Title: Assessment of the Health risk among agricultural workers exposed to
pesticides in Deoli Block Wardha District
Objectives: 1) To assess the awareness & preparation of handling pesticide
and its storage by the agricultural workers. 2) To find and compare the
current health status between agricultural workers exposed to pesticide and
non-agricultural workers.
Introduction: Pesticides affect health of farmers. It may be simple irritation
of skin and eye to more severe effects such as affecting the nervous system.
Disorders which are seen more commonly are mild conditions like irritation
of nose, throat, and eyes. Pesticides are used extensively throughout the
world.
Methodology: A Cross-sectional study was conducted in Deoli which is15
km away from Wardha. Agricultural pesticide sprayers and non Agricultural
workers visiting RHTC Deoli in the Department of Community Medicine
Results: Pesticide sprayers and 5(6.02%) of non agricultural workers were
educated up to middle school level, 32(38.55%) of agricultural pesticide
sprayers and 17(20.48%) of non agricultural workers were educated up to
high school level, 6(7.22%) of agricultural pesticide sprayers and 15
(18.07%) of non agricultural workers were educated up to junior college
level. Running nose 15(18.07%) in agricultural pesticide workers
(agricultural pesticide sprayers) compare to 10(12.04%) non agricultural
workers, burning of eyes 48(57.83%) in agricultural pesticide workers
compared to 15 (18.07%) in non agricultural workers, itching of eyes
30(36.12%) in agricultural pesticide sprayers compared to 2(2.40%) in non
agricultural workers, excessive sweating 20(24.09%) in agricultural
pesticide sprayers compared to 10(12.04%) in non agricultural workers.