Pesticide Exposure and Health Problems Among Female Horticulture Workers in Tanzania

Abstract

Commercialization of horticulture farming, expansion of farms, and the practice of monoculture favor the proliferation of pests, which in turn increases the need for pesticides. Increased exposure to pesticides is associated with inadequate knowledge on the hazardous nature of pesticides, poor hygiene practices, lack of availability of washing facilities, and insufficient adherence to precautionary instructions on pesticide labels. Mitigating the risks posed by pesticides is considered a less compelling interest than alleviating poverty. Women working in horticulture in Tanzania usually have low levels of education and income and lack decision-making power even on matters relating to their own health. This contributes to pesticide exposure and other health challenges. Because of multiple factors, some of which act as study confounders, few studies on exposure to pesticides and health effects have been conducted among women. This review identified factors that contribute to the increased health effects among women working in the horticultural industry and how these effects relate to pesticide exposure.

Acute pesticide poisoning amongst adolescent girls and women in northern Tanzania

“…Acute pesticide poisoning (APP) is documented as a serious public health problem in Tanzania [1,2] and other parts of the world [3][4][5][6][7][8][9] due to its adverse human health effects. Evidence of APP occurring in women is documented in studies from Tanzania [2,10], Uganda [11], Kenya [12], South Africa [13,14], India [15], China [16], Nepal [17], Sri Lanka [18], Iran [19] and Ethiopia [20]. A 2002 review of APP globally suggested that pesticiderelated morbidity and mortality is under-reported amongst women [21].…”

“…Other health effects linked with pesticide exposure in women include pregnancy complications as reported in Tanzanian horticulture [2], depressed cholinesterase levels due to Organophosphate (OP) exposure as reported amongst South African female farm workers [34], and respiratory problems, including asthma, as reported in Brazil [35] and South Africa [34]. Hormonally-related cancers in females, including breast, thyroid, and ovary, were reported amongst women in North Carolina, USA [36].…”

“…Research on APP amongst women in Tanzania suggests that, firstly, agents reported to be responsible for poisoning include hazardous pesticides, particularly OPs used on food crops [2]. Secondly, although reports of occupational pesticide poisoning are uncommon in health facility records [1], studies have suggested that women may be at high risk for APP, given that women comprise of 80% of the agricultural labour force in Sub-Saharan Africa where pesticides are applied regularly [39].…”

Epidemiology of Dermatitis in Farmers

“…Data from the UK found 129 cases of occupational dermatitis per 1,000 workers. Almost all occupational dermatoses are contact dermatitis (95%), while some are other skin diseases such as acne, contact urticaria, and skin tumors (Mrema, Ngowi, Kishinhi, & Mamuya, 2017). Dermatitis usually affects people who have frequent contact with substances that are toxic or allergic, e.g.…”

Acute Pesticide Poisoning amongst adolescent girls and women in Northern Tanzania

“…Acute pesticide poisoning (APP) is documented as a serious public health problem in Tanzania [1][2] and other parts of the world [3][4][5][6][7][8][9] due to its adverse human health effects. Evidence of APP occurring in women is documented in studies from Tanzania, 2,10 Uganda, 11 Kenya, 12 South Africa, [13][14] India, 15 China, 16 Nepal, 17 Sri Lanka, 18 Iran 19 and Ethiopia. 20 A 2002 review of APP globally suggested that pesticide-related morbidity and mortality is under-reported amongst women.…”