Impacto de plaguicidas en la salud de trabajadores de bananeras de El Oro, Ecuador

Abstract

Abstract: Agrochemicals have been used to combat pests in fruit and vegetables plantations, therefore, the present research was focused on compiling information about the use and frequency of pesticides employed in the banana industry in El Oro province. The workers of two companies were interviewed through semi-structured surveys, obtaining data from men and women of diverse ages. It was found that one third of the women and a small percentage of men experienced difficulties in conceiving. Furthermore, it was observed that 60% of the workers were overweight or obese, along with hypertension, diabetes and heart disease. Fumigators were the most exposed to pesticides, with 5 cases of inhalation poisoning, manifesting symptoms such as blurred vision, dizziness and itchy skin, indicative of cholinesterase enzyme inhibition. The results allowed to identify an association between exposure and adverse effects in a small group of exposed workers, so in order to confirm the association, it would be necessary to detect the pesticide in blood samples and measure serum cholinesterase levels.