Exposition pesticides among brazilian land squatters

Abstract

In 1993 rural workers of a social movement occupied a farm in the south of Brazil where organoclorides pesticides were stored. This study was taken to evaluate health conditions of rural workers exposed to these organoclorides pesticides. This is a retrospective transversal study with collection of reminded data in the periods of: life before 1993, during the occupation in 1993 and after settlement in 1996. Demographic data, exposition, signs and symptoms were collected with the application of an instrument. Individuals (140) adults workers were interviewed. The form of the exposure reported was the preparation and application of products and/or working in determinate cultures. The outcome studied was three or more simultaneous signs or symptoms after the report of exposure. Reports of 16 workers before 1993, 8 during occupation and 29 after 1996 were compatible with the outcome. Individual protection equipment were rarely and unadequately used. There are evidences of the need of further studies to elucidate health consequences of pesticides exposition and recommend the implementation of health education programs in order to prevent further poisoning on rural health workers.