Reflections on and contributions to the Ministry of Health's Integrated Plan on Health Surveillance Actions for People Exposed to Pesticides

• Published in: Ciência & saude coletiva 2011-08, Vol.16 (8), p.3453-3460
• Main Authors: Moisés, Marcia, Machado, Jorge Mesquita Huet, Peres, Frederico, Hennington, Elida, Beltrami, Aramis Cardoso, Beltrami Neto, Adelcki Camilo
• Format: Article
• Language: Portuguese
• Subjects: Brazil; Environmental Exposure; Environmental health; Government; Humans; Pesticides; Pesticides - adverse effects; Population Surveillance; Public health; Surveillance
• ISSN: 1413-8123; 1678-4561
• DOI: 10.1590/S1413-81232011000900013

This paper highlights the issue of human and environmental contamination caused by abusive and undue use of pesticides and of its consequences for human health and the environment. It seeks to present reflections on and contributions to the Ministry of Health's Integrated Plan on Health Surveillance Actions for People Exposed to Pesticides arising from the Federal District Assessment and Control Project for Human and Environmental Exposure. The methodology used in this study consisted of reading and analysis of reports from the aforementioned projects, as well as participating in preliminary meetings for drafting the General Coordination Plan for Environmental Health Surveillance and the workshop entitled "The integration of Occupational Health Surveillance and Sanitary Vigilance: the information issue." This was coordinated by the Occupational Health Working Group of the Brazilian Public Health Association and in meetings and workshops of the Federal District Project. The outcome of the discussions suggests that the investigation strategy used is a positive contribution and that the Federal District Project may serve as a pilot project for the Ministry of Health's Integrated Plan.