Occupational pesticide poisoning

1. What is occupational pesticide poisoning?

Occupational pesticide poisoning is caused by exposure to PPC chemicals during work activities.

Some widely used PPC chemical groups in Vietnam include organophosphates, organochlorines, carbamates, and pyrethroids, with organophosphates and carbamates being the most common.

2. Occupations at risk of pesticide poisoning

Occupations involving the use of PPC chemicals to control pests on crops are at risk of pesticide poisoning, especially if not used properly. High-risk occupations include:

• Working in crop cultivation, agriculture, forestry, etc.
• Working in factories producing fertilizers and PPC chemicals.
• Distributors, suppliers, and retailers of fertilizers and PPC chemicals.
• Food processing staff: Employees in food processing facilities such as bakeries, jam production, beverage production may be exposed to PPC chemicals when their raw ingredients have been treated.
• Agricultural machinery maintenance staff may contact residual PPC chemicals left after usage.
• Environmental sanitation workers, especially those handling agricultural waste, may also be exposed to toxic chemicals.

3. Mechanisms and causes of occupational pesticide poisoning

The mechanism and cause of occupational pesticide poisoning are excessive exposure to toxic chemicals in the workplace, especially when used improperly. The four main entry routes for PPC chemicals into the human body are skin, mouth, eyes, and inhalation. Continuous exposure can lead to various diseases, including cancer, neurotoxicity, reproductive toxicity, metabolic disorders, and impaired human development.

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4. Symptoms of pesticide poisoning

Symptoms of pesticide poisoning may include:

• Headache is one of the most common symptoms.
• Dizziness or lightheadedness, especially after long-term exposure.
• Nausea, vomiting, stomach pain, or discomfort.
• Fatigue, low energy, memory impairment, poor appetite, and sleep disturbances.
• Respiratory problems such as shortness of breath or rapid breathing.
• Skin and eye irritation: itching, eczema, red eyes, or tearing.
• Respiratory and digestive problems, including coughing, abdominal pain, diarrhea.
• Autonomic nervous system disturbances: excessive sweating on hands and feet.

Symptoms can appear immediately after exposure or after long-term contact.

5. Effects of occupational pesticide poisoning

Occupational pesticide poisoning can seriously affect human health, including:

• Respiratory exposure: bronchitis, pneumonia, respiratory failure.
• Dermal exposure: irritation, sunburn, eczema.
• Digestive problems: bloating, nausea, gastrointestinal spasms, diarrhea.
• Nervous system issues: headache, dizziness, fatigue, poor sleep, low appetite, irritability, memory impairment.
• Immune system impairment, reducing resistance to disease.
• Increased risk of cancer with long-term exposure.

Ensuring the safety of workers and consumers is essential for protecting human health.

6. Personal protective equipment to prevent pesticide poisoning

Workers should use appropriate PPE, including:

• Protective clothing made from abrasion-resistant and waterproof materials to prevent chemical contact with skin.
• Helmets to protect the head and face.
• Safety goggles to protect eyes.
• Protective gloves to prevent direct contact with chemicals during mixing or handling.
• Protective footwear to safeguard feet and toes.
• Respiratory masks to protect the respiratory system.

Workers must be trained to use PPE effectively.

7. Compensation for workers with pesticide poisoning

In Vietnam, workers suffering from occupational pesticide poisoning are entitled to compensation under the Social Insurance Law. Benefits include:

• Social insurance benefits.
• Medical treatment costs and compensation for health and income loss if poisoning is proven to be work-related.
• Other benefits: reduced working hours, reassignment, etc.

Evidence must support that the disease was caused by occupational pesticide exposure. Vietnam also enforces occupational safety regulations and chemical use control in agriculture.

8. Treatment of pesticide poisoning

Treatment depends on severity and type of chemical:

• Stop exposure to PPC chemicals to prevent worsening and promote recovery.
• Wash skin with water and soap to remove chemicals and reduce inflammation.
• Drink plenty of water to help flush toxins and support kidney function.
• Severe cases may require doctor-prescribed treatments: antidotes, painkillers, antibiotics, or other medications.

Seek immediate medical advice if symptoms appear.

9. Prevention of occupational pesticide poisoning

Prevention measures include:

• Always wear full PPE: masks, gloves, goggles, clothing, protective shoes.
• Read instructions carefully and follow safety regulations.
• Limit exposure time and frequency.
• Wash exposed areas immediately and perform first aid as needed.
• Maintain personal hygiene: wash hands frequently, change clothing after work.
• Regular health check-ups to detect early symptoms.

Following these measures helps prevent occupational pesticide poisoning.

10. Employer responsibilities in preventing pesticide poisoning

Employers must:

• Provide information about PPC chemicals and safe usage instructions.
• Provide adequate PPE for workers.
• Ensure workplace safety, proper chemical storage, and machinery operation.
• Train workers on chemical use and safety measures.
• Conduct periodic health checks.
• Improve the working environment: adequate lighting, ventilation, cleanliness.
• Perform workplace environment monitoring and report results regularly.

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