Impact of - IDL-BNC @ IDRC - International Development Research ...

This made the collection of blood samples problematic because the growers
could not always be contacted when necessary.
In addition, the researchers were initially unable to locate a laboratory that
could perform gas chromatography, the method of analysis selected to determine
levels of DNOC in the collected blood samples. Chromatography had to
be replaced by the less specific and sensitive procedure of photocolorimetry.
This technique, however, can be carried out in rural health centres. For the
second phase of research, a laboratory able to do gas chromatography was
located.
Because of the laboratory problems and the small number of workers applying
DNOC, the epidemiologic component was reduced to a pilot study to test the
method of laboratory analysis and the survey. Only 15 growers who had
applied DNOC were interviewed. These interviews were conducted at the end
of the 1st day of work. The risk survey, however, included all 150 workers in
the study population.
The education process
Cross-disciplinary problems again arose in defining the content of the education
component of the project. Conceived as a process and not just a package
of recommendations, the education component was designed to provide
scientific explanation. This prompted the question, "Up to what point should
an explanation be given?" For example, in a discussion of effects of pesticides
on health, was it necessary to talk of the inhibition of cholinesterase or the
accumulation of calories with respect to DNOC? In the case of forced tree
blossoming, was it necessary to talk about dormancy and the breaking of
dormancy produced by auxins and gibberellins stimulated by DNOC? These
explanations demand a knowledge of chemistry, biology, and physics that the
grower does not have and is unlikely to find much use for.
Faced with these obstacles, the research team had to be much more multidisciplinary
and innovative in its approach, particularly when it was found that
the growers' main interest was in learning more about the agricultural process
in general and not the safe use of pesticides, as was the objective of the project.
The education component of the project aims to be an effective tool for
reducing human intoxication resulting from the use of pesticides. It is directed
at the growers and their families, but it also considers the health promoters
and agricultural professionals in the study area.
The education process for the growers and their families consists of both
intensive and extensive activities. Intensive interaction is facilitated through
small groups and periodic meetings. Through this process, a systematic education
program is developed consisting of three stages:
Identification of the general knowledge and adequate and inadequate
pesticide practices of the growers;
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