Heath risk among pesticide sellers in Bamenda (Cameroon) and peripheral areas

In Bamenda and peripheral zones, studies have been focused on the effects of pesticides on farmers (pesticide users) while nothing has been done to assess the exposure of sellers to pesticides. This study aimed at evaluating the exposure of pesticide sellers in the same area. Thirty-two questionnair...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Environmental science and pollution research international 2018-04, Vol.25 (10), p.9454-9460
Main Authors: Sonchieu, Jean, Akono, Edouard Nantia, Ngwamitang, Cheche Tanwi, Ngassoum, Benoït Martin
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Agriculture - methods
Aquatic Pollution
Atmospheric Protection/Air Quality Control/Air Pollution
Cameroon
Earth and Environmental Science
Ecotoxicology
Environment
Environmental Chemistry
Environmental Health
Farmers
Humans
Occupational Exposure
Pesticides - adverse effects
Pesticides - chemistry
Protective Clothing
Research Article
Risk
Surveys and Questionnaires
Waste Water Technology
Water Management
Water Pollution Control
Workplace
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Summary:In Bamenda and peripheral zones, studies have been focused on the effects of pesticides on farmers (pesticide users) while nothing has been done to assess the exposure of sellers to pesticides. This study aimed at evaluating the exposure of pesticide sellers in the same area. Thirty-two questionnaires were administered to 32 pesticide sellers systematically selected, and chi-square was used for statistical analysis. From each shop, a respondent was chosen among the workers according to its daily time spent in the workplace. The results showed that there is similarity between sellers in Bamenda and peripheral area; one active ingredient (metalaxyl) and one formulation (beauchamp) sold are not registered; throat irritation, headaches, fatigue, skin irritation, eye irritation, and difficulty in breathing with more cases of nose irritation were symptoms observed; pesticides are stored either in the shops or in warehouses; safety measures generally applied are sitting outside the shop, taking medicated charcoal and the use of protective clothing; 56% have less than 5 years experience. Permanent pesticide sellers are then exposed to chronic intoxication in Bamenda and neighboring zones. Employers should make use of protective clothing in their shops when manipulating pesticides in the application of safety measures.
ISSN:0944-1344
1614-7499
DOI:10.1007/s11356-018-1243-8