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Pesticide research for public health and
safety in Malaysia, the Philippines,
and Thailand
K.Y. Lum,1 Md. Jusoh Mamat,1 U.B. Cheah,1
C.P. Castaneda,2 A.C. RoIa,3
and P. Sinhaseni4
1Fundamental Research Division, Malaysian Agricultural Research and
Development Institute, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia; 2Department of
Pharmacology, College of Medicine, University of Philippines, Manila,
Philippines; 3Center for Policy and Development Studies, University of
Philippines, Los Baños, Laguna, Philippines; 4Science and Technology
Development Board and Department of Pharmacology,
Chul alongkorn University, Bangkok, Thailand
In Malaysia, the Philippines, and Thailand, concern is growing about the
impact of increased use of agro pesticides on public health and safety,
especially in farming communities. Based on data from public hospitals
and clinics, the extent of pesticide poisoning is considered to be grossly
underestimated, primarily due to underreporting. A review of publichealth
and safety research in these countries suggests that there is commonality
in the research needs in this area. Three aspects have been
identified as requiring attention: exposure assessment, application technology,
and farmer education and training. Initial steps have been taken
to establish a collaborative network comprising scientists from the three
countries to address the problems identified. Research proposals are being
drawn up to develop appropriate personal protective equipment, improved
knapsack sprayers, and farmer education and training modules.
Because of their growing populations, agriculture remains an important component
of the developing economies of Malaysia, the Philippines, and Thailand.
In pursuit of higher agricultural productivity, the introduction of
modern farming technologies in these countries has meant increased use of
fertilizers and pesticides.
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