RELATIONSHIP OF PESTICIDE SPRAYING TO SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS IN INDONESIAN FARMERS

Objectives This study assessed correlations between exposure to pestic ides and signs and symptoms of pesticide toxicity among Indonesian far mers. Methods Detailed observations were recorded of spray frequency a nd pesticide handling, dermal exposure, and the chemicals used. Sympto ms of acute illness were reported by the farmers, and signs of poisoni ng were observed by the interviewers at the time of spraying or within a few hours after it. Results The spray practices substantially expos ed the farmers to pesticides. Signs and symptoms occurred significantl y more often during spraying than during nonspraying seasons. Twenty-o ne percent of the spray operations resulted in three or more neurobeha vioral, respiratory, and intestinal signs or symptoms. The number of s pray operations per week, the use of hazardous pesticides, and skin an d clothes being wetted with the spray solution were significantly and independently associated with the number of signs and symptoms. A dose -effect relationship was found between the neurobehavioral signs and s ymptoms and the use of multiple organo-phosphates. Conclusions For far mers in the tropics, fully protective garb is too hot and too costly t o maintain; farmers thus accept illness as a necessity. Integrated pes t management has previously been demonstrated to reduce pesticide use with no loss of crop yield. The frequency of spraying should be reduce d through widespread training in integrated pest management, and also the licensing and sale of the most hazardous pesticides should be regu lated.