Mohamed Rosli, Noor Hafizah (2023) Evaluation of pesticide health risks and metabolic health effects among farmers in Cameron Highland, Pahang. [Project Paper] (Submitted)
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Abstract
Introduction: The agricultural production in Cameron Highland frequently makes use of synthetic pesticides in order to control or manage pests, diseases, weeds, and other plant pathogens, reduce or eliminate yield losses, and keep product quality stable. Although pesticides are developed through a stringent regulatory process to function with a reasonable degree of certainty and with minimal impact on human health and the environment, serious concerns have been raised about the health risks associated with occupational exposure to pesticides and residues in food and drinking water. This is despite the fact that pesticides are designed to function with minimal impact on human health and the environment. Previous studies have shed light on the potentially negative impact that working in the pesticide industry and conventional agriculture might have on one's health. These workers are frequently exposed to synthetic pesticides (How et al., 2013; How et al., 2014; Nurualain et al., 2017). Objective: The purpose of this study is to evaluate the pesticide health risks and their metabolic health among farmers in Cameron Highland. Method: The study utilized a cross-sectional design and was conducted among farmers. The adapted questionnaires (How et al., 2014) were distributed among the conventional and organic farmers at the farm site located at Tringkap, Kampung Raja, Bertam Valley, and Brinchang. The finger-prick method is a technique used to collect a small sample of blood to test for a variety of health markers, including blood glucose levels, cholesterol levels, and blood uric acids levels. The finger-prick method is generally considered to be quick and relatively painless way to collect a blood sample for diagnostic testing.Through the use of the finger-prick method, a total of 62 farmers participated in this research project as participants for the purpose of further evaluation to determine the association between pesticide health risks and its associated health effects among farmers while they were engaged in farming activity. Result: According to the findings of the study, conventional farmers who use synthetic pesticides without taking the necessary safeguards are at an increased risk of developing health problems. About 60% conventional farmers were considered at high risk of pesticide exposure, and 40.4% were at moderate risk of pesticide exposure. Meanwhile, all organic farmers exposed to low risk due to they are not handling any pesticides during their farming activity. Farmers who practise conventional agriculture and rely on synthetic pesticides pose a larger risk to public health than organic farmers who rely on biological pesticides. The metabolic health status of conventional and organic farmers did not differ significantly (p>0.05) from one another. Only blood cholesterol (p<0.05) is associated with pesticide health hazards; blood glucose and uric acid show no significant association among farmers in Cameron Highland. Conclusion: This study shows a subtle difference in metabolic health between conventional and organic farmers in Cameron Highland. Keywords: Pesticide health risks; farmers; agricultural health
| Item Type: | Project Paper |
|---|---|
| Faculty: | Faculty of Medicine and Health Science |
| Depositing User: | Ms Norafizah Radzuan |
| Date Deposited: | 08 May 2024 06:48 |
| Last Modified: | 08 May 2024 06:48 |
| URI: | http://psaspb.upm.edu.my/id/eprint/1717 |
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