The farmers perceive illness in terms of inability
to function. Pesticide to them may not be a threat because
(i) they are immune, (ii) it is regarded as a medicine that is
needed by the plants rather than poison, and (iii) exposure
is only through inhalation and ingestion not through dermal
contact. Added to that, they put value on pasma, and
try to prevent it at the cost of exposure to pesticides. These
perceptions lead to their practices showing inadequate
protection.