Trace elements in the hair of farmers exposed to synthetic pesticides and chemical fertilizers in west coast of Peninsular Malaysia

Leong, Jia Yee (2024) Trace elements in the hair of farmers exposed to synthetic pesticides and chemical fertilizers in west coast of Peninsular Malaysia. [Project Paper] (Submitted)

Text 205495 LEONG JIA YEE lp fpsk4 2024 5.pdf Download (3MB)

Abstract

Introduction: The broad application of synthetic pesticides and chemical fertilizers in agriculture brings some consequences related to health aspects. Synthetic pesticides and chemical fertilizers frequently contain the elements which exist in small amount. The potential health impacts of trace elements in pesticides can differ based on the particular elements, their concentration, the duration of exposure, and individual susceptibility. Currently, there is a lack of thorough research examining the occupational toxicology, the question raised regarding the extent to which trace elements present in the synthetic pesticide and chemical fertilizers and detectable in hair could potentially contribute to metabolic health risks in this population. Objective: This study aimed to determine relationship between the trace elements (chromium (Cr), manganese (Mn), mercury (Hg), lead (Pb)) levels in hair and health risks of synthetic pesticides and chemical fertilizers used among small-scale vegetable and nursery farmers. Methodology: Face-to-face interviews were conducted with an adapted questionnaire to obtain sociodemographic and occupational information. A total of 109 hair samples from small-scale vegetable and nursery farmers in Peninsular Malaysia were collected to analyze the trace element levels using ICP-MS. The health risks for the pesticides and fertilizers containing the four metals was estimated using the method of Chemical Health Risk Assessment (CHRA) endorsed by the Department of Occupational Safety and Health (DOSH), Malaysia. Results and Discussion: The health risk of mercury contained in synthetic pesticides and chemical fertilizers was statistically significantly correlated with the hair Hg level (p=0.003<0.05). The regression model presented that the working duration of farmers, the frequency of synthetic pesticide and chemical fertilizer used, the scenario while chemical spraying and the type of body protection were statistically significant to predict the health risks of Cr, Mn, Hg, Pb (p<0.05). The hair Cr, Mn, and Pb levels of farmers were not statistically significant to predict the health risk of Cr, Mn, and Pb contain in the synthetic pesticides and chemical fertilizers while the health risk of Hg in synthetic pesticides and chemical fertilizers can be significantly predicted by the hair Hg level among farmers with a direct relationship (p=0.013<0.05). Conclusion: The health risks of trace elements found in synthetic pesticides and chemical fertilizers can be related with the sociodemographic factors, occupational factors, and hair trace element levels. It is recommended to regular health screening for farmers, including monitoring of trace element levels in the body. This is important to detect potential health hazards at an early stage. Additionally, it is advisable to adopt alternative and sustainable farming methods that reduce the reliance on synthetic pesticides and chemical fertilizers. Keywords: pesticides, fertilizers, health risk, hair, agricultural health

Item Type:	Project Paper
Subjects:	R Medicine > RA Public aspects of medicine > RA0421 Public health. Hygiene. Preventive Medicine
Faculty:	Faculty of Medicine and Health Science
Depositing User:	Ms Norafizah Radzuan
Date Deposited:	28 Apr 2025 07:59
Last Modified:	16 Oct 2025 02:57
URI:	http://psaspb.upm.edu.my/id/eprint/2357

Actions (login required)

View Item