Pesticide Exposure in the Cultivation of Carica papaya L. and Capsicum annuum L. in Rural Areas of Oaxaca, Mexico

Héctor Ulises Bernardino-Hernández (), Yael Gallardo-García, Gerardo Vargas-Valencia, Arturo Zapién-Martínez, Gabriel Sánchez-Cruz, Leobardo Reyes-Velasco, José Ángel Cueva-Villanueva, Ericel Hernández-García, Jaime Vargas-Arzola and Honorio Torres-Aguilar
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Héctor Ulises Bernardino-Hernández: Chemical Sciences Faculty, Benito Juárez Autonomous University of Oaxaca (UABJO), Av. Universidad S/N. Cinco Señores, Oaxaca de Juárez, Oaxaca C.P. 68120, Mexico
Yael Gallardo-García: Chemical Sciences Faculty, Benito Juárez Autonomous University of Oaxaca (UABJO), Av. Universidad S/N. Cinco Señores, Oaxaca de Juárez, Oaxaca C.P. 68120, Mexico
Gerardo Vargas-Valencia: Chemical Sciences Faculty, Benito Juárez Autonomous University of Oaxaca (UABJO), Av. Universidad S/N. Cinco Señores, Oaxaca de Juárez, Oaxaca C.P. 68120, Mexico
Arturo Zapién-Martínez: Chemical Sciences Faculty, Benito Juárez Autonomous University of Oaxaca (UABJO), Av. Universidad S/N. Cinco Señores, Oaxaca de Juárez, Oaxaca C.P. 68120, Mexico
Gabriel Sánchez-Cruz: Chemical Sciences Faculty, Benito Juárez Autonomous University of Oaxaca (UABJO), Av. Universidad S/N. Cinco Señores, Oaxaca de Juárez, Oaxaca C.P. 68120, Mexico
Leobardo Reyes-Velasco: Chemical Sciences Faculty, Benito Juárez Autonomous University of Oaxaca (UABJO), Av. Universidad S/N. Cinco Señores, Oaxaca de Juárez, Oaxaca C.P. 68120, Mexico
José Ángel Cueva-Villanueva: Chemical Sciences Faculty, Benito Juárez Autonomous University of Oaxaca (UABJO), Av. Universidad S/N. Cinco Señores, Oaxaca de Juárez, Oaxaca C.P. 68120, Mexico
Ericel Hernández-García: Chemical Sciences Faculty, Benito Juárez Autonomous University of Oaxaca (UABJO), Av. Universidad S/N. Cinco Señores, Oaxaca de Juárez, Oaxaca C.P. 68120, Mexico
Jaime Vargas-Arzola: Chemical Sciences Faculty, Benito Juárez Autonomous University of Oaxaca (UABJO), Av. Universidad S/N. Cinco Señores, Oaxaca de Juárez, Oaxaca C.P. 68120, Mexico
Honorio Torres-Aguilar: Chemical Sciences Faculty, Benito Juárez Autonomous University of Oaxaca (UABJO), Av. Universidad S/N. Cinco Señores, Oaxaca de Juárez, Oaxaca C.P. 68120, Mexico

IJERPH, 2024, vol. 21, issue 8, 1-23

Abstract: This study focuses on describing the diversity of pesticides, the knowledge and behaviors of their use, and the acute poisoning symptoms (APS) derived from their exposure from two agricultural production systems (papaya— Carica papaya L.- and chili— Capsicum annuum L.-) in Oaxaca, Mexico. Through surveys, sociodemographic information, characteristics of the production system, knowledge and behaviors in the handling of pesticides, and APS perceived by users were captured. Papaya producers are younger, have fewer years of activity, and have larger agricultural areas than chili producers. Insect attacks and diseases are an essential factor for the application of pesticides. Thirty-one active ingredients (Ais) were identified in papaya and thirty-seven in chili, predominantly insecticides and fungicides of toxicological category IV. Approximately 50% of users apply mixtures of different Ais, have little knowledge and inappropriate behavior in their handling, and report up to five acute pesticide poisoning symptoms, mainly burning and irritation of the skin, burning eyes, itchy skin, runny nose, headache, and watery eyes. The production of papaya and chili are relevant activities for generating economic income, but they risk the producer’s and their family’s health. Both systems are a potential scenario for the manifestation of diseases due to exposure to pesticides in the medium and long term.

Keywords: agricultural production system; papaya; chili; pesticide exposure; acute poisoning symptoms; health risk (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: I I1 I3 Q Q5 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2024
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