Gest. Prod., São Carlos, v. 23, n. 3, p. 600-611, 2016 http://dx.doi.org/10.1590/0104-530X1219-14 Occupational Safety and Health: Vulnerability and perception of risks related to the use of agrochemicals in an irrigated horticulture center of Rio Grande do Norte Segurança e Saúde do Trabalho: Vulnerabilidade e percepção de riscos relacionados ao uso de agroquímicos em um pólo de fruticultura irrigada do Rio Grande do Norte Tereza Amelia Lopes Cizenando Guedes Rocha1 Fabrícia Nascimento de Oliveira2 Abstract: The use of agrochemicals in Brazil has been growing in recent years, and many farmers who use these products do not handle them correctly, facing the risk of contamination by non-compliance with safety standards. Thereby, the aim of this study was to conduct a survey on the use of agrochemicals by banana producers in the municipality of Ipanguaçu, Rio Grande do Norte state in order to investigate the handling of these products. To this end, a semi-structured form comprising questions related to sociodemographic matters, agrarian structure of properties, handling of agrochemicals, and perception of risks to humans and the environment was used to collect information. The results show that most rural workers are men (90.48%) aged over 45 years (52.38%), property owners (47.62%), with incomplete elementary education (23.81%). In addition, responses to issues related to the risks to humans and the environment were found, showing that workers with a better level of awareness regarding agronomic prescription know that these products are dangerous, read their labels, and recognize the necessity of using Personal Protective Equipment (PPE). However, deficiency is perceived in the use of correct practices with respect to the grace period of products, the order to remove them, the disposal of empty containers, and the use of all PPE. Therefore, the study reveals that many farmers do not meet the recommendations for the application of this technology, placing their health and the environment at risk. Keywords: Agrochemicals; PPE; Environment; Rural workers’ health. Resumo: O uso de agroquímicos na agricultura vem crescendo ano após ano no Brasil, e muitos agricultores que utilizam esses produtos não fazem o manejo de forma correta, aumentando assim, os riscos de contaminação pelo não cumprimento das normas de segurança. Desse modo, o objetivo da presente pesquisa foi realizar um levantamento acerca do uso de agroquímicos pelos produtores de banana no município de Ipanguaçu, RN, a fim de investigar sobre o manuseio desses produtos. Para a coleta de informações utilizou-se um formulário semiestruturado no qual constavam perguntas relacionadas a questões sociodemográficas, estrutura agrária das propriedades, manejo dos agroquímicos e percepção de riscos ao homem e ao meio ambiente. Como resultado, encontrou-se que a maioria dos que trabalhavam no campo são homens (90,48%), com idade acima de 45 anos (52,38%), grau de escolaridade primário incompleto (23,81%) e donos da própria propriedade rural (47,62%). Além disso, foram encontradas respostas para questões relacionadas aos riscos ao homem e ao meio ambiente, por meio das quais se constatou que os trabalhadores tinham certo nível de conscientização com relação ao receituário agronômico, percebiam que os produtos eram perigosos, liam o rótulo das embalagens e reconheciam a necessidade de utilização dos Equipamentos de Proteção Individual (EPIs). Porém, quanto ao respeito ao período de carência do produto, utilização de todos os EPIs, a ordem de retirá-los e o destino das embalagens vazias notou-se deficiência nas práticas corretas. Portanto, a pesquisa revelou que muitos agricultores não atendiam às recomendações necessárias à tecnologia de aplicação, colocando em risco tanto homem como meio ambiente. Palavras-chave: Agrotóxicos; EPIs; Meio ambiente; Saúde do trabalhador rural. 1 Diretoria de Gestão da Unidade Agrícola-Escola – DIGUAE, Instituto Federal de Educação, Ciência e Tecnologia do Rio Grande do Norte – IFRN, Campus Ipanguaçu, RN 118, s/n, Povoado Base Física, Zona Rural, CEP 59508-000, Ipanguaçu, RN, Brazil, e-mail: [email protected] 2 Departamento de Ciências Ambientais e Tecnológicas, Universidade Federal Rural do Semi-Árido – UFERSA, Campus Mossoró, Av. Francisco Mota, 572, BR 110, Km 47, Bairro Costa e Silva, CEP 59625-900, Mossoró, RN, Brazil, e-mail: [email protected] Received Jan. 24, 2014 – Accepted Sept. 14, 2014 Financial support: None. Occupational Safety and Health... 601 1 Introduction negative health effects on those who have direct contact (employee) or indirect (family nucleous/or Banana is the most consumed fruit worldwide, consumers), as well as damage to the environment, where Brazil holds first place as the largest consumer which alarmingly affects the living beings. Therefore and the second as the largest banana producer in the the use of these substances creates risks to both human world (Guerra et al., 2009) and the fruit is the fourth health and risks relating to the environment (Peres most consumed plant-based food (EMBRAPA, 2009). In our country, the region that excelled in banana & Moreira, 2007; Pignati et al., 2007) and even if production in 2010 was the northeast (38.05%), they are used against pests and plant diseases above then the southeast (31.97%), south (14.69%), north the recommended amount, they can spread (drift), (11.70%) and central-west (3.58%), respectively, causing environmental pollution and contamination and in the northeast the main banana producers are: of humans (Moura, 2008). Bahia, Pernambuco, Ceará, Paraíba and Rio Grande Soares & Porto (2007) affirm that toxicological do Norte (EMBRAPA, 2010). effects on human health through direct means are The state of Rio Grande do Norte is ranked as through the intoxication of rural workers, causing the 13th (thirteenth) banana producer state of the profound and chronic implications. Monquero et al. country (Guerra, 2008). Among the main producing (2009) say that the acute poisonings occur after municipalities, it is observed that the largest production maximum exposure, in a short period of time, to the is in the Vale do Açu region, with Ipanguaçu, Alto do high toxicity substances (Class I and II), with very fast Rodrigues, Carnaubais and Açu, as leaders (IBGE, and very noticeable appearance of symptoms, such 2006 apud Guerra, 2008). as headache, dizziness, weakness, diarrhea, among In agreement with data collected by the Ministério others. On the other hand, the chronic poisonings occur da Agricultura, Pecuária e Abastecimento (Brasil, 2012) after months or years of small or medium exposure [the Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock, and Supply] to a toxic product or to a variety of substances, and together with the Secretaria de Defesa Agropecuária the clinical picture is undefined. (SDA) [Livestock Defense Secretariat], Departamento Palma (2011) proved that the effects of these de Defesa e Inspeção Vegetal (DDIV) [Department chemical substances transcend generations, when of Defense and Vegetal Inspetion] and Coordenação concentration of agrochemicals in 100% of the analyzed de Fiscalização de Agrotóxicos (CFA) [Pesticide samples of breast milk of women living in Lucas do Supervisory Coordination] there are 106 types of Rio Verde/MT was found, which shows that there is agrochemicals that can be used in banana crop. the transfer of these substances to the newborn child. The use of these products in commercial plantations In contrast, the toxicological effects on human health is increasing worldwide, especially in developing by indirect route are, for instance, when consumers countries that are responsible for 30% of the world health is affected when food which residual level is market, while Brazil occupies a prominent position, harmful to health is ingested. In consonance with consuming half of what is consumed in Latin America ANDEF (2006), in addition to workers, other people and leading the ranking as the biggest buyer of the who are not even applying or handling agrochemicals latin-american region (Peres et al., 2007). In addition, could be indirectly infected when in contact with in 2010, Brazil became the world record holder in the contaminated plants, clothing and food. use of agrochemicals (Iglesias, 2010) and continued Besides presenting risks to man, the introduction to grow in the next year, an increase of 10% in of agrochemicals in the environment can produce cumulative sales up to October 2011, compared to undesirable effects, such as the changing of the natural the same previous period (SINDAG, 2011). biochemical dynamics by selection pressure exerted According to the Instituto Nacional de Cancer José on the organisms, showing changes of impact on the de Alencar (INCA) [National Cancer Institute José functioning of the affected ecosystems (Spadotto, Alencar Gomes da Silva], the Fundação Oswaldo 2006). Still, concerning the environment, their Cruz (Fiocruz) [Oswaldo Cruz Foundation] published an open letter to society, warning of the risks of misuse affects the biotic and abiotic components, recent changes in legislation regulating the use of accumulates in biota and contaminates water and agrochemicals. The text reinforces as scientific soil through the incorrect destination of packages and studies have proven the damage caused by these the exceeding amount of chemicals recommended chemicals to the health of the population, affecting by the qualified professional. When agrochemical mainly social segments of great vulnerability, as dispersion occurs in the environment it affects the residents and workers from rural areas, indigenous number and the distribution of animal living beings, populations, quilombolas and riverine communities on the other hand, when natural predators of disease (INCA, 2014). vectors are affected by contamination the diseases Despite the synthetic substances decrease the in areas where man lives have an increase (Peres & agricultural losses, the inadequate management creates Moreira, 2007). 602 Rocha, T. A. L. C. G. et al. Gest. Prod., São Carlos, v. 23, n. 3, p. 600-611, 2016 In consonance with Peres et al. (2007), several on the right bank of the Piranhas/Açu River, in which factors are related to the increased risks in the is located one of the main dams - Barragem Armando use of agrochemicals, such as: low educational Ribeiro Gonçalves, with a capacity of 2.4 billion level, absence or deficiency of monitoring and cubic meters. This municipality has borders with information by technicians, lack of information Afonso Bezerra (North), Açu (West), Itajá (South) for product management and return of packaging and Angicos (East). The municipality seat has an by manufacturers and distribution centers, lack of average altitude of 16 m and coordinates 05° 29’ 52,8” knowledge of effective techniques that replace the south latitude and 36° 51’ 18” west longitude, with use of agrochemicals, inappropriate disposal of a distance of about 211 km from the capital (Brasil, packaging and chemical waste, maximum use of 2005; Guerra, 2008). pesticides, lack of government initiatives on technical Regarding to the climate it is very hot and semi-arid, assistance and lack of sales control of these synthetic with rainy season and average annual rainfall of products. The contamination by these products is 670 mm. The rainy season is between February and intensified in small rural communities due to factors May and farming leads as main economic activity, such as: deficiency in sanitary conditions and local followed by the extractivism and trade (Brasil, 2005; health system, lack of infrastructure of the population Guerra, 2008). because they have low socioeconomic conditions and As reported by Guerra (2008), the region of Vale do the absence or deficiency of the educational level Açu has favorable conditions for banana cultivation, of workers connected to the process (Veiga, 2007). however, there is low precipitation for such cultivation, Conforming to Nunes (2010) the absence of a more so hydrological complement is necessary (irrigation). effective monitoring policy makes employers do not As their wetlands are fertile, especially where the inform their employees about poisoning risks and municipalities of Açu and Ipanguaçu (Baixo Açu) environmental contamination as well as the need are located, this area has always been coveted for for the use of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE). farming and extractivism (Albano & Sá, 2008). According to a study conducted by Espíndola Due the significant importance of the region (2011) at the Escola de Engenharia de São Carlos in banana cultivation and the risks associated to (EESC) [School of Engineering of São Carlos] of the inappropriate use of agrochemicals, it is observed Universidade de São Paulo (USP) [University of São that this issue is of interest to society as a whole, Paulo], most of the small farmers who use pesticides then it is appropriate to conduct a research in the on their crops are aware of the risks caused by the city of Ipanguaçu/RN, which belongs to the Vale do use of products, but still they neglect the danger they Açu region, where the economic base is agriculture, represent. Moreover, it was observed that farmers and it is undoubtedly a major producer of bananas. are conscious of handling a dangerous product, but It is notable that this is pioneer, since no one has yet this danger is ignored due three main factors: the conducted this kind of study in the region. lack of information, low educational level and the The proposal of this research was to conduct a perpetuation of ancient farming practices. Other than survey on the use of agrochemicals in the small that, there is still the feeling of immunity to danger banana-producing properties in the municipality and the financial issue. Also farmers often use ordinary of Ipanguaçu/RN in order to find data on the clothes for the application of toxic, and often mix it sociodemographic and agrarian structure along with with other products inappropriately. data on the risks to environment and man by improper As a result, political views taken as a kind use of pesticides. of “protective belt” are necessary because once implemented, these actions come to help the process 3 Methodology of rationalization of the use of these products, since Initially a survey was made in the Instituto de they are elements that begin to be incorporated Assistência Técnica e Extensão Rural do Rio Grande indirectly in the decision-making process of using or do Norte (EMATER) [Technical Assistance Office not the agrochemical. Examples of possible policies and Rural Rio Grande do Norte Extension], located to be adopted may be inductors of structural changes in Ipanguaçu/RN to check the amount of producing in production technologies, or command-control properties of banana, which revealed that there are for situations where public health recognizes the 62 small properties in the municipality, in which, existence of more serious risks to the population the production is intended for both the RN and to (Soares & Porto, 2007). nearby states. Furthermore, some of these producers cultivate only banana trees, while others, along with 2 Study area and justification this one, cultivate other crops. For the purpose of In this article the city studied was Ipanguaçu/RN research, properties as Baldum, Base Física, Olho (Rio Grande do Norte) which is located in the middle D’água and Pau de Jucá were visited in the city of region Oeste Potiguar and microregion Vale do Açu, Ipanguaçu. Twenty-one producers were randomly Occupational Safety and Health... 603 selected from the original number of 62 banana Table 1. Sociodemographic characterization of banana producers. As selection condition, producers would producers, Ipanguaçu/RN. have to use some agrochemical during cultivation. Selected variables Percentage (%) The research methodology was developed based on a Total sample (21) case study, since a situation apart was used to represent Genre an entire set of cases that resemble this (Severino, Male 90.48 2007). The techniques used in the research were the Female 9.52 interview, observation and application form. As stated Age Group by Severino (2007), the interview is the information Less than 18 years 0.00 collection technique on a particular subject, directly Between 18 and 22 0.00 asked to the interviewed individuals. In consonance Between 22 and 30 9.52 with the same author, the observation is when the Between 30 and 45 38.10 researcher has access to the object studied and it is Over 45 52.38 necessary in any kind of research. And the form is a Level of Education questionnaire in which the researcher fills from the Illiterate 4.76 informant’s responses (Ruiz, 2011). Incomplete Primary 23.81 The use of the form as a method of obtaining Complete Primary 4.76 the data has several advantages, among them, one Incomplete Elementary 14.29 that stands out is the possibility of being used in almost every segment of the population, because its Complete Elementary 9.52 fulfillment is done by the interviewer (Marconi & Inomplete High School 4.76 Lakatos, 2010). The use of a form was chosen because Complete High Scool 14.29 the research was carried out with small farmers and Incomplete College Education 9.52 rural households with significant levels of illiteracy. Complete College Education 4.76 A semi-structured form based on several authors, Others 9.52 as Araújo, Nogueira & Augusto (2000), Soares, Work relationship Almeida & Moro (2003), Castro & Confalonieri Owner 47.62 (2005), Monquero et al. (2009), Ávila et al. (2009), Salaried 4.76 Gasparini (2012) and Preza & Augusto (2012) was Familiar 23.81 designed. The number of visits per day and the time Sharecropper / tenant 23.81 of each visit ranged in half an hour minimum and Contract for daily or harvest 0.00 a maximum of one hour and a half . The form was season divided into two segments. The first segment dealt Others 0.00 with is the sociodemographic issue of respondents Occupation and their agrarian structure; and the second segment Applicator 4.76 investigated the management of agrochemicals and Technical assistance 0.00 perception of risks to man and the environment. General service 80.96 The daily observation reports was also part of the Others 14.29 research. The data analysis was carried out f rom Source: Authors. simple statistic, taking into account the sample size. The data provided by respondents were presented in graphs and tables. male workers in rural properties. Preza & Augusto (2012) also found that the majority of rural workers 4 Results and discussion in the municipality of Conceição do Jacuípe/BA are male (96.50%). 4.1 Socio-demographic characterization The age groups of respondents are between and agrarian structure 22-30 (9.52%), 30-45 (38.10%) and over 45 (52.38%). Initially it was asked about the gender, age, education This result agrees with other studies on rural workers level, employment relationship and occupation against the use of agrochemicals, such as Gasparini of small banana producers in the municipality of (2012), in the municipality of Nova Friburgo/RJ, in Ipanguaçu/RN. For a better understanding, Table 1 the production of flowers, eighteen of the twenty was elaborated. From the sample taken, 9.52% are respondents are male and most of them are between female and 90.48% male. These results agree with 31 and 40 years old. The average age of the individuals the research by Espíndola (2011) in the municipality interviewed by Preza & Augusto (2012) was 38 years of Bom Repouso/MG, Araújo et al. (2007) in Nova old, and the age group most representative was 30 to 39. Friburgo/RJ and Almussa & Schmidt (2009) in the Regarding to the education level, it is observed that city of Sertãozinho/SP who found predominance of the incomplete primary school (23.81%), incomplete 604 Rocha, T. A. L. C. G. et al. Gest. Prod., São Carlos, v. 23, n. 3, p. 600-611, 2016 elementary school (14.29%) and complete high school the farms visited the family labor was predominant, (14.29%) were the most cited. This reality found in the and production techniques passed on from generation municipality of Ipanguaçu/RN is similar to the data to generation, where they are involved throughout of a research conducted in Bom Repouso/MG that the production cycle. found 32.37% of workers with incomplete primary Regarding the agrarian structure, most producers school, 25.43% with incomplete elementary school and have banana plantation area between 1 to 5 hectares 11.56% with no formal education (Espíndola, 2011). (47.62%). In second place comes to the area from A similar fact was also found by Araújo et al. (2000) 6 to 10 hectares (38.10%) and in third the area from in the irrigated perimeter of Vale do São Francisco/ 11 to 15 hectares (14.29%). It was not cited any PE and Camocim de São Félix/PE, in which 41% of area larger than 15 hectares for specific cultivation rural workers had not completed primary education of bananas, as shown in Figure 1. It is worth noting and 41% were illiterate. In Nova Friburgo/RJ, most that some of them only produce banana, while others had education up to 5th grade of elementary school add other crops such as: papaya, watermelon, mango, (Gasparini, 2012). Concerning the rural workers beans, corn etc. It was noticed that the planting of educational issue, who used agrochemicals in a particular culture depends on the time of the year vegetable production in the Northeast of Brazil, and other factors that agriculture is limited to. In the Preza & Augusto (2012) confirmed that 45% of the study of Castro & Confalonieri (2005), the region of study population have completed the first cycle of the municipality of Cachoeiras de Macacu/RJ also elementary school and only one person completed had characteristics of small farms, where 45% had high school, while the proportion of illiterates was areas with up to 10 hectares. 31%, with an average age of 39. The variety of banana produced in 57.14% of In general, the research shows that the minority properties visited is only of Silk banana, and the second (4.76%) are salaried employees and the majority Silk and Pacovan (19.05%), third Silk, Pacovan and (47.62%) are owners of their own farm and perform Green Rind banana (9.53%) as described in Table 2. general farm services, from planting, application of agrochemicals, until the harvest of fruits (banana). 4.2 Management of agrochemicals and Preza & Augusto (2012) also found that 58.6% of perception of risks to humans and the agrochemical users in the Northeast brazilian region environment were owners of cultivated land, 10.4% were tenants and 31% were employees. 4.2.1 Agrochemicals, humans and The last question on the sociodemographic environment characterization addressed the occupation that they developed on the property. In line with them, a Only 11 types of the 106 types of chemicals used quantity larger than 80.96% perform general services in banana crop, including fungicides, herbicides, (complete management of production). This result was insecticides, nematicides, bactericides, among expected, since this is a case of small farms, with labor others (Brasil, 2012) were cited by respondents in dedicated to family and with a few employees. In a the municipality of Ipanguaçu/RN, and all cited research by Gasparini (2012) it was also found that in pesticides are allowed in banana crop. Figure 1. Area for production of banana, Ipanguaçu/RN. Source: Authors. Occupational Safety and Health... 605 Among the types of chemicals used, it was possible Abastecimento (Brasil, 2012) [Ministry of Agriculture, to be seen that most are herbicide (60.47%), followed Livestock and Supply], in Table 3 there is the group, by fungicide (34.88%) and lastly the insecticide/ the type, the risk to humans and the environment nematicide (4.65%). But these results differ somewhat and the active ingredient to which it belongs. It is from the agrochemicals used by farmers in the region noted that 9.09% are slightly toxic (Class IV), of Araras/SP (Monquero et al., 2009) who used more moderately toxic 36.36% (Class III), 27.27% highly insecticide (41.90%), then the herbicides (23.2%), toxic (Class II) and 27.27% highly toxic (Class I) to fungicides (20.90%) and acaricidal (14.00%). humans. As for the environmental class, 36.36% of Depending on the type of agrochemical utilized pesticides cited are medially toxic (Class III) and (herbicide, fungicide, insecticide, etc.) there are 63.64% highly toxic (Class II). Monquero et al. different methods of application. The knapsack (2009) found that 11.3% of the agrochemicals used sprayer (67.74%) and the atomizer (29.03%) were the in Araras/SP region were extremely toxic, 24.50% most frequently cited by respondents. This resembles highly toxic, 45.30% averagely toxic and 18.90% Araújo et al. (2000), in which the backpack sprayer slightly toxic to human class. used was the application equipment. In Cachoeiras The listed agrochemicals in Table 3 were cited de Macacu/RJ, 75% of respondents used the costal by producers interviewed at least once. All farmers manual spray as application equipment (Castro & acquire the products in points of sale, either in nearby Confalonieri, 2005). cities as Açu/RN, or in cities a little more distant, as In agreement with the names of agrochemical given Mossoro/RN and Natal/RN. Gasparini (2012) cited by respondents and further research on the virtual in his research that the purchase of pesticides and page of the Ministério da Agricultura, Pecuária e fertilizers was done most of the time, directly in rural Table 2. Percentage of banana varieties produced in smallholdings, Ipanguaçu/RN. Banana variety Number of properties Percentage (%) Only Silk 12 57.14 Silk and Pacovan 04 19.05 Silk and Green Rind 01 4.76 Silk and Grand Naine 01 4.76 Silk, Pacovan and Green Rind 02 9.53 Silk, Pacovan e Grand Naine 01 4.76 TOTAL 21 100.00 Source: Authors. Table 3. Group, type, risk to humans and the environment and the active ingredient of agrochemicals used in smallholdings of banana, Ipanguaçu/RN. Group Type HC EC Active ingrediente Bipyridylium H II II Dicloreto of paraquate Bipyridylium H I II Dicloreto of paraquate Replaced Glycine H IV III Glyphosate Replaced Glycine H III III Glyphosate Triazol F I II Propriconazol Triazol F III II Tebuconazol Triazol F I II Difenoconazol Benzimidazole F II III Thiophanate-methyl Strobilurin F III III Azoxystrobin Triazole and Estrobirulina F II II Epoxiconazole + Pyraclostrobine Benzofuranyl methylcarbamate I/N III II Carbofuran Class - HC EC - IV - 9.09% 0.00% - III - 36.36% 36.36% - II - 27.27% 63.64% - I - 27.27% 0.00% - TOTAL - 100.0% 100.0% - Herbicide (H), Fungicide (F), Insecticide/Nematicide (I/N), Human Class (HC), Environmental Class (EC), I (extremely toxic/highly dangerous), II (highly toxic / very dangerous), III (moderately toxic / dangerous), IV (low toxicity/slightly toxic). Source: Authors. 606 Rocha, T. A. L. C. G. et al. Gest. Prod., São Carlos, v. 23, n. 3, p. 600-611, 2016 properties, with the weekly visit of the commercial Preza & Augusto (2012) revealed that in the use of representatives of chemical industries, and in some PPE, 55.20% of workers admitted to only use the sporadic situations, in agricultural stores in the city mask or a plastic cover with gloves and / or boots. center of Nova Friburgo/RJ. It is important to note that the lack of any personal On the question of whether guidance of use was protective equipment increases the contact with received or not, only two (9.52%) of the 21 producers synthetic chemicals and it enables its accumulation in do not receive guidance on how to use agrochemicals. the body, and subsequently increases the probability Of the nineteen (90.48%) who receives guidance, most of poisoning (Ávila et al., 2009). of them gets the guidance from an agronomist in the About the sequence to remove the PPE, the pants point of sale (59.09%), followed by an engineer or a (66.67%) are the PPE taken last of all by agrochemical hired agricultural technician (36.36%). Furthermore, applicators, followed by boots and gloves (14.29%) and in consonance with the respondents, 95.24% buy the smock (4.76%), as shown in Figure 2. However, the agrochemical through agronomic prescription no one cited the respirator, which in agreement with (mandatory form, by law, fulfilled for pesticide ANDEF (2006) is the PPE that must be removed last. marketing control) and only 4.76% buy the products Often the respirator was the first to be removed, as on their own. This result is alarming due proving shown in the following speech: “We first take the that there are producers who still buy agrochemicals respirator, right? Because it is suffocating, it’s too without prescription, however, a situation even more bad” (A gente tira primeiro o respirador né? Porque frightening was observed by Araújo et al. (2007) in fica sufocando, é ruim demais). Nova Friburgo/RJ in the agronomic where prescription was used in only 36% of negotiations. 4.2.2.2 Perception As for the reading of agrochemical labels, a little more than the half reads them (52.38%). This finding The field work is dangerous because there are a is compatible with Castro & Confalonieri (2005) number of factors that contribute to such environmental results, which state that 52.50% of respondents read risks, whether from, physical, chemical, biological, the labels on the product and 47.50% do not read. ergonomic and accidents. For Coelho & Coelho (2008), Those who did not read alleged to have already known the products and apply them for a long time, among other similar reasons. Table 4. Concerning to the grace period and activities during the product application by the banana producers, Ipanguaçu/RN. 4.2.2 Likely risks to humans and their perceptions Selected Variables Percentage (%) Concerning to grace period 4.2.2.1 Practices No 71.43 Yes 28.57 The Table 4 shows that the majority does not Activities during the product respect the grace period of the product (71.43%). application Interestingly, they receive guidance use, but do not Only performs the function that 63.64 respect the re-entry period in the area. Testimonials was assigned to them on this question causes concern: “Sometimes even Drink water 31.82 in the same time, madam” (Às vezes até na mesma Others 4.55 hora, moça). During spraying, the applicators only Source: Authors. performs the function that was assigned to them (63.64%), however, there are applicators who drink Table 5. Use of each PPE necessary to agrochemical water during the spraying (31.82%) or smoke and application cited by banana producers, Ipanguaçu/RN. drink coffee (4.55%). As reported by Coelho & PPE Frequency (%) Coelho (2008), in respect of re-entry, rural workers Gloves 80.95 do not respect, they enter without PPE and the areas Respirators 66.66 are not marked properly. Face visor 33.33 The Table 5 summarizes the PPE mentioned, as Smock 38.10 well as the commonly used by the workers. All of them said they use some type of PPE, in this situation Hydro-repellent pants 42.86 the boots (100%). However, only one (4.76%) uses Arab cap 42.86 the complete PPE (gloves, respirator, face visor, Apron 19.05 smock, hydro-repellent pants, arab cap, apron Boots 100.0 and boots) and 66.66% use respirators to protect All PPE 4.76 themselves from chemicals in the respiratory tracts. Source: Authors. Occupational Safety and Health... 607 Figure 2. PPE that is removed last after application of agrochemicals by banana producers, Ipanguaçu/RN. Source: Authors. work in rural areas involves a number of risks to the Table 6. Producers perception on agrochemical risks, farmer. Conforming to the banana producers in this Ipanguaçu/RN. research, it is observed in Table 6, how dangerous Selected Variables Percentage (%) they consider to work with these synthetic chemicals Danger of working with (85.71%), they state that: “Every pesticide is highly agrochemicals dangerous” (Todo agrotóxico é altamente perigoso). No 14.29 On the need to use PPE, 14.29% of respondents said Yes 85.71 it was not necessary and the other 85.71% said it was Need of using PPE really important. No 14.29 The workers said they did not use regularly or did Yes 85.71 not use PPE because they feel uncomfortable (61.90%) Opinion about PPE to use it in the region’s climate, that is semi-arid, Unconfortable for the climate 61.90 however, 38.10% affirm tolerating its use even on the Tolerable 38.10 hottest days. Monquero et al. (2009) also found that the Family feel harmed main reasons presented by respondents for not using No 52.38 PPE are: the fact of being very hot, uncomfortable Yes 47.62 and the difficult breathing and movement. The same Source: Authors. thing happened in the study of Castro & Confalonieri (2005), where most of the workers claims that PPE is uncomfortable, because the region is hot. On the known to the entire community. Cases where the other hand, Conceição & Mattos (2008) reported that respondent himself had problem in the blood because workers considered that the PPE made it difficult to of the agrochemical and the doctor forbade him to carry out the farming activities. use it; as well as cases of intoxication mentioned by When asked if the family felt harmed by the use them of known people who have had problems with of agrochemicals, a little more than a half (52.38%) poisoning by skin and blood; vomiting; shutdown of stated that they did not feel harmed. It is important the kidneys; cancer and even death because of the to stand out that some properties are distant from the chemicals. On the other hand, in a survey conducted houses where family members live and, often, products by Gasparini (2012), he quotes that there were rare and application clothes are left in the workplace. episodes of poisoning by agrochemicals among flower Thus, the contact with the product is only with the producers in rural communities in the municipality applicator. Farmers exposed to agrochemicals are of Nova Friburgo/RJ. those with the highest numbers of poisonings by these products (Ávila et al., 2009). 4.2.2.3 Symptoms When asked about whether they already know someone who has been ill because of some agrochemical, the Some feel various symptoms after herbicide majority (76.19%) said they knew someone and others application, as shown in Table 7, others, no symptom (23.81%) were unaware of it. This proves that the (57.14%). It is observed that those who do not feel any problem is not in isolated situations, but in situatios symptoms are closely related to non-use of extremely 608 Rocha, T. A. L. C. G. et al. Gest. Prod., São Carlos, v. 23, n. 3, p. 600-611, 2016 Table 7. Symptoms felt after application of agrochemical by banana producers, Ipanguaçu/RN. Symptoms felt after the application Number of owners Frequency (%) Burning sensation in the throat and lungs 04 19.05 Congestion of respiratory tract 03 14.29 Cramps 00 0.00 Desquamation 01 4.76 Diarrhea 00 0.00 Headache 07 33.33 Chest pain 02 9.52 Weakness 03 14.29 Cough 02 9.52 Mouth and throat sores 03 14.29 Eye irritation 01 4.76 Skin irritation 02 9.52 Skin color change 01 4.76 Nausea 03 14.29 Hoarseness 01 4.76 Dizziness 04 19.05 Other symptoms 04 19.05 Without symptoms 12 57.14 Source: Authors. Table 8. Destination of application clothes and empty containers of agrochemicals by banana producers, Ipanguaçu/RN. Selected Variables Percentage (%) Clothing destination Do the laundry separately of other clothes 90.48 Other destinations 9.52 Containers destination Point of sale 38.10 Other 61.90 Source: Authors. toxic agrochemical to human health. Since most do packages in the workplace, burial and savekeeping not feel any symptoms, Ávila et al. (2009) comments (61.90%). Only 38.10% said they send the packages that they may also come to develop a clinical picture to a point of sale and 01 of the 21 respondents said in relation to pesticide poisoning, especially if you performing the triple washing, while in the study of do not use the basic preventive measures. Castro & Confalonieri (2005), 27.50% of farmers The most frequently mentioned symptoms were: burn the empty containers of agrochemicals, 27.50% headache (33.33%), dizziness (19.05%), sore throat, throw them on the meadow or river, 25% bury them and lungs (19.05%), among other symptoms. In the and others adopt another destination. study carried out in Cachoeira de Macau/RJ, by Castro & Confalonieri (2005), the most frequent 5 Final considerations symptoms were dizziness, headache, body pain and In Ipanguaçu/RN, as well as in many places where blurred vision. agriculture predominates, most of those working in the field are men aged over 45 years old and with 4.2.3 Possible risks to the environment low level of education, where it is found that this In relation to the clothes destination, the vast majority, activity is not being transmitted hereditarily, because in line with Table 8, wash them separately from other the children no longer want agricultural activity as garments (90.48%), but some have claimed washing their profession. Still, the majority of respondents them in the riverbed (9.52%), which represents an are owners of their own farm and performs general environmental risk. In the case of packaging, none farming services (from planting, application of cited that left them in a central gathering. Most agrochemicals and harvesting of fruits). give another destination to these packages, such as According to the data observed, it is noticed throwing them in the trash, burning them, leaving the that the producers’ area of banana plantation in the Occupational Safety and Health... 609 city is a maximum of 15 hectares and generally, in A distortion of results is perceived, because a addition to this culture, others are employed, such as portion of the producers do not feel any symptoms papaya, mango, watermelon, beans, corn, and others. and the other portion, report feeling. The symptoms All producers produce the silk banana and most only perceived by producers show the problem in the produce this variety of banana. This happens because incorrect use of agrochemicals. As for those who do the price per thousand is more expensive. As reported not feel any symptoms, there are two hypotheses: by them, it is more advantageous in the sale, but more they can not associate a symptom felt by chance susceptible to disease and has a shorter cycle than to the use of products; or the symptoms will then the Pacovan variety. be presented with the years, the so-called chronic For the banana crop, the herbicide is the agrochemical poisoning. As the crops often are far from home, more used by those producers, because the central family members are not much affected by the effects, problems faced by them in culture are with weeds. demonstrating once again that the most affected is Fungicides are used only during the rainy season when the applicator itself. Also, it is seen that in the region the occurrence of Sigatoka disease, for example, is cases of illness due to these synthetic products are higher. It was also noted that regarding the fungicides known for many farmers. almost every farmer uses one. But in relation to The environmental damage occurrs at the moment herbicide, there is a standardization of the synthetic of giving destination to empty containers, most of chemical product. This is partly because almost all the respondentes commit acts of burning and leaving the farmers buy in the same stores of agricultural the containers in the workplace, contaminating the products. soil and the river, considering that it is located near The toxicological class varies just as the product and the municipality of Ipanguaçu/RN and when it rains, its risks to humans and the environment. The results this product is certainly leachated. The laundry in the show that the workers have some level of awareness river also affects the biotic and abiotic components regarding the agronomic prescription, the perception of nature. of chemical risks, reading the label, what should be Based on the above considerations, it is observed done during the application of the product and the need that most producers are aware of the dangers in to use the PPE. It was observed a certain knowledge agrochemical handling, but are exposed to the about the correct way of chemical application, as risks of these synthetic chemicals without adequate is standed out by some producers: “Look lady, it is protection. Moreover, they have little sensitivity to not good to apply it when it’s hot, this is not good environmental issues, perhaps because they are people for the soil or to the plant. It is better to apply it in with advanced age and have low level of education. a peaceful time, windless” (Olha moça, não é bom It is government’s responsibility for alternative aplicar no sol quente, não é bom para o solo e nem initiatives of social action on production. Educational para a planta; é melhor aplicar em horários calmos, campaigns to farmers in order to show that there is sem ventos). However, concerning the product grace a reduction in damage to the rural workers’ health period, use of all PPE, order to remove it and the when there is a greater use of PPE, control of disposal of empty containers, there is a weakness agrochemical application, collection of agronomic of knowledge and disability in the correct practices. prescription, surveillance programs on farmers’ health, The destination of clothing after application, usage environmental education programs, among others. guidance of the agrochemical and who receives this To minimize the effects on the environment, the guidance are topics to be improved in this practice. monitoring through laboratory analysis of the active Most of wokers receive the usage guidance, but they ingredient levels, the improvement of information should work better at it, as the guidance received related to returning agrochemical containers to is from the point of sale, and often the person who points of sale or deployment stations/centrals for guides does not know the property or the history of receiving empty containers to decrease direct and the plantation area. indirect contamination, since the applicators perform Concerning to PPE, most of them consider it an improper disposal, which causes environmental uncomfortable for the weather, in addition, many do pollution, could be suitable initiatives. not use the proper equipment, they wear jeans instead Finally, the monitoring of qualified professionals of hydro-repellent pants, cap instead of the arab cap allied to the supervision of use and sale would be quite etc. What we see is that they are aware of the danger interesting for the organization of the agricultural but do not meet the recommendations. Many times sector in Brazil. As well as it would bring some is trying to prevent that the problem is increased, by encouragement to an alternative ecology-based the agrochemical accumulation in their garments and agriculture in the pursuit of sustainable development, also another factor observed is that they ignore the in other words, an economically fair agriculture, order to dress up and remove the PPE. socially balanced and environmentally correct.