Occupational exposure to pesticides and health symptoms among farmers in Palestine.

Abstract

Background: This study aimed to examine the usage patterns of commonly used pesticides and categorize the health problems associated with long-term exposure.

Methods: Data for this cross-sectional study was collected between February 2020 and October 2022. Participants from various agricultural regions were recruited through social media surveys.

Results: This study included 1105 farmers from diverse agricultural areas, and found that the participants' level of education was a significant factor in determining the number of reported symptoms. Significant correlations were also found between the number of symptoms and the frequency and duration of pesticide spraying, as well as the use of personal protective equipment. A small percentage of participants reported no symptoms and were excluded from the analysis. Negative associations were observed between the number of symptoms and age group, high school education, frequency of pesticide use per week, involvement in other work, and source of information. Positive associations were found between the number of symptoms and spraying period and perception of pesticide toxicity.

Conclusion: Farmers exposed to pesticides experienced various symptoms and illnesses, including cardiovascular, dermatological, neurological, and hematological symptoms. The number of reported symptoms decreased significantly with higher education levels and the use of personal protective measures.