KNOWLEDGE, BEHAVIOR AND SYMPTOMS OF ACUTE INTOXICATION BY PESTICIDES AMONG PRODUCERS OF THREE AGRICULTURAL PRODUCTION SYSTEMS IN THE HIGHLANDS OF CHIAPAS, MEXICO

Abstract

A transversal and comparative study was conducted in three production systems (corn, flowers and vegetables) in the Highlands of Chiapas, Mexico. The objectives were to characterize the pesticides used, describe the knowledge and behavior of their management, as well as to identify the symptoms of acute intoxication by these inputs among agricultural producers. To collect the information, 523 surveys were applied to heads of families responsible for the use of said products. Low educational level was associated significantly with little knowledge about its dangerousness, mainly among vegetable producers. In the three agricultural systems, the handling behavior is inappropriate regardless of the schooling of the users. Growers and horticulturists are mainly exposed to extremely hazardous insecticides (toxicological category TC I) and highly dangerous (TC II), as well slightly dangerous fungicides (TC IV). Peasants engaged in the cultivation of corn are frequently exposed to herbicides TC II, III and IV, and insecticides TC I. A variety of symptoms of acute poisoning among farmers was identified, probably associated with the diversity of pesticides used. It is urgent to design and implement strategies to promote safe use of chemical inputs and reduce the risks to health of the user population.