Health workers exposed to pesticides: a cross-sectional study involving agents for the control of endemic diseases in the State of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

Abstract

In recent decades, Brazil has become one of the largest consumers of pesticides in the world. In addition to use in agriculture, these compounds are often employed in public health actions to combat vectors of endemic diseases by workers denominated vector control workers (VCW), making their work process harmful to health. The aim of the present study was to characterize exposure to pesticides as well as identify self-reported symptoms of poisoning and the relationship with the working and health conditions of VCW. A cross-sectional study was conducted with 606 VCW in the State of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. A self-administered multidimensional questionnaire was used from August 2020 to August 2022. The results were analyzed using the chi-square test and Fisher’s exact test. Acute and chronic exposure to multiple pesticides was demonstrated, including carcinogenic, neurotoxic, and endocrine-dysregulating substances. Around 51% of the respondents indicated two or more typical symptoms of poisoning after contact and/or handling. The main complaints were headache (45.5%), skin irritation/allergy (38.1%), burning sensation in the nose and mouth, cough, difficulty breathing (33.5%), malaise (35.5%), nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea (20%), and weakness, dizziness, or fainting (15%). Different health problems were also found among the workers. The results demonstrate the harmfulness of the work process of VCW, with health problems for workers and the occurrence of chronic effects. It is essential to monitor the health of these workers and prioritize vector control practices that are not dependent on the use of pesticides.

Keywords:
Employee Health; Working Conditions; Occupational Exposure