceptance through two middle-level indirect factor: government publicity and the availability of agri-information by changing farmers’ cognition on pesticides and production status. Thus, CPD may be improved by selling a richer variety of insecticides and implementing more publicity. Lessons from China inspire other intensive farming countries to promote green pesticides by: expanding the sales channel of green agri-products, playing the auxiliary role of cooperatives, and inventing more eco-friendly pesticides.
Collapse
|
5
|
Benaboud J, Elachour M, Oujidi J, Chafi A. Farmer's behaviors toward pesticides use: insight from a field study in Oriental Morocco. Environ Anal Health Toxicol 2021; 36:e2021002-0. [PMID: 33499563 PMCID: PMC8207002 DOI: 10.5620/eaht.2021002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/29/2020] [Accepted: 11/05/2020] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Pesticides are a vital component of modern agriculture. So, these chemical compounds could play a crucial role in maintaining high agricultural productivity. However, high-input intensive agricultural production systems in which more effective and widespread use of pesticides could harm human health and the environment. As we know, most of the farmers in developing countries used pesticides without taking the necessary precautions. The present study aims to assess farmers’ knowledge and understand the pattern of use of pesticides in Oriental Morocco. We based our approach on a standardized questionnaire with 140 farmers to evaluate their knowledge, attitude, and awareness about the pictograms used on pesticide labels. The results show that the farmer had a low level of education; only 14% were in university. More than 65% overuse pesticides and 60% did not respect the pre-harvest interval. Many farmers did not know the standard pictograms used on pesticide labels, 90% acknowledged only the crossbones and the fire sign, and 33% gave false interpretation or misunderstood these pictograms. These results show that the farmers in Eastern Morocco seem to be ignorant of pesticide danger and lack of safety education. They have no idea how to deal with the pictogram on the pesticide label. Pesticide safety education is necessary to induce protective behavior among farmers and prevent the residue of pesticides in foodstuff. The comprehension of pictograms on pesticide labels is crucial to reduce the risk of poisoning.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jamal Benaboud
- University Mohammed I Sciences Faculty, Department of Biology Laboratory of Environment Oujda Morocco
| | - Mostafa Elachour
- University Mohammed I Sciences Faculty, Department of Biology Laboratory of Ethnopharmacology Oujda Morocco
| | - Jamal Oujidi
- Municipal Office of Public Health, Berkane Morocco
| | - Abdelhafid Chafi
- University Mohammed I Sciences Faculty, Department of Biology Laboratory of Environment Oujda Morocco
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Zhao Q, Pan Y, Xia X. Internet can do help in the reduction of pesticide use by farmers: evidence from rural China. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2021; 28:2063-2073. [PMID: 32865686 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-020-10576-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/21/2020] [Accepted: 08/20/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
Promoting agrochemical reduction is a prerequisite for high-quality development of agriculture. It is still controversial whether Internet use can reduce pesticide use. This study uses the survey data of 670 vegetable growers of two provinces in China, Shandong and Shaanxi. Probit model and bootstrap method were used to analyze the impact of Internet use in reduction of pesticide application by farmers. Shallow use and deep use of the Internet were taken into account. On this basis, multiple mediating effects were tested on the following three aspects: information acquisition ability, awareness of green production, and e-commerce sales capability. The study found that shallow use and deep use of the Internet have a significant direct impact on pesticide reduction by farmers. Information acquisition ability, awareness of green production, and e-commerce sales capability all play a significant positive mediating role in the deep use of the Internet affecting pesticide reduction. However, in the process of shallow use of the Internet affecting pesticide reduction, only the mediating effect of green production awareness is significant. Concurrently, compared with the shallow use of the Internet, the deep use of the Internet has a significant positive impact on rural groups with weak human capital and weak social capital.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Qiuqian Zhao
- College of Economics and Management, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, 712100, Shaanxi, People's Republic of China
| | - Yuhe Pan
- College of Economics and Management, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, 712100, Shaanxi, People's Republic of China
| | - Xianli Xia
- College of Economics and Management, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, 712100, Shaanxi, People's Republic of China.
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Kongtip P, Nankongnab N, Kallayanatham N, Pundee R, Yimsabai J, Woskie S. Longitudinal Study of Metabolic Biomarkers among Conventional and Organic Farmers in Thailand. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2020; 17:E4178. [PMID: 32545375 PMCID: PMC7312260 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph17114178] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/09/2020] [Revised: 06/05/2020] [Accepted: 06/09/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
The aim of this longitudinal study is to assess how pesticide use may impact metabolic biomarkers by collecting and comparing data from conventional (n = 13) and organic farmers (n = 225) every eight months for four rounds. Farmers were interviewed about family health history, food consumption behaviors, self-reported health problems, agricultural activities, and history of pesticide use. Systolic and diastolic blood pressure and body mass index (BMI) were measured. Blood samples were collected for total cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein (LDL), high-density lipoprotein (HDL), blood glucose, and triglycerides. A linear mixed model with random intercepts for subjects was used to compare the metabolic biomarkers between conventional and organic farmers and to examine the impact of the number of pesticide spray days for all four rounds after controlling for covariates. The conventional farmers reported using insecticides, herbicides, and fungicides. The marginal means for chemical farmers were significantly higher than organic farmers for total cholesterol, LDL, HDL, glucose, systolic and diastolic blood pressure, BMI, and waist circumference. Increasing the number of days of spraying either insecticides or fungicides was associated with an increase in HDL, LDL, and cholesterol levels. Increasing the number of herbicide spray days was associated with an increase in systolic and diastolic blood pressure and a decrease in BMI. These findings suggest that pesticide-using conventional farmers may be at higher risk of metabolic disease in the future.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Pornpimol Kongtip
- Department of Occupational Health and Safety, Faculty of Public Health, Mahidol University, 420/1 Rajvidhi Road, Bangkok 10400, Thailand; (N.N.); (N.K.)
- Center of Excellence on Environmental Health and Toxicology, EHT, Bangkok 10400, Thailand
| | - Noppanun Nankongnab
- Department of Occupational Health and Safety, Faculty of Public Health, Mahidol University, 420/1 Rajvidhi Road, Bangkok 10400, Thailand; (N.N.); (N.K.)
- Center of Excellence on Environmental Health and Toxicology, EHT, Bangkok 10400, Thailand
| | - Nichcha Kallayanatham
- Department of Occupational Health and Safety, Faculty of Public Health, Mahidol University, 420/1 Rajvidhi Road, Bangkok 10400, Thailand; (N.N.); (N.K.)
- Center of Excellence on Environmental Health and Toxicology, EHT, Bangkok 10400, Thailand
| | - Ritthirong Pundee
- Mahidol University, Nakhonsawan Campus, Nakhonsawan 60130, Thailand;
| | - Jutharak Yimsabai
- Department of Medical Technology and Clinical Pathology, Buddhachinaraj Phitsanulok, 90 Sithamma traipidok Road, Muang, Phitsanulok 65000, Thailand;
| | - Susan Woskie
- Department of Public Health, University of Massachusetts Lowell, One University Ave, Lowell, MA 01854-2867, USA;
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
High Incidence of Moderately Reduced Renal Function and Lead Bioaccumulation in Agricultural Workers in Assin South District, Ghana: A Community-Based Case-Control Study. Int J Nephrol 2019; 2019:5368427. [PMID: 31662908 PMCID: PMC6791189 DOI: 10.1155/2019/5368427] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/15/2019] [Revised: 09/04/2019] [Accepted: 09/11/2019] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Background The quest to enhance agricultural productivity and crop yields has led to increased use of agrochemicals on a global scale. Long-term use of these agrochemicals may be associated with adverse health implications. Objective To assess haematological indices, renal function, heavy metal bioaccumulation in farmers and sprayers, and their use of personal protective equipment (PPE). Materials and Methods This community-based case-control study was conducted from January 2018 to June 2018 in the Assin South District, Central Region, Ghana. A total of 144 participants were conveniently sampled: 83 agricultural workers (cases) and 61 indigenes with no direct exposure to agrochemicals (controls). Structured questionnaire was used to obtain demographic data as well as agricultural work practices followed by cases. Venous blood samples were drawn from participants and used for estimating full blood count and renal function (serum creatinine (CRE), blood-urea nitrogen (BUN), BUN : CRE ratio, and estimated GFR (eGFR)). Serum lead, arsenic, and cadmium levels were estimated using the Varian AA 240FS atomic spectrometer in an acetylene-air flame. Results The median RBC (4.49 vs. 4.92 × 1012/L), haemoglobin (12.50 vs. 13.70 g/dL), and platelet (220.00 vs. 268.00) counts were significantly lower in cases. A significantly higher proportion of cases were classified as anaemic or having microcytic cells compared to controls. Also, serum urea (4.08 vs. 3.41; p=0.0009), creatinine (108.10 vs. 101.10; p=0.0286), and BUN : CRE ratio (19.75 vs. 17.84) were significantly higher in cases. Additionally, 18.1% of cases were classified as having moderately reduced renal function compared to only 6.6% of controls. Moreover, a significantly higher proportion of cases had detectable serum lead (55.6% vs. 16.4%) and arsenic (53.1% vs. 9.8%) levels compared to controls. However, on average, 80% of agricultural workers did not use personal protective equipment (PPE) when applying agrochemicals; 84.3% of used agrochemical containments were discarded near the river/canal. Conclusion Neglect of the use of PPE may be predisposing the agrochemical workers and community to lead and arsenic bioaccumulation with a consequent reduced haematological and renal function.
Collapse
|
9
|
Wumbei A, Houbraken M, Spanoghe P. Pesticides use and exposure among yam farmers in the Nanumba traditional area of Ghana. ENVIRONMENTAL MONITORING AND ASSESSMENT 2019; 191:307. [PMID: 31028501 DOI: 10.1007/s10661-019-7449-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/24/2018] [Accepted: 04/04/2019] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
Over the years, pesticides have become a dominant feature of Ghana's agriculture. In the past, pesticides usage was restricted to the cocoa, cotton, vegetables, and fruits sectors. Today, there is a widespread use of pesticides in the cultivation of yam. Since the introduction of pesticides into yam production, farmers have expressed satisfaction about the relief it has brought them with regard to labor and productivity. However, there has been public concern about the human and environmental health impacts of pesticides. In this study, 100 farmers were interviewed through a structured questionnaire to determine their knowledge, awareness, and use practices of pesticides and to determine their level of exposure. The study revealed that the common pesticides currently being used for yam production are herbicides. Although the farmers are aware of the risks associated with the use of pesticides, they use more than the recommended doses and do not pay attention to the use of personal protective equipment (PPE) thereby predisposing themselves to the potential health effects of pesticides. A significant percentage (20 to 40%) of the farmers reported to have never used these PPEs and over 44% of them use glyphosate above the recommended dose (between 1.5 and 2 L/ha). This resulted in an average farmer exposure to glyphosate of 4.2 mg/kgBW/day, well above the acute reference dose (ARfD) of 0.5 mg/kgBW/day. The government should develop and implement programs to train pesticides dealers, educate farmers, enforce the laws on pesticides, and support farmers to uphold protective measures.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Abukari Wumbei
- Faculty of Bioscience Engineering, Department of Crops and Plants, Ghent University, Coupure 653, 9000, Ghent, Belgium.
- Institute for Interdisciplinary Research and Consultancy, University for Development Studies, P. O. Box TL 1350, Tamale, Ghana.
| | - Michael Houbraken
- Faculty of Bioscience Engineering, Department of Crops and Plants, Ghent University, Coupure 653, 9000, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Pieter Spanoghe
- Faculty of Bioscience Engineering, Department of Crops and Plants, Ghent University, Coupure 653, 9000, Ghent, Belgium
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Bhandari G, Atreya K, Yang X, Fan L, Geissen V. Factors affecting pesticide safety behaviour: The perceptions of Nepalese farmers and retailers. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2018; 631-632:1560-1571. [PMID: 29727980 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2018.03.144] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/05/2017] [Revised: 03/13/2018] [Accepted: 03/13/2018] [Indexed: 05/11/2023]
Abstract
Indiscriminate use of pesticides in vegetable farming is an emerging problem resulting in increasing health and environmental risks in developing countries including Nepal. As there are limited studies focusing on farmers' and retailers' knowledge related to pesticide use and associated risks as well as safety behaviour, this study assesses their perceptions of pesticide use, associated impacts on human and environmental health and safety behaviours. This study is also intended to quantify pesticide use in vegetable farming. We used the Health Belief Model (HBM) to evaluate farmers' and retailers' safety behaviour associated with pesticides. We interviewed 183 farmers and 45 retailers. The study revealed that farmers applied pesticides at an average of 2.9kga.i./ha per crop per season; and insecticides, especially pyrethrins and pyrethroids as well as organophosphate, were the most frequently used. Retailers were more aware of the threats surrounding pesticide use and were thus more aware of the risks to their own health as well as to the health of animals, birds, fishes, and honey bees. Headache (73.8%) was the most commonly reported acute health symptom of pesticide use. Farmers often did not adopt the appropriate safety measures when handling pesticides sighting the constrained perceived barriers (direct path coefficient, DPC=-0.837) such as feeling uncomfortable and the unavailability of safety measures. Likewise, retailers lacked the incentive (direct path coefficient, DPC=0.397) to adopt the necessary safety measures while handling pesticides. Training and awareness programs addressing safe handling practices and safety measures as well as education concerning the long-term risks of pesticide exposure on health and the environment, through radio, television and posters, may improve the safety behaviour of farmers and retailers.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Govinda Bhandari
- Soil Physics and Land Management Group, Wageningen University and Research, Wageningen, The Netherlands; Progressive Sustainable Developers Nepal (PSD-Nepal), Kathmandu, Nepal.
| | - Kishor Atreya
- Asia Network for Sustainable Agriculture and Bioresources (ANSAB), Kathmandu, Nepal
| | - Xiaomei Yang
- Soil Physics and Land Management Group, Wageningen University and Research, Wageningen, The Netherlands; College of Natural Resources and Environment, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, China
| | - Liangxin Fan
- School of Surveying and Land Information Engineering, Henan Polytechnic University, Jiaozuo, China
| | - Violette Geissen
- Soil Physics and Land Management Group, Wageningen University and Research, Wageningen, The Netherlands
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Zhao L, Wang C, Gu H, Yue C. Market incentive, government regulation and the behavior of pesticide application of vegetable farmers in China. Food Control 2018. [DOI: 10.1016/j.foodcont.2017.09.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 56] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
|
12
|
Lu JL. Assessment of Pesticide-Related Pollution and Occupational Health of Vegetable Farmers in Benguet Province, Philippines. J Health Pollut 2017; 7:49-57. [PMID: 30524840 PMCID: PMC6221443 DOI: 10.5696/2156-9614-7.16.49] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/09/2017] [Accepted: 09/20/2017] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Agriculture accounts for 20% of the national income in the Philippines. In order to boost agricultural activity and prevent crop damage, farmers rely on pesticides for vector control and management. OBJECTIVES The present study assessed the pesticide exposure and occupational health of agricultural farmers in the Philippines. The study site is one of the largest vegetable-producing provinces in the Philippines. METHODS This study employed both a survey questionnaire and physical health assessment, including a mental state examination. Pesticide exposure was estimated based on the duration of pesticide use, as well as the amount per spray application. The data results were segregated by gender, as women are also heavily engaged in agriculture in this part of the Philippines. RESULTS The results showed that pesticide exposure usually occurred during agricultural activities such as spray applications in the field (63.7%), mixing (38.4%), loading (34.1%) and field re-entry (9.7%). The most frequently used pesticides were Tamaron, Selecron, and Dithane. The mean duration of pesticide exposure was 14.23 years for males and 15.4 years for females. The longest used pesticide among males was Sumicidine (16.2 years), and Tamaron for females (18 years). In terms of amount used, the average was 147 ml per spray application for males and 65.5 ml for females. Exposure to pesticides was expressed in number of years and amount used per spray application, and the average exposure of males was 2,024.43 ml/years and 993.55 ml/years for females. Among farmers, 49% complained of being sick due to their work. Of those who became ill, a large percentage (69.8%) did not receive any medical attention. The most prevalent health symptoms were muscle pains (63.3%), muscle weakness (55%), and easy fatigability (52.4%). For the mini-mental state examination, abnormalities were found in 5.4% of males and 13.3% of females. The use of insecticides was associated with weakness, easy fatigability and weight loss. DISCUSSION The present study demonstrated frequent and significant duration of pesticide use among farmers in Benguet province, Philippines. CONCLUSIONS Pesticide exposure was considerable among the farmers in the present study. The occupational health conditions reported by the study subjects can be linked to their pesticide use. Although this study assessed risk factors associated with general health symptoms, further investigation is needed to determine specific pesticide exposure-health correlations. PARTICIPANT CONSENT Obtained. ETHICS APPROVAL The study was approved by the Research Ethics Board of the University of the Philippines, Manila, which is recognized and accredited by the Forum for Ethical Review Committees in Asia and the Western Pacific (FERCAP).
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jinky Leilanie Lu
- National Institutes of Health, University of the Philippines Manila, Republic of the Philippines
- College of Arts and Sciences, University of the Philippines Manila, Republic of the Philippines
| |
Collapse
|
13
|
Jallow MFA, Awadh DG, Albaho MS, Devi VY, Thomas BM. Pesticide risk behaviors and factors influencing pesticide use among farmers in Kuwait. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2017; 574:490-498. [PMID: 27644027 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2016.09.085] [Citation(s) in RCA: 63] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/06/2016] [Revised: 09/11/2016] [Accepted: 09/11/2016] [Indexed: 06/06/2023]
Abstract
The widespread overuse of pesticides in agriculture has generated increasing concerns about the negative effects of pesticides on human health and the environment. Understanding farmers' perceptions of risk of pesticides and the determinants of pesticide overuse is important to modifying their behavior towards reducing pesticide use. A survey of 250 randomly selected smallholder vegetable farmers in Kuwait was conducted to quantify the extent of pesticide use, their pesticide risk perceptions and factors influencing their pesticide use behaviors. The majority of the farmers perceived pesticides pose some risk to the environment (65%) and human health (70.5%), while younger farmers were more likely to perceive this risk than older farmers. When asked to rate how risky pesticides were regarding several aspects of human health and the environment on a scale of 1(not risky) to 5 (extremely risky), concern was highest for the health of applicators (x̅=4.28) and lowest for air quality (x̅=2.32). The risk perceptions of the farmers did not have a positive influence on their pesticide use practices. A total of 76 pesticide active ingredients were found in use, and 9% of these belong to the WHO toxicity class II (moderately hazardous). On average, farmers applied 12.8kg of active ingredients per hectare per year, and 58% of the farmers were found to have overused pesticides, with an average overuse rate of 2.5kg. Pesticide application frequency ranged from two times a month up to once a week, depending on the crop. A binary probit model reveals that farmers' inadequate knowledge of pesticides, the influence of pesticide retailers and lack of access to non-synthetic methods of pest control are positively associated with pesticide overuse, while the propensity to overuse decreases with higher levels of education, training in Integrated Pest Management (IPM) and the safe use and handling of pesticides, and access to extension support. Comprehensive intervention measures for reducing pesticide overuse and limit the health and environmental hazards caused by pesticides are provided in this paper.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mustapha F A Jallow
- Environment and Life Sciences Research Center, Kuwait Institute for Scientific Research, Kuwait.
| | - Dawood G Awadh
- Environment and Life Sciences Research Center, Kuwait Institute for Scientific Research, Kuwait
| | - Mohammed S Albaho
- Environment and Life Sciences Research Center, Kuwait Institute for Scientific Research, Kuwait
| | - Vimala Y Devi
- Environment and Life Sciences Research Center, Kuwait Institute for Scientific Research, Kuwait
| | - Binson M Thomas
- Environment and Life Sciences Research Center, Kuwait Institute for Scientific Research, Kuwait
| |
Collapse
|
14
|
Booij P, Holoubek I, Klánová J, Kohoutek J, Dvorská A, Magulová K, Al-Zadjali S, Čupr P. Current implications of past DDT indoor spraying in Oman. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2016; 550:231-240. [PMID: 26820926 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2015.12.044] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/25/2015] [Revised: 12/09/2015] [Accepted: 12/09/2015] [Indexed: 06/05/2023]
Abstract
In Oman, DDT was sprayed indoors during an intensive malaria eradication program between 1976 and 1992. DDT can remain for years after spraying and is associated with potential health risk. This raises the concern for human exposure in areas where DDT was used for indoor spraying. Twelve houses in three regions with a different history of DDT indoor spraying were chosen for a sampling campaign in 2005 to determine p,p'-dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane (p,p'-DDT), p,p'-dichlorodiphenyldichloroethylene (p,p'-DDE) and p,p'-dichlorodiphenyldichloroethane (p,p'-DDD) levels in indoor air, dust, and outdoor soil. Although DDT was only sprayed indoor, p,p'-DDT, p,p'-DDE and p,p'-DDD were also found in outdoor soil. The results indicate that release and exposure continue for years after cessation of spraying. The predicted cancer risk based on concentrations determined in 2005, indicate that there was still a significant cancer risk up to 13 to 16years after indoor DDT spraying. A novel approach, based on region-specific half-lives, was used to predict concentrations in 2015 and showed that more than 21years after spraying, cancer risk for exposure to indoor air, dust, and outdoor soil are acceptable in Oman for adults and young children. The model can be used for other locations and countries to predict prospective exposure of contaminants based on indoor experimental measurements and knowledge about the spraying time-schedule to extrapolate region-specific half-lives and predict effects on the human population years after spraying.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Petra Booij
- Masaryk University, RECETOX - Research Centre for Toxic Compounds in the Environment, Faculty of Science, Kamenice 753/5, 625 00 Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Ivan Holoubek
- Masaryk University, RECETOX - Research Centre for Toxic Compounds in the Environment, Faculty of Science, Kamenice 753/5, 625 00 Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Jana Klánová
- Masaryk University, RECETOX - Research Centre for Toxic Compounds in the Environment, Faculty of Science, Kamenice 753/5, 625 00 Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Jiří Kohoutek
- Masaryk University, RECETOX - Research Centre for Toxic Compounds in the Environment, Faculty of Science, Kamenice 753/5, 625 00 Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Alice Dvorská
- Masaryk University, RECETOX - Research Centre for Toxic Compounds in the Environment, Faculty of Science, Kamenice 753/5, 625 00 Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Katarína Magulová
- Scientific Support Branch of the Secretariat of the Basel, Rotterdam and Stockholm Conventions, United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), 11-13, Chemin des Anèmones, CH-1219 Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Said Al-Zadjali
- Ministry of Environment and Climate Affairs, Post Box 323, Muscat Postal Code 100, Sultanate of Oman
| | - Pavel Čupr
- Masaryk University, RECETOX - Research Centre for Toxic Compounds in the Environment, Faculty of Science, Kamenice 753/5, 625 00 Brno, Czech Republic.
| |
Collapse
|
15
|
Al Zadjali S, Morse S, Chenoweth J, Deadman M. Personal safety issues related to the use of pesticides in agricultural production in the Al-Batinah region of Northern Oman. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2015; 502:457-461. [PMID: 25282255 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2014.09.044] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/22/2014] [Revised: 09/15/2014] [Accepted: 09/15/2014] [Indexed: 06/03/2023]
Abstract
The level of uptake and use of personal protective equipment (PPE) by farm workers in Oman is low; the conditions under which pesticides are stored are frequently below acceptable international standards. Research was undertaken to explore the drivers working against safe storage of agrochemicals and effective personal protection usage by pesticide application personnel. Results from a survey of over 200 respondents, representing workers in, and owners of, farms either within or outside a local farmer's association (FA), suggest that FA membership raises standards of behaviour both in terms of safe pesticide storage and use of PPE. Age of respondents had no apparent effect on the likelihood of PPE (gloves and masks) use. PPE use was, however, highest among respondents with more advanced educational backgrounds. Positive responses for glove and mask use, when applying pesticides, were higher for owners and workers in FA farms compared to non-FA farms. Lowest reported use of PPE was among workers in non-FA farms. Analysis of responses appears to indicate that behaviour patterns of workers in FA farms mirror that of the farm owners. This was not the case in non-FA farms. The results suggest that conformity to social norms, in this case acceptable work-environment behaviour, is a powerful driver behind raised usage levels of PPE in farms in Oman.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Said Al Zadjali
- Ministry of Environment and Climate Affairs, PO Box 321, Muscat 100, Oman; Centre for Environmental Strategy, Faculty of Engineering and Physical Sciences, University of Surrey, Guildford, Surrey GU2 7JH, UK
| | - Stephen Morse
- Centre for Environmental Strategy, Faculty of Engineering and Physical Sciences, University of Surrey, Guildford, Surrey GU2 7JH, UK
| | - Jonathan Chenoweth
- Centre for Environmental Strategy, Faculty of Engineering and Physical Sciences, University of Surrey, Guildford, Surrey GU2 7JH, UK
| | - Mike Deadman
- Department of Crop Sciences, College of Agricultural and Marine Sciences, Sultan Qaboos University, PO Box 34, Al Khod 123, Oman.
| |
Collapse
|