Working environment factors
How do pesticides affect workers’ health?
Jun
In today’s modern life, pesticides have become an indispensable part of agricultural production. However, few people realize that their use can cause serious health consequences for workers.
Direct exposure to pesticides during work can affect workers’ health. Skin diseases such as irritation, inflammation, and allergies are common problems. Sometimes, chemicals can even enter the body through the digestive tract, causing more serious health issues.
Not only do pesticides have direct effects, but they can also persist in the air and enter workers’ respiratory systems. Fumes or dust from these chemicals can cause pneumonia, difficulty breathing, and other respiratory system problems.
1. What are pesticides?
Pesticides are substances or mixtures of substances, including microbial preparations, that prevent, repel, lure, destroy, or control harmful organisms affecting plants; regulate plant or insect growth; preserve plants; or enhance the safety and effectiveness of pesticide use.
Pesticides can be classified in many ways, such as by hazard, function, or chemical structure.
Some common groups of pesticides include:
- Organochlorines.
- Organophosphates.
- Carbamates.
- Neonicotinoids.
- Synthetic pyrethroids.
- Macrocyclic lactones, etc.
2. Sources of pesticides in the production process
Pesticides, also called insecticides, herbicides, or fungicides, are chemical substances used to control pests and weeds during agricultural production. The main ingredients are synthetic chemicals produced through industrial processes.
The production process starts with research and development of new formulas, based on the need to control pests and weeds. Key components include pest control agents, herbicides, growth stimulants, and additives to enhance effectiveness and stability.
After formula development and testing, pesticide production occurs in specialized factories. Ingredients are mixed and processed according to the established formula. Then, packaging and quality control are performed to ensure the final product meets safety and effectiveness standards.
However, it is crucial that manufacturers and users comply with safety regulations and guidelines when handling, storing, and using pesticides. Failure to follow safety rules can endanger workers and the environment, and negatively impact health and ecosystems.
3. Occupations exposed to harmful pesticides
Some occupations in agriculture and related fields involving pesticide use may pose health risks to workers, such as:
- Farmers and agricultural workers: People working directly in fields, farms, or agricultural sites often come into direct contact with pesticides. Spraying insecticides, herbicides, or treating pests can expose them to dangerous fumes, skin contact, or ingestion of chemicals.
- Pesticide production workers: Workers involved in mixing and packaging pesticides are directly exposed to chemical components. Working in this environment requires strict safety measures to prevent contact with toxic substances.
- Transport and handling workers: Those involved in transporting and handling pesticides face risks of direct exposure during transport, storage, and handling.
4. How pesticides affect workers’ comfort
Pesticides can significantly affect workers’ comfort in the workplace. Some ways pesticides may impact comfort include:
- Some pesticides have strong, unpleasant odors. Workers may struggle to adapt to chemical smells, causing discomfort.
- Exposure can cause skin irritation, inflammation, or allergies, resulting in itching, redness, and discomfort.
- Fumes or dust from pesticides can irritate the respiratory tract, causing difficulty breathing, sore throat, coughing, and runny nose.
- Working in environments with pesticides can create psychological stress. Concerns about safety and chemical exposure may reduce comfort and focus at work.
Ensuring worker comfort requires safety measures such as appropriate personal protective equipment, adherence to safety procedures, and training in risk management and chemical use.
5. Diseases caused by long-term exposure to harmful pesticides
Long-term exposure to harmful pesticides can lead to serious health issues and occupational diseases. Potential diseases and effects include:
- Skin irritation, inflammation, bleeding, or allergies. Common skin diseases include dermatitis, contact dermatitis, and eczema.
- Respiratory problems such as pneumonia, sinusitis, laryngitis, and other issues.
- Digestive problems such as gastritis, hepatitis, or other digestive disorders.
- Neurological effects: long-term exposure may cause headaches, dizziness, insomnia, mental disorders, and potential central nervous system effects.
- Some pesticides may increase cancer risk. Long-term exposure can raise the risk of skin, lung, liver, and other cancers.
Note that the effects and diseases vary depending on the type, level, and duration of exposure.
6. Measures to reduce the impact of pesticides on workers’ health
Measures to minimize pesticide effects include:
- Ensure workers wear proper personal protective equipment (PPE), including masks, gloves, chemical-resistant clothing, goggles, and safety shoes to protect skin, eyes, and respiratory system.
- Follow safety procedures and regulations provided by authorities or manufacturers, including proper dosage, correct usage methods, and emergency measures.
- Provide comprehensive safety and chemical training for workers, ensuring they understand chemical impacts, safe handling, and storage procedures.
- Use technical controls such as spraying equipment, machinery, or automated systems to reduce direct exposure, and ensure good ventilation in work areas.
- Consider safer chemical alternatives or natural control methods like organic farming, mixed cropping, and biological methods to reduce reliance on pesticides.
- Worker training: Train workers on protective measures to safeguard their health in hazardous environments.
- Regularly conduct workplace environmental monitoring in factories to identify and reduce harmful factors, preventing occupational diseases.
7. National Center for Workplace Environmental Monitoring
Nam Viet Workplace Environmental Monitoring Center is a professional unit specializing in monitoring and measuring workplace environmental quality throughout Vietnam. With a team of experienced monitoring specialists, the center uses modern measurement equipment to ensure accuracy and reliability.
REGISTER FOR WORKPLACE ENVIRONMENT MONITORING SERVICE
Besides monitoring services, the center assists clients in planning, handling, and tracking workplace environmental issues. Following a “customer-centered” approach, the center prioritizes client satisfaction and provides optimal solutions for businesses.
With investment in technology, equipment, and skilled personnel, Nam Viet Monitoring Center is one of the most reputable workplace environmental monitoring units in Ho Chi Minh City, with the following objectives:
- Maintaining brand reputation and service quality.
- Providing the best and most suitable solutions for clients.
- Supporting businesses with experienced MSc and Engineer teams dedicated to environmental protection.
- With Nam Viet Monitoring Team, clients receive professional service from experts and the best cost advantages.
8. Workplace Environmental Monitoring Pricing
To help businesses conduct professional and effective workplace environmental monitoring, Nam Viet provides clients with a detailed and affordable pricing table for monitoring services.
- The pricing table provides detailed cost information for monitoring services, including travel, measurement, analysis, and reporting. Clients can trust the accuracy and reliability of our reports.
- We commit to competitive and reasonable pricing, while providing quick and professional consultation on services.
- Clients can easily choose suitable service packages based on their needs. We guarantee maximum satisfaction with professional service quality.
