Personal protective equipment is intended to protect worker from risks that cannot be eliminated for more effective safety. This study was aimed at evaluating the type of cloth worn by pesticide users in Foumbot agric...Personal protective equipment is intended to protect worker from risks that cannot be eliminated for more effective safety. This study was aimed at evaluating the type of cloth worn by pesticide users in Foumbot agricultural area (West Region of Cameroon) and to identify signs and symptoms related to pesticides effects on human health. A survey was conducted on seventy (70) farmers randomly selected using a questionnaire made up of closed and opened questions. Specimens of cloth were collected, identified and analyzed for the water and vapor absorbency and permeability. The identification was done by burning and solubility tests. Results showed that no farmer used adequate protective clothing, they all presented many pesticide-related signs and symptoms such as dizziness, skin irritation, eye-watering and breathing difficulties;the permeation of clothes that they wear is high with high vapor and water absorbency capacity;they were made up with Cotton fiber, blended cotton fibre, wool, polyester and polyethylene;a local laminated fabric manufactured with Tri-acetate fiber was identified with great capacity of protection. This study raised inappropriate characteristics of protective materials used by farmers in Foumbot agricultural area. However, a local fabric was identified to have been adapted to pesticide applications and may be promoted after further study on the comfortability.展开更多
Pesticides are commonly used in Cameroon for farming purposes, especially in the Mount-Bamboutos agricultural area. This study aimed to evaluate the basic knowledge, attitude and practices among pesticide users in the...Pesticides are commonly used in Cameroon for farming purposes, especially in the Mount-Bamboutos agricultural area. This study aimed to evaluate the basic knowledge, attitude and practices among pesticide users in the said area in view of assessing the level of safety and health risks due to pesticide exposures or contaminations. Data was collected through survey study on pesticide knowledge, marketing, attitude and practices on spraying skills, toxicity, health issues, management, first aids and literacy of operators. Results revealed that both male and female were involved in agricultural practices with their ages varying from 21 to 60 years. The farmers were generally of low education level. The main crops cultivated are leafy and fruit vegetables, tubers, cereals, roots and fruits. Half the participants purchased pesticides from the neighborhood. Ethylene bis-dithiocarbamate (EBDC) and cypermethrin were the two main pesticides used by the farmers. Seventy percent (70%) of pesticide containers were thrown in the environment after usage. A certain portion of the sprayers (12%) did not know the existence of residues after application while, as routes of penetration up to 42% pointed the mouth as the route for pesticides into human body. Very few respondents (3%) identified the intervention hospital in case of pesticide poisoning. This study highlights poor knowledge on the use and handling of pesticides in Mount-Bamboutos agricultural area. Sensitization campaigns should be put in place, involving different stakeholders, to train farmers in pesticide risks and management.展开更多
文摘Personal protective equipment is intended to protect worker from risks that cannot be eliminated for more effective safety. This study was aimed at evaluating the type of cloth worn by pesticide users in Foumbot agricultural area (West Region of Cameroon) and to identify signs and symptoms related to pesticides effects on human health. A survey was conducted on seventy (70) farmers randomly selected using a questionnaire made up of closed and opened questions. Specimens of cloth were collected, identified and analyzed for the water and vapor absorbency and permeability. The identification was done by burning and solubility tests. Results showed that no farmer used adequate protective clothing, they all presented many pesticide-related signs and symptoms such as dizziness, skin irritation, eye-watering and breathing difficulties;the permeation of clothes that they wear is high with high vapor and water absorbency capacity;they were made up with Cotton fiber, blended cotton fibre, wool, polyester and polyethylene;a local laminated fabric manufactured with Tri-acetate fiber was identified with great capacity of protection. This study raised inappropriate characteristics of protective materials used by farmers in Foumbot agricultural area. However, a local fabric was identified to have been adapted to pesticide applications and may be promoted after further study on the comfortability.
文摘Pesticides are commonly used in Cameroon for farming purposes, especially in the Mount-Bamboutos agricultural area. This study aimed to evaluate the basic knowledge, attitude and practices among pesticide users in the said area in view of assessing the level of safety and health risks due to pesticide exposures or contaminations. Data was collected through survey study on pesticide knowledge, marketing, attitude and practices on spraying skills, toxicity, health issues, management, first aids and literacy of operators. Results revealed that both male and female were involved in agricultural practices with their ages varying from 21 to 60 years. The farmers were generally of low education level. The main crops cultivated are leafy and fruit vegetables, tubers, cereals, roots and fruits. Half the participants purchased pesticides from the neighborhood. Ethylene bis-dithiocarbamate (EBDC) and cypermethrin were the two main pesticides used by the farmers. Seventy percent (70%) of pesticide containers were thrown in the environment after usage. A certain portion of the sprayers (12%) did not know the existence of residues after application while, as routes of penetration up to 42% pointed the mouth as the route for pesticides into human body. Very few respondents (3%) identified the intervention hospital in case of pesticide poisoning. This study highlights poor knowledge on the use and handling of pesticides in Mount-Bamboutos agricultural area. Sensitization campaigns should be put in place, involving different stakeholders, to train farmers in pesticide risks and management.
