PERCEPTION OF FARMERS EXPOSED TO PESTICIDES IN THEIR WORK ENVIRONMENT IN THE MUNICIPALITY OF SERRANÓPOLIS DO IGUAÇU-PR

Abstract

Introduction: Brazil has stood out worldwide as a powerful agricultural producer, contributing to job creation and national economic development. Likewise, the country has increased the commercialization of pesticides used in the management of crops, whose effects have negatively impacted on human health and the conservation of the environment. Objective: This study aimed to identify the perception of farmers exposed to pesticides in their work environment regarding interference with human health. Also, observe the knowledge of the participants about the risks, identify possible cases of pesticide poisoning, as well as the correct use of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) by them. Methodology: The research had an exploratory, descriptive and quantitative approach. The survey took place during the first half of 2022 and was aimed at a group of 40 participants. All of them residents and rural workers from Linha Pinheirinho, Serranópolis do Iguaçu, Paraná. Results: From the collected data it was observed that 70% recognized not read the recommended agronomic prescriptions. 85% said they read partially and 15% of them makes the reading only when they want to remember the dosage, where 43% of the surveyed had some symptom after handling pesticides, such as headaches, weakness, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea and dizziness. Still, 70% of the interviewees said they had already suffered some kind of poisoning and that 83% of the farmers said they had partial use of PPE. Conclusion: From these results it was possible to conclude that it is fundamental and of paramount importance that health professionals, through actions in the community, provide guidance and clarification to the studied public. Nursing professionals, in education and health care, can contribute to the dissemination of information on the care of exposure to pesticides, the use of PPE as well as the risks of poisoning and the emergence of related diseases, providing a better quality of life to farmers in their working environment.