From 1994 to 2000, the quantity of pesticides imported
into the Central American isthmus increased steadily from
34 to 45 million kilograms, due to increased herbicide use
throughout Central America (Henao and Arbelaez 2002).
In 1992, little or no triazine derivates were imported into
Central America. However, by 1998, nearly 600,000
kilograms of triazine derivates were being imported into
the Central American isthmus annually (Galvao et al.
2002).
Most studies of pesticide exposure and related health
effects in Central America have focused on highly toxic
pesticides and acute pesticide poisonings, while few have
assessed chronic exposure and inhalation exposure during
application. Also, most research on health effects of