Reducing pesticide exposure and associated neurotoxic burden in an Ecuadorian small farm population.
The contribution of community-based interventions, including farmer field schools (FFSs) in integrated pest management (IPM), to reducing pesticide exposures and associated neurotoxic burden among small-farm families in Ecuador was assessed in three Andean farming communities in a co-design of targeted action-research. Baseline questionnaire surveys elicited pesticide-related knowledge, practices, and exposure and neurobehavioral assessments were done using an adapted WHO battery. Pesticide applications on plots farmed by FFS versus non-FFS participants were compared. A year later, repeated surveys of participating households (n = 29) and neurobehavioral testing of individuals (n = 63) permitted comparisons of pre- and post-intervention values. The FFS graduates applied pesticides on their plots less frequently (p = 0.171). FFS households had increased pesticide-related knowledge of labels and exposure risk factors (both p < 0.004), better pesticide-handling practices (p < 0.01), and less skin exposure (p < 0.01). Neurobehavioural status had improved, particularly digit span and visuo-spatial function, resulting in overall z-score increases. Thus, community interventions reduced pesticide use, reported skin exposure, and neurotoxic burden among smallholder farm families.
Cole
Donald C
DC
Department of Public Health Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, 155 College Street, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada M5T 3M7. donald.cole@utoronto.ca
Sherwood
Stephen
S
Paredes
Myriam
M
Sanin
Luz Helena
LH
Crissman
Charles
C
Espinosa
Patricio
P
Munoz
Fabian
F
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000383:Agriculture; D003256:Community Participation; D004484:Ecuador; D005260:Female; D006266:Health Education; D007722:Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D016273:Occupational Exposure / Q000517:prevention & control*; D010575:Pesticides; D011597:Psychomotor Performance
D010575:Pesticides