Abstract
Introduction:
the pesticides "safe use" paradigm relies on the hazard control measures concerning handling of these products. However, studies carried out in Brazil reveal a scenario of rural workers' exposure and health problems.
Objective:
to analyze the feasibility of pesticides "safe use" measures in the social and economic context of the family farmers from Lavras, Minas Gerais, Brazil.
Methods:
cross-sectional study with with 81 small family farms, in Lavras, Minas Gerais, Brazil, in 2013.
Results:
purchase, transportation and storage facilities do not meet the "safe use" requirements; there is technical unfeasibility to follow safety measures related to Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) as well as the rules concerning the preparation and application of pesticides; social and economic obstacles are the main reasons for not returning empty containers and for washing contaminated clothes and PPE at home.
Conclusion:
considering the general structure of family farms production, agrochemical technology cannot be employed under the "safe use" paradigm.
Keywords:
pesticide; hazard; environmental health surveillance; rural population health; socioeconomic factors