Characteristics of the use of chemical pesticides and health risks in farmers in the central highlands of Peru

Abstract

In order to get to know the characteristics of use and health impact of the chemical pesticides of agricultural use in the provinces of Chupaca and Concpecion in the Central Andean Region of Peru, a descriptive, cross-sectional study was done between April and June 2005, through a questionnaire performed in 435 farmers. The location of the outlet centers and the frequency of sales of the products was also explored, and the reported cases of toxicity in both provinces. The farmers don’t have protective clothing and they manipulate directly the pesticides during their preparation and application; also many times they don’t take preventive measures even knowing the associated risks. Pesticide commerce is located in the urban centers, nearby restaurants and grocery stores, moreover, the most sold pesticides belong to the categories of highly and extremely dangerous, such as Tamaron® and Furadan®, which represents a risk to the farmers` health. The cases of toxicity due to these products in the studied provinces have been increasing between 2001 and 2004.