Tobacco farming: use of personal protective equipment and pesticide poisoning

Abstract

Objective: To verify the use of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) and the presence of symptoms of intoxication by pesticides in tobacco farmers. Methods: Cross-sectional study with farmers of the northwest of the state of Rio Grande do Sul in 2012/2013 through a household survey with interview. Results: Participants were 100 male farmers, they were on average 46.9±10.8 years-old; 97 (97,0%) used pesticides; 81 (81,0%) reported using PPE; 20 (20.0%) had symptoms of intoxication. Conclusions: Workers make partial use of PPE, it may favor the emergence of health problems related to pesticides. It is necessary that health workers, along with these workers, to incorporate into practice the comprehensive health assistance encompassing prevention, promotion, assistance and reporting of cases of poisoning.