Abstract
The characteristics of the Production Units (PU) in rural areas and the use of pesticides are important to assess risks to human and environmental health. This study aimed to describe the factors of PUs related to the use of pesticides and identify possible risk practices for workers. Descriptive study based on interviews carried out in 426 PU. The area (in fiscal modules), native forest, plant and animal production, level of mechanization, use, and handling of pesticides, and technical guidance were evaluated. The analysis included measures of central tendency and dispersion and proportions’ analysis. Associations were examined using Pearson's Chi-square and Linear Trend. There was no difference in the proportion of native forest according to the area. Larger PUs had a higher level of mechanization. The use of pesticides was reported by 96.5% of the PU. The largest PU used more adequate practices in storage, in the destination of the packages, and had more technical guidance. Regardless of the size of the PU, there were problems with risk management, especially in the packaging of veterinary products. There are important differences in the management of pesticides between the different PUs, but in general agricultural workers are under socio-environmental vulnerability due to intense chemical exposure.
Keywords:
agrochemicals; pesticides use; agriculture; occupational health; environmental health