Abstract:
Agrochemical exposure has been considered
as the main risk factor of Chronic Interstitial
Nephritis in Agricultural Communities (CINAC)
in Sri Lanka. Poor awareness and agrochemical
handling practices could lead to occupational
exposure, and hence an observational study
was conducted focusing on lifestyle, farming
practices, agrochemical handling and awareness
of health effects among farmers (n=3669) in
CINAC emerging locations. Smoking (50%),
alcohol consumption (50.8%) and chewing betel
(45%) were very common among male farmers.
A history of drinking water consumption
from surface wells near agricultural activities
was evident among farmers. More than 60%
of the farmers were actively using herbicide
formulations such as Glyphosates,Glufosinate,
Paraquat,Diuron, Phenoxy and Sulfonylurea.
Chlorpyrifos formulations were the most
commonly used insecticides. Urea and Triple
Super Phosphate fertilizers were mainly used
throughout the cropping cycle. Agrochemical
mixing using different pesticide formulations
and fertilizers was common among farmers (56%)
expecting higher yields. Manual application
was preferred to mechanical resulting further
imminent exposure. The majority of the farmers
(> 68%) were over using agrochemicals by not
adhering to the recommended doses. The use of
protective cloths and equipment during mixing
and applying was ignored; nevertheless 63%
of the farmers were well aware of the potential
health effects of agrochemicals and their practices.
Farmers opted to store the agrochemicals
outside their home; however, they dumped used
containers within the farming locations. Our
study confirms potential occupational exposure
to agrochemicals and thus regulation and proper
management of agrochemicals is essential for the
wellbeing of the farmers.
