Assessment of health risks and effects from pesticides used among chili farmers in Kham Sakaesang District, Nakhon Ratchasima Province

Abstract

The objective of this research was to assess health risks and effects from organophosphate and carbamate-class insecticides among chili farmers in Kham Sakaesang District, Nakhon Ratchasima Province. The samples included 267 chili farmers. Data were collected by using the health risk assessment form from the Department of Disease Control and cholinesterase reactive paper was used for screening tests of pesticide exposure in the farmers’ blood. The study was conducted between June and December 2022. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics which include number, percentage, mean, and standard deviation. In addition, chi-Square test was utilized to analyze factors associated with acetylcholinesterase or cholinesterase enzyme levels. The results showed that 58.1% of the farmers were at low risk from exposure to organophosphate and carbamate insecticides; 30.7% were at medium risk; 9.0% were at relatively high risk; and 2.2% were at high risk. Risk screening results from pesticide exposure, by examining cholinesterase enzyme levels in the blood, revealed that 88.8% were within normal and safe levels, while 11.2% were at risky and unsafe levels. A significant relationship was identified between the level of pesticide exposure with cholinesterase enzyme levels in the blood and abnormal symptoms post-pesticide exposure (p-value<.05). Therefore, healthcare workers in primary health care units should continually monitor farmers' health by screening and tracking cholinesterase enzyme levels in their blood so that necessary steps can be taken to reduce organophosphate and carbamate insecticide residues in their system.