Health Risk Related to Pesticides Exposure in Agriculture System in Thailand: A Systematic Review

Abstract

Agricultural use of pesticides has increased in Thailand in recent decades due to Thailand’s major role as a leading exporter of food. There is evidence of the adverse effects of pesticide exposure and health risk on Thai rice, chili and maize farmers, however, limited information is available about which cropping systems pose the greatest exposure risk to farmers and their families. This systematic review is aimed at comparing the scientific articles published to date by Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok Thailand on potential differences of pesticide exposure of agricultural systems. Articles were compared focusing on adverse health effects from different pathways of exposure such as dermal, inhalation and ingestion, as well as risk perception and proper prevention practices by farmers themselves. Original articles were identified which analyzed exposure to OP pesticides, 6 analyzed exposure due to health risk and health risk behavior, and 6 analyzed both exposure to OP pesticides and Health Risk behavior. Cross sectional studies were the most frequent design. Six of the studies focused on rice farming systems and the effects on farmers and their families. Seven studies focus on chili cropping systems and the effects on farmers and their families. Only 2 articles presented data on maize farming which suggests that the paucity of studies in maize there is still a knowledge gap between the association between health risks and pesticide exposure in maize cropping systems. Most studies on organophosphates show that farmers do suffer from adverse health effects while children are also exposed indirectly. Most studies reflect on the results of pesticide exposure being the result of improper use of personal protective equipment (PPE) and suggest guidelines and management strategies be implemented to increase the knowledge attitude and practices of farmers. In conclusion, HQ levels in most chili studies suggest that residue of Profenofos on chilies was higher than the acceptable level suggested by the hazard quotient (HQ > 1) and exceed acceptable risk however based on AChE and PChE levels in farmers the research suggests that rice farmers have a higher health risk of adverse health effects than chili and maize farmers.