Farmers’ exposure to pesticides and pesticide residues in soils and crops grown in Benguet Philippines

Issue Date

12-2011

Abstract

This study aimed to assess the pesticide residues in the soil, and vegetables crops exposures of farmers to pesticide in Benguet, the largest vegetable producing area in the Philippines. Farmers were surveyed and environmental samples collected in 26 farms in 5 communities. Residue analysis was done using gas chromatography. The farmers in the area were intensively using highly toxic pesticides. Among the pesticides used, Tamaron (Methamidophos), which was the most frequently used belongs to Class 1 type of insecticides, categorized by the World Health Organization (WHO) as extremely hazardous. Among the pesticides, 16 were insecticides, 13 were fungicides, and 4 were herbicides. Ten pesticides (by brand names) belonged to organophosphate-type, nine were carbamates, and five were pyrethroids, Tamaron (Methamidophos) (47%), Sumicidin◦ (Fenvalerate) (29%), and Selecrone (Profenofos) (26%). The pesticides with the highest amount used by the farmers per application were Sumicidin (Fenvalerate) at 0.24 L. followed by Siga (Chlorpyrifos) (0.19 L), and Tamaron (Metamidophos) and Selecron (Profenofos) (0.15 L) each. Results of pesticide residue analysis for the 26 soil samples showed that 7 (27%) were positive for pesticide residues, and 4 exceeded the maximum residue limit (MRL). These pesticide residues in the soil were chlorpyrifos, deltamethrin, cyhalothrin, and cypermethrin. For the crops, analysis showed 5 (36%) out of the 14 crop samples were positive for pesticide residues, and 3 exceeded the maximum residue level. The pesticide residues identified in crops were chlorpyrifos, cypermethrin, and malathion. The farmers were also found to be exposed to pesticide related risks due to spending long hours in the field, short-time re-entry intervals, using leaking backpack sprayer, and wiping-off sweat using pesticide contaminated cloth. The study revealed that pesticide exposure is prevalent among Benguet farmers, and residues in soil and crops were found. The study suggests that programs to reduce pesticide exposure among farmers be conducted.

Source or Periodical Title

Philippine Journal of Crop Science

ISSN

0115-463x

Volume

36

Issue

3

Page

19-27

Document Type

Article

College

College of Agriculture and Food Science (CAFS)

Physical Description

tables, references

Language

English

Subject

chemical management, exposure to pesticides, farmers, maximum residue level, pesticide residues, vegetables, soil

En – AGROVOC descriptors

PESTICIDE EXPOSURE; PESTICIDE RESIDUES; FARMERS' ATTITUDES; CHEMICAL PEST CONTROL

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