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Review
. 2021 Feb 11;18(3):352-363.
doi: 10.47626/1679-4435-2020-532.

Health problems in agricultural workers occupationally exposed to pesticides

Mariana Portela de-Assis  1 , Raquel Cristine Barcella  1 , Janaína Chiogna Padilha  1 , Hildegard Hedwig Pohl  1 , Suzane Beatriz Frantz Krug  1
Affiliations
Review

Health problems in agricultural workers occupationally exposed to pesticides

Mariana Portela de-Assis et al. Rev Bras Med Trab. .

Abstract

Agricultural workers are susceptible to several health problems as a result of occupational exposure to toxic substances, especially pesticides. The aim of this review was to describe the health issues associated with occupational exposure to pesticides in agricultural workers. A descriptive study, in the form of an integrative literature review, was conducted based on articles retrieved from the LILACS, SciELO and PubMed databases, published between January 2015 and October 2018. The searches were conducted using the keywords "pesticides," "workers' health," "occupational exposure" and "agricultural workers." The study was guided by the following research question: what health problems do agricultural workers experience as a result of occupational exposure to pesticides? The screening process led to the selection of 35 studies performed in several countries and continents, all of which shed light on the vulnerability of agricultural workers, especially due to the misuse of personal protective equipment and lack of knowledge about the correct use of these devices. The studies investigated a variety of health issues, and most reported a positive association between these conditions, which include cancer, and the use of pesticides. Educational and preventive measures must be implemented to promote the health of rural workers. Furthermore, it is crucial that governments play an active role in these initiatives and provide alternatives to pesticides for pest control.

Keywords: agricultural workers; occupational exposure; occupational health; pesticides.

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Conflict of interest statement

Conflicts of interest: None

Figures

Figure 1
Figure 1
Study selection flow diagram and articles included in the review.
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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