Characterization of pesticide exposure in agricultural workers of banana plantations in Barú, Chiriquí
Keywords:
Plaguicidas; exposición profesional; agricultura; bioaseguramiento; salud laboral; enfermedad del trabajador agrícola; equipo de protección personalAbstract
Introduction: In Panama, information regarding the occupational exposure of agricultural workers to pesticides and the protective measures they use remains limited and outdated.
Objectives: To characterize pesticide exposure among workers on banana farms in the corregimiento of Baco, district of Barú, Chiriquí, during 2024.
Methods: Descriptive, cross-sectional study with a non-probabilistic sample of 48 farmers. Data were collected through a structured questionnaire on demographic variables, frequency and type of pesticides, exposure time, use of personal protective equipment, safety practices, and waste disposal. Analysis was performed using descriptive statistics in Microsoft Excel.
Results: Study participants were male, with a mean age of 51.2 years. About 66.7% were exposed 3–4 times per workday, and more than half applied pesticides several times per week. A total of 39.6% reported 21–30 years of work with these products. The most commonly used pesticides were glyphosate, Gramoxone, Counter, and Vydate, some of which are restricted in Panama. Although 89.6% reported using PPE, gloves, goggles, and overalls were infrequently used. Only one-third had received prior training. Handling of empty containers included burning, burying, or reusing, actions that contravene current regulations.
Conclusions: Occupational exposure to pesticides in the studied population is high and poorly regulated. Technical training programs, access to complete personal protective equipment, and monitoring of regulatory compliance are needed to reduce risks to health and the environment.
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