Pesticide use among greenhouse workers in Turkey

Pesticides are chemicals use of which has increased worldwide since the Second World War in order to improve the quality and the quantity of agricultural products. Their harmful effects on the environment and the human health have also been seen as usage increases. Although there have been studies about the harmful effects of pesticides on human health in the developing countries, there is limited data about the use of pesticides in Turkey. The aim of our study was to obtain data about the use of pesticides in greenhouse in Turkey. About 131 greenhouse workers were interviewed with within the province of Izmir: 63.8% graduated from primary school; 49.2% were living in region where the greenhouses were located; 46.2% were working in their own greenhouses; 42.3% had health insurance; 86.9% used pesticides and 59.3% did not take protective cautions during use pesticide. The application technique, location, amount, time or any other required information of the pesticides used have not been recorded by the greenhouse workers.