Pesticides: Risk to Rural Worker Health

Abstract

The aim of this article was to evaluate the main intoxication risk factors involving rural workers exposure to pesticides. The development of educational and prevention programs for workers involved in agricultural activities is of paramount importance for the reduction of these risks. Pesticides are widely employed by several economically important crops in most developing countries (e.g.Brazil), producing food at low cost; however, their indiscriminate use can be hazardous to animal and human health, as well as to the environment. Occupational illnesses and accidental poisoning are common since safety equipment in these countries are seldom available. In addition, most workers have difficulty reading the safety instructions on the products’ label because of their low level of schooling. Therefore, to restrict access to most hazardous pesticides and to address this issue through preventive health programs are essential to the reduction in the number of acute poisoning cases.