Awareness of Information and Dangers Related to Pesticide Contamination and Washing of Kale among Consumers at Nong Khaen Market, Mueang District, Roi Et

Abstract

Objective: To study awareness of information, dangers, experiences of harm, knowledge on pesticides, and washing of kale before consumption among consumers at Nong Khaen Market, Mueang District, Roi Et. Methods: This research was a survey study. The subjects consisted of kale consumers aged between 18 and 65 years who bought kale in Nong Khaen Market, Mueang District, Roi Et Province and prepared kale before cooking in their households. The study employed convenient sampling to select 372 subjects.  Questionnaires were used to collect data from August to December 2021. Result: 87.6 percent of subjects had received information about pesticides. 92.7 percent were aware of potential harm to health of pesticides contaminated kale. 9.7 percent had been harmed by pesticides contaminated kale and reporting the following symptoms: nausea/vomiting (n=9), diarrhea (n=7), dizziness (n=6), headache/light-headedness (n=3), stomach pain (n=3), food poisoning (n=1), red rash (n=1), throat irritation (n=1), and itchy lips (n=1). Average knowledge score on pesticides among consumer was 7.8±1.6 out of 10. All consumers washed kale before cooking. Three identified washing methods were 1) washing with water and soaking with water, 2) washing with water and soaking with water mixed with one substance, and 3) washing with water and soaking with water mixed with more than one types of substance. Conclusion: Most of the subjects were aware of the information on dangers related to pesticides. Some people experienced harm from contaminated pesticides. Subjects possessed knowledge on pesticides and could answer questions correctly. All subjects washed kale before consumption. Information obtained from the study can be used to develop a program to educate consumers for preventing dangers and reducing pesticide contamination.