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Conclusion
The experiences in China over the last decade may be helpful to pesticide
workers facing similar conditions in developing countries and elsewhere. To
summarize:
Although pesticide use is necessary in agricultural production and helps
control vectors of infectious diseases effectively, the potential for acute
poisoning can result in health and economic losses. Acute pesticide
poisoning remains an important health problem in many developing
countries.
A well-organized and active primary health-care system can provide a
solid foundation for implementing all public-health activities and
addressing new challenges, such as the prevention and therapy of acute
pesticide poisoning. Although the principles of prevention are clear, the
policy and main strategies are decided by higher authorities. The successful
implementation of these plans depends upon a collaborative
network of all levels of the health-care system. Feedback is necessary to
evaluate and modify policy decisions.
Monitoring of pesticide intoxication is an important component of
prevention and control strategies.
People's participation must be based upon their understanding of the
principle that health can only be achieved through one's own effort.
Avoiding overexposure to pesticides and preventing acute intoxication
episodes is everyone's responsibility, but will ultimately be of benefit to
one's own health and welfare. Prevention is better than cure.
Chen, G.X. 1985. Measures for controlling adverse effects of pesticides in rural
areas. In Xie, C.N., ed., Proceedings of the symposium of prevention of pesticide
poisoning, May 1985, Zheng-Jiang, Jiang-Su Provincial Station of Health and
Anti-Epidemics, People's Republic of China. Pp. 107-112.
Christiani, D.C.; Durvasula, R.; Myers, J. 1990. Occupational health in developing
countries: review of research needs. American Journal of Industrial Medicine,
17,393-401.
Huang, Y. 1985. Substitution of highly toxic pesticides with safer ones as the main
measures in preventing pesticide poisoning. Labour Medicine, 2(1), 53-54.
Jeyaratnam, J. 1985. Health problems of pesticide usage in the Third World. British
Journal of Industrial Medicine, 42, 505-506.
Shih, J.H.; Zhang, Y.X.; Wu, Z.Q.; Wang, Y.L.; Xue, S.Z.; Cu, X.Q. 1983. The control
of pesticide poisoning. Chinese Journal of Industrial Hygiene and Occupational
Disease, 1(1), 17-20.
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