Abstract

CASTRO, Maria Goretti Gurgel Mota de; FERREIRA, Aldo Pacheco  and  MATTOS, Inês Echenique. Pesticide use in agrarian reform settlements in the Municipality of Russas (Ceará, Brazil): a case study. Epidemiol. Serv. Saúde [online]. 2011, vol.20, n.2, pp.245-254. ISSN 1679-4974.  http://dx.doi.org/10.5123/S1679-49742011000200013.

OBJECTIVE: to analyze the use of pesticides in agrarian reform settlements. METHODOLOGY: a descriptive cross-sectional study of characterization of the use of pesticides, and register of self-referred signs and symptoms related to exposure to these products, through interviews with agricultural workers. RESULTS: predominance of mixed temporary farming was observed, with cultivation of beans and corn; the utilization of six pesticides was related, usually in the rainy season and during the planting of temporary crops; almost all users bought the products at an agricultural store or at the settlements' cooperatives; disposal of empty containers was considered as inappropriate; seven farmers reported poisoning, with vertigo / dizziness, general malaise and skin allergy / itching. CONCLUSION: the study findings highlight the need for reassessment of public policies for the settlements, emphasizing the fragility of the technical monitoring and surveillance and, in addition, the non-compliance with the legislation that controls pesticides sales.

Keywords : pesticides; settlements; exposure; health.

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