title: Problems associated with the use of chemicals by agricultural workers.
abstract: The agricultural productivity in Pakistan is hampered by insects, diseases, and weeds, which are reported causing losses ranging up to 50%, estimated at a total value of over 900 million U.S. dollars. The use of pesticides in Pakistan started in 1954 with 254 metric tons of formulation, increasing to the level of 16,226 metric tons in 1976-77. Since the import and use of pesticides was in the public sector, the promulgation of the Agricultural Pesticides Ordinance was delayed to 1971 and the Rules to 1973. Under these Rules exist provisions necessary for the registration, marketing, and safe use of pesticides. Through the Agricultural Pesticides Technical Advisory Committee consisting of members drawn from the various Federal and Provincial agencies relevant to the subject, the Ministry of Food, Agriculture and Cooperatives, Government of Pakistan, is responsible for its implementation, but no regular agency for monitoring the implementation of the Rules exists. The extent of health hazards to agricultural workers as a result of exposure to pesticides, among other things, depends on the socioeconomic and educational background of their society, the local laws governing registration, and the scientific and regulatory institutional setup of the country. The above factors, of particular relevance to Pakistan, are discussed.
mesh_terms: D000382:Agricultural Workers' Diseases / Q000139:chemically induced; D000383:Agriculture; D004348:Drug Labeling; D004356:Drug Storage; D004522:Educational Status; D004781:Environmental Exposure; D006801:Humans; D009787:Occupational Medicine; D010154:Pakistan; D010575:Pesticides / Q000633:toxicity*; D012959:Socioeconomic Factors
chemical_list: D010575:Pesticides