Strategies to Reduce Health Hazards of Cotton Farmers Due to Pesticides

The present study was taken up to formulate strategies for reducing the health hazards of cotton farmers due to pesticides usage in Kurnool district of Andhra Pradesh. Pesticides have been widely used to control pest in agriculture, fishery, forestry and the food industry. In this paper, we identify the signs and symptoms of illness among cotton farmers due to pesticide exposures. There was strong evidence for an association between pesticide exposure and respiratory problems, especially in agricultural occupations. Better control of pesticide uses and enforcement of safety behaviors, such as using personal protection equipment (PPE) in the workplace, are critical for reducing the risk of developing pesticide-related signs and symptoms of illness. Educational training programs focusing on basic safety precautions and proper uses of personal protection equipment (PPE) are possible strategies that could be used to control the respiratory diseases associated with pesticide exposure in occupational setting.