Occupational exposure to pesticides and hematological neoplasms in southern Brazil

Abstract

Background Rural workers are highly exposed to pesticides, suggesting vulnerability to the development of hematological neoplasms. Thus, the relationship between the variables of the occupational profile of farmers exposed to pesticides with the presence of this disease was analyzed. Methods Retrospective, quantitative, descriptive cross-sectional study. Data were collected from farmers diagnosed with hematological neoplasms being treated at an oncology center. A questionnaire with occupational variables and exposure to pesticides was used. The data was analyzed using the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences software. Descriptive statistical analysis and Chi-square test were used, considering p < 0.05. The Research Ethics Committee of the University of Santa Cruz do Sul, under opinion 3.017.507, approved the study. Results Of the 72 farmers, there is a period of more than 30 years of exposure to pesticides (62.3%) and an early start in agricultural activities (95.8%). Failure to use Personal Protective Equipment (71.1%) and the use of 3 different types of pesticides (66.6%). Regarding cultivation, a greater proportion of tobacco producers (72.2%) and a smaller number of yerba mate producers (13.9%). A positive association between tobacco cultivation and the presence of the disease was identified (p = 0.040).The use of types of pesticides was compared and a significant difference was observed regarding the initial age in agriculture (p = 0.027), the daily workday (p = 0.035) and the cultivation of tobacco (p ≤ 0.01). Conclusions It is suggested a relationship between tobacco cultivation and the existence of the disease, since there was a statistical association between them. It is also suggested that the lower the age and the longer the workday, the greater the consumption of different types of pesticides. Key messages Actions to promote health are necessary, which may include educational actions, with the objective of stimulating changes in the lifestyle and work of the rural population. Rural workers are highly exposed to pesticides, suggesting vulnerability to the development of hematological neoplasms.