The toxicity symptoms among 79migrant pesticide workers involved in open-field pesticide application in Oman were studied. Questionnaires addressing the workers＇ demographics, pesticide use and practices, use of prot...The toxicity symptoms among 79migrant pesticide workers involved in open-field pesticide application in Oman were studied. Questionnaires addressing the workers＇ demographics, pesticide use and practices, use of protective devices, disposal of empty containers, storage of pesticides and self-reported poisoning symptoms were administered face-to-face to the workers before commencement of work, during break or at home. A total of 28 toxicity symptoms were reported, skin rash being the symptom reported by a majority of the workers （78%）, followed by increased salivation （68%）. The gravity of toxicity symptoms was attributed principally to the non-use of protective devices during pesticide spraying. Other factors contributing to poisoning were the workers＇ poor post-application sanitation habits, improper disposal of empty pesticide containers and storage of partially used pesticides in bedrooms. In order to reduce the incidents of poisoning among the agropesticide workers, there is a need to educate them about the benefits of using PPE （personal protective equipment） and ensuring that they adopt good hygiene and sanitation habits at all stages of pesticide handling.展开更多
文摘The toxicity symptoms among 79migrant pesticide workers involved in open-field pesticide application in Oman were studied. Questionnaires addressing the workers＇ demographics, pesticide use and practices, use of protective devices, disposal of empty containers, storage of pesticides and self-reported poisoning symptoms were administered face-to-face to the workers before commencement of work, during break or at home. A total of 28 toxicity symptoms were reported, skin rash being the symptom reported by a majority of the workers （78%）, followed by increased salivation （68%）. The gravity of toxicity symptoms was attributed principally to the non-use of protective devices during pesticide spraying. Other factors contributing to poisoning were the workers＇ poor post-application sanitation habits, improper disposal of empty pesticide containers and storage of partially used pesticides in bedrooms. In order to reduce the incidents of poisoning among the agropesticide workers, there is a need to educate them about the benefits of using PPE （personal protective equipment） and ensuring that they adopt good hygiene and sanitation habits at all stages of pesticide handling.
