Health effects of agrochemicals among farm workers in commercial farms of Kwekwe district, Zimbabwe

Abstract

IntroductionFarm workers are at a very high risk of occupational diseases due to exposure to pesticides resulting from inadequate education, training and safety systems. The farm worker spends a lot of time exposed to these harmful agrochemicals. Numerous acute cases with symptoms typical of agrochemical exposure were reported from the commercial farms. We assessed the health effects of agrochemicals in farm workers in commercial farms of Kwekwe District (Zimbabwe), in 2006.MethodsAn analytical cross sectional study was conducted amongst a sample of 246 farm workers who handled agrochemicals when discharging their duties in the commercial farms. Plasma cholinesterase activity in blood specimens obtained from farm workers was measured using spectrophotometry to establish levels of poisoning by organophosphate and/or carbamates. Information on the knowledge, attitudes and practices of farm workers on agrochemicals use was collected using a pre-tested interviewer administered questionnaire. Bivariate and multivariate analyses were conducted to determine factors that were associated with abnormal cholinesterase activity.ResultsThe prevalence of organophosphate poisoning, indicated by cholinesterase activity of 75% or less, was 24.1%. The median period of exposure to agrochemicals was 3 years (Q1:=1 year, Q3:=7 years). Ninety eight (41.5%) farm workers knew the triangle colour code for the most dangerous agrochemicals. Not being provided with personal protective equipment (OR 2.00; 95% CI: 1.07 – 3.68) and lack of knowledge of the triangle colour code for most dangerous agrochemicals (OR 2.02; 95% CI: 1.02 – 4.03) were significantly associated with abnormal cholinesterase activity.ConclusionThere was organophosphate poisoning in the commercial farms. Factors that were significantly associated with the poisoning were lack of protective clothing and lack of knowledge of the triangle colour code for most dangerous agrochemicals. We recommended intensive health education and training of farm workers on the use of agrochemicals, provision of adequate and proper personal protective equipment as mitigation measures to this problem.

Pesticide management practices among rural market gardening farmers near Harare, Zimbabwe

“…The results showed that slightly more than half of the respondents used a face cover and gumboots, and fewer than half wore overalls, when using pesticides. Magauzi et al 15 reported that low provision of protective clothing was a major risk factor for pesticide poisoning among farm workers in Zimbabwe. In many African countries, poor utilisation of protective clothing is a serious problem among small-scale farmers.…”

“…A study among farm workers in Zimbabwe 15 showed that ignorance of colour codes was a major problem and a risk factor for pesticide exposure. Understanding colour coding on pesticide containers is therefore important to prevent pesticide poisoning.…”

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“…Consequently, there is scant information on the details of health effects and costs related to pesticide exposure, as most cases go unreported [28,60,61]. However, Magauzi et al [63] reported high organophosphate levels in young horticultural farmworkers' blood and also recorded 24.1% abnormal cholinesterase activity in 50% of the sprayers (occupational exposure) and 49% of workers entering previously sprayed fields (non-occupational exposure) in Zimbabwe. Khoza et al [64] reported similar results with both organophosphates and organochlorines and further reported chronic illnesses that were often misdiagnosed and mistreated in health centres; possibly due to rampant pesticide incorrect use [65].…”

“…Such hazardous compounds, even when geographically concentrated in pattern, could create significant exposure to the environment and the public through non-occupational exposure, where individuals not directly involved with chemical use get exposed to the chemical hazards through a contaminated environment [61,62]. Magauzi et al [63] and Macharia et al [28] detailed pesticide-related illnesses in Zimbabwe and Kenya respectively, and it has been reported that various symptoms related to pesticide poisoning have significantly increased as most small-scale farmers misuse chemicals and do not use personal protective equipment (PPE) [64]. Moreover farmers tend to ignore or take for granted certain levels of illnesses from synthetic chemicals, which they feel do not warrant medical attention, as an expected normal part of farmwork [60].…”

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“…Being provided with face masks was also found to be a significant risk factor. This might mean that the type of PPE used was either inappropriate or was not being used properly (15). Literacy and inadequate awareness may be a part of the problem, as the majority of the study participants had limited education.…”