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A study of 204 farmers and 24 professional sprayers was conducted to establish the relationship between pesticide spray practices and health. Neurobehavioral, intestinal, and epithelial/mucosal surface symptoms were reported. The degree of exposure was statistically related to the number of symptoms reported, with major risk factors being frequency of spraying, excessive skin exposure, and the proportion and overdose of hazardous pesticides. The surveys showed 84% of the cohort stored agricultural chemical in their homes, 75% in the living and kitchen areas, and 82% within reach of children. Additionally, 22% of the stored containers were unsealed and 50% were leaking. The authors conclude that Indonesian farmers are at risk of pesticide poisoning resulting from the frequent spraying of fields with particularly hazardous pesticides and lack of protective garb.
Scandinavian Journal of Work, Environment and Health, 21(2):124-133, 1995. (32 references)
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