It has been well known that indiscriminate use of pesticides contaminates water resources and soil to break down "the balance of natural ecosystem and brings acute when spray.
In this country, 62,602 tons of pesticides were used in 1974 for agricultural purpose figuring 28.0 kg per hectare which showed 20% increasment every year since 1970.
It is almost impossible to figure out incidence and mortality of acute pesticide poisoning exactly. However, a survey in 1974 reported that 33.5% of male and 32.7% of female who sprayed certain pesticides complained of several symptoms seemed to be due to acute pesticide poisoning. It also mentioned that the main cause inducing poisoning supposedly was dusting without protective armamation such as masks, booths, gloves and others in more than 60% of above cases.
Pesticide poisoning through contamination of-food or direct inhalation and contact.
With the reason, the 4 followings can be recommended to minimize or prevent pesticide hazards.
1. Strict legal control
2. Systematic education on the safe handling way of pesticides for the people who are to use them.
3. Remarkable warning at transportation and stocking of pesticides.
4. Obligatory attachment of explanation on the package about effect, safe handling method, and emergency care at acute pesticide poisoning concerned.
|