Abstract
The use of agrochemicals in Brazil has been growing in recent years, and many farmers who use these products do not handle them correctly, facing the risk of contamination by non-compliance with safety standards. Thereby, the aim of this study was to conduct a survey on the use of agrochemicals by banana producers in the municipality of Ipanguaçu, Rio Grande do Norte state in order to investigate the handling of these products. To this end, a semi-structured form comprising questions related to sociodemographic matters, agrarian structure of properties, handling of agrochemicals, and perception of risks to humans and the environment was used to collect information. The results show that most rural workers are men (90.48%) aged over 45 years (52.38%), property owners (47.62%), with incomplete elementary education (23.81%). In addition, responses to issues related to the risks to humans and the environment were found, showing that workers with a better level of awareness regarding agronomic prescription know that these products are dangerous, read their labels, and recognize the necessity of using Personal Protective Equipment (PPE). However, deficiency is perceived in the use of correct practices with respect to the grace period of products, the order to remove them, the disposal of empty containers, and the use of all PPE. Therefore, the study reveals that many farmers do not meet the recommendations for the application of this technology, placing their health and the environment at risk.
Keywords:
Agrochemicals; PPE; Environment; Rural workers’ health
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