Knowledge and practices related to pesticides in The Gambia and opportunities for exposure mitigation strategies

摘要: Pesticide exposure among farmers in low-income countries is a concern because of the potential negative impacts on farmers' health. This study examined the knowledge of pesticide hazards, pesticide handling practices, and hygiene behaviors that might expose farmers to pesticides in The Gambia. Almost all of the 258 participants reported having concerns about the adverse effects on their health due to pesticides (n= 245, 95%). The majority of participants reported unsafe, or risky, pesticide handling practices. Common risky practices included: mixing with bare hands (29%), applying with their hands, plastic bags, or leaves (41%), storing pesticides in the home (51%), failing to adequately dispose of empty pesticide containers (26%), wearing shoes into the home after working with pesticides (70%), and failing to wearing protective clothing or equipment (64%). In addition, only 6% of the participants knew the name of the pesticides they used. The reasons cited for not wearing protective clothing or equipment were lack of availability, affordability, and awareness about the use. Also only 19% had any type of safety training on pesticides.