Occupational Exposure to Pesticides: Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) Use and Safety Behaviours Among Apple Growers of Kashmir Valley

Abstract

Indiscriminate and unsafe use of pesticides in agriculture represents a major hazard to the human health and the environment. This study aimed to assess the use of personal protective equipment’s (PPE) and pesticide safety practices among apple growers in Baramulla, Kashmir.” A total of 300 Apple growers were randomly selected from the purposively selected 15 horticultural zones of district Baramulla. Face to face interview with farmers based on the structural questionnaire was conducted. The study revealed that majority of the farmers employ non-compliance with safety guidelines by not following the recommendations regarding safe use of pesticides. Face mask was the most used item by apple growers, followed by gloves and Hats. 1.33 per cent of the respondents were sensitive towards health issue and were always using PPE. Feeling uncomfortable, Hectic, and Unavailability of PPE were the main reasons cited by the respondents for not using PPE. Eating, drinking, smoking and using bare hands were the common unhealthy practices followed during pesticide usage. Majority (78.67%) of the farmers did not read pesticide labels. Storage of pesticides in multipurpose sheds was reported by 67.34 per cent of the farmers. Left over pesticides were re-sprayed to the sprayed area by majority (64.96%) of the farmers. Also, farmers adopted unsafe disposal practices by using pesticide empty containers within their households. In addition, the proper use of PPE is not at a satisfactory level and unhealthy safety practices can pose a risk to the health of apple growers. Adoption of recommended safety measures are necessary to avoid harmful effects of pesticides. Sensitization programmes regarding the importance of bio-safety, comprehensive training programmes on pesticide safety practices are needed and availability of personal protective equipment’s must be ensured at each pesticide shop at low cost so as to enhance their popularity and usage among the farmers.