Pesticides and the Third World.

Area of Science:

• Environmental Toxicology
• Occupational Health
• Public Health

Background:

• Developing nations increasingly import toxic industrial chemicals and pesticides for agriculture and public health.
• Pesticide use is rising, leading to an estimated 20,000+ annual fatalities, predominantly in developing countries, with potential underreporting.
• Organophosphates, carbamates, herbicides like paraquat, and even newer synthetic pyrethrins are implicated in fatal poisonings.

Purpose of the Study:

• To highlight the significant risks and causes of pesticide intoxication in developing countries.
• To emphasize the need for research into behaviors, technology, and information dissemination related to pesticide use.
• To advocate for improved safety measures and risk assessment for pesticides in these regions.

Main Methods:

• Review of current pesticide use patterns and poisoning incidents in developing countries.
• Analysis of factors contributing to intoxications, including knowledge gaps, unsafe practices, and inadequate technology.
• Identification of research priorities for understanding and mitigating pesticide-related harm.

Main Results:

• A high proportion of pesticide intoxications are linked to lack of knowledge, unsafe attitudes, and dangerous practices.
• Inappropriate pesticide application technology and lack of protective equipment exacerbate risks for small farmers.
• Insufficient agricultural extension services and information transfer contribute to chemical poisonings.

Conclusions:

• Lack of information at all levels is a critical factor in chemical intoxications in developing countries.
• Urgent research is needed on behaviors leading to intoxication, alongside poisoning surveys and analysis of import/legislation processes.
• Development of appropriate technology and safety devices is crucial for reducing pesticide-related harm.