and Integrated Pest Management - part - usaid

A STUDY ON EXPOSURE OF RICE FARMERS TO PES11CIDES 421
In thc laboratory, the following obscrvations were noted:
1. Although the two laboratories agreed to conduct similar extraction
procedurcs, modifications were done on the manner of extracting methyl
parathion from the sectioned samplcs.
2. GC parameters were also different.
3. Wetness and mud contributed to the weight of some sectioned samples.
CONCLUDING REMARKS
The study reported in this paper was initiated by the Fertilizer and Pesticide
Authority with the purpose of developing the methodology for field exposure
studies adaptable to local conditions. It must be emphasized that this study has
been limited to defining methods for the potential derma! exposure of farmers
applying methyl parathion through hand-pumped knapsack sprayers.
Possibilities of expanding this study to cover the determination of re-entry
periods, recommendations for the pioper piotective clothing and training of
extcnsion workers on safe use of pesticides will need to be explored in further
studies.
It may be stated that with improvements and modifications, a more
comprehensive study should be undertaken in the future t:ldetermine the limits
of exposure of rice farmers to pesticides so that protective measures may be
recommended to ensure the safe use of the chemicals.
LITERATURE CITED
Casanova, F.A., Querobin, C.Q., Pedrajas, J.B., Jose, F.A. 1984. A Study of
Pesticides Problems in Bulacan and Metro Manila. A paper presented at the
National Tripartite Conference on the Improvement of Working Conditions
and Environment, Manila, 10-16 January 1984.
Maramba, N.P.C. 1986. A Study of Occupational Pesticide Exposure Among
Certified Applicators in Metro Manila. (mimeo.).
World Health Organization. 1982. Field Surveys of Exposure to Pesticides
VBC/82 1:2-14