title: Use of pesticides and its impact on health of farmers in South India.
abstract: The relationship between extent of pesticide use and signs and symptoms of illnesses due to exposure was assessed in a cross-sectional survey of 631 farmers (537 men and 94 women) in South India. Responses to questionnaires showed that 433 farmers (68.6%) sprayed pesticides themselves and were thus directly exposed. More than 75% used moderately or highly hazardous pesticides; 88% used no protection while handling pesticides. About 50% of sprayers mixed different brands. Retailers were the source of information about pesticides for 56%. The farmers reported excessive sweating (36.5%), burning/stinging/itching of eyes (35.7%), dry/sore throat (25.5%), and excessive salivation (14.1%), all more prevalent among sprayers. Among men, excessive sweating and eye and throat problems were significantly associated with exposure. There is a need to raise farmers' and authorities' awareness of the need to use protective gear when handling pesticides.
authors.affiliation: Department of Humanities and Social Sciences, Indian Institute of Technology (Madras), Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India.
authors.forename: Grace A
authors.initials: GA
authors.lastname: Chitra
authors.forename: V R
authors.initials: VR
authors.lastname: Muraleedharan
authors.forename: T
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Swaminathan
authors.forename: D
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Veeraraghavan
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000382:Agricultural Workers' Diseases / Q000209:etiology* / Q000503:physiopathology; D000383:Agriculture; D002800:Cholinesterase Inhibitors / Q000009:adverse effects; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D005260:Female; D006306:Health Surveys; D006801:Humans; D007194:India; D007306:Insecticides / Q000009:adverse effects*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D016273:Occupational Exposure / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000517:prevention & control; D016272:Occupational Health; D011482:Protective Devices / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*
chemical_list: D002800:Cholinesterase Inhibitors; D007306:Insecticides