Farmers’ Exposure to Pesticides –A Review

Abstract

When applying synthetic pesticides to crops, it is essential to use them sparingly to avoid complete crop damage. Many studies have found that the use of pesticides by farmers is associated with higher levels of pesticide exposure than that experienced by the general population. Whenever pesticides are sprayed on crops, the primary targets of the poisons are the farmers who are sprayed. On the other hand, farmers may come into touch with pesticides that are not directly relevant to their field of work. According to the American Chemical Society, handling pesticides or coming into close contact with chemical residues can be particularly hazardous for persons exposed to these chemicals on a regular basis. The possibility of making an inaccurate judgment call while dealing with this type of contact exists. A wide variety of routes, including the lungs and skin, regularly introduce pesticides into the body. Regular pesticide handling exposes the face and hands to a high level of pesticide exposure, which is why it is vital to wear protective equipment when handling pesticides. According to the Environmental Protection Agency, farmers can decrease their exposure to pesticides by wearing personal protective equipment (PPE) during all steps of the pesticide handling process. Using personal protective equipment (PPE) can assist farmers in reducing their pesticide consumption (PPE). Drift, agricultural labor, and direct spray contact, to mention a few terms, are used to characterize the scenario in this context.