Pesticide exposure mitigation for developing countries

Inadvertent exposure to pesticides can result in occupational and environmental effects.  The health consequences vary in severity, from discomfort to overt poisoning. There have been indications of acute as well as chronic ill-health to individuals and groups from exposure to pesticides such as organophosphates. Industrial incidents as the Bhopal and the Minamata Bay disaster have involved intermediates or by-products relevant to production of this class of chemicals.  However, many of the documented severe cases of pesticide poisoning, especially in developing countries, result from the use of pesticides in suicide attempts. Paraquat is an example of such an agent. To reduce the likelihood of harm to human health, a range of different strategies can be considered.  Primary prevention includes consideration of the use of alternative methods for pest control.  If pesticides remain the most effective method available, then storage and disposal of pesticides and education and training of pesticide applicators is essential.  This has to be relevant to the climate and environment in which the pesticides have to be applied, and to the nature and composition of the workforce.  There are unique challenges in developing and delivering training and providing educational materials for countries as those in tropical and desert regions of the world. In such countries e.g. in Asia and the Middle East, the availability of equipment for application of pesticides, and the provision of personal protective equipment and compliance with effective use are often problematic.  One reason for this is that the environmental conditions, especially during ‘summer’ when temperature and humidity are high, dissuade workers from using such equipment. Better designed protective garments and gear would encourage usage. Licensing, legislation, and prohibition of pesticides are sometimes proposed, although the implementation of these administrative measures can be difficult.