Profile of the population use of household insecticides against mosquitoes

Abstract

This study described the use of household insecticides in Picos (Piauí, Brazil), identify which are the most used types of insecticides and describes the incidence of poisoning and environmental awareness of the population. After home visits (n = 700), it was seen that the majority of respondents was represented by women (75%), with 31-55 years-old (49%), incomplete primary education (38.1%) and income between 1-2 earnings (64%). Most homes have between 1-3 residents (48%), 85% of the persons use insecticides mainly chosen in TV and radio and only 54% of them read the label before employing the product. The most used form of presentation is the aerosol (70.7%). Majority (79%) recognizes that insecticides are harmful to health, but 74% do not use any Personal Protective Equipment (PPE). Symptoms of toxicity were reported by 27% of people interviewed. Two women reported irritation, dizziness and respiratory problems and need for medical intervention and hospitalization. All interviewed discard the package as regular trash, since Picos does not has selective collection. In conclusion, most people use insecticides, know about the individual and collective risks to which they are exposed but do not use PPE, though they believe insecticides are toxic. It was noted that acquisition of knowledge does not necessarily result in behavioral changes, since learning does not translate into appropriate preventive attitudes and practices, emphasizing the requirement for awareness campaigns about toxicity and environmental risks, preparation of professionals and surveillance policy against indiscriminate sale.