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and tore easily. One investigation found no difference in protection between
people wearing "Gardsman" protective clothing and an unprotected group.
Several pesticides have been studied in the Philippines to determine their
behaviour in model ecosystems (Tejada and Magaflona 1985; Zukifli et al.
1985; Varca and Magallona 1987). These included deltamethrin, carbosulfan,
chlorpyrifos (Brodan), and fenobucarb (BPMC, 2-sec-butyl-N-methyl carbamate).
Carbosulfan does not have pollution potential, although its major
metabolite, carbofuran, remains in soil and fish for up to 30 days at low levels.
Brodan was found to be rapidly assimilated and concentrated in fish. Repeated
applications of BPMC at recommended levels, on the other hand, were
absorbed into the soil.
In general, research on pesticide residues in the Philippines has focused on
insecticides. Both field residue trials and "market-basket" studies have generated
information for a residue data base that includes insecticide residue levels
in cabbages, pechay, string beans, green beans, tomatoes, bush sitao, cotton,
tobacco, bananas, mangoes, fish, and the various components of the ricepaddy
environment, such as soils, paddy water, rice plants, fish, and snails.
Residue levels have also been measured in lactating goats and in human milk.
Other ongoing research projects in the Philippines include a project to provide
training for rice and vegetables farmers in integrated pest management.
Preliminary results indicate that the practices of these farmers affect the extent
of their exposure to pesticides. Another study, funded by the Rockefeller
Foundation, is to examine the health effects of pesticide exposure among
Laguna farmers at the International Rice Research Institute (IRRI).
Research on the benefits and risks associated with pesticide use among rice
and vegetable farmers has resulted in a recommendation for more government
regulation and training of extension agents and farm workers (Rola 1989).
Mechanisms for crop insurance and further research on integrated approaches
to plant protection have also been advocated.
Thailand
Studies on the exposure of Thai people to pesticides revealed dangers from
organochlorine insecticides and lipid-soluble herbicides; as much as 90 ppm
heptachior was found in farmers' blood (Department of Agriculture, Division
of Toxic Substances). Between 1980 and 1986, at least 10 such studies were
conducted.
Surveillance of pesticide poisoning by the Ministry of Public Health's Division
of Epidemiology has generated more than 20 reports on incidents of pesticide
poisoning and accidenta' deaths. Among the identifiable pesticides involved,
organophosphate compounds caused 67.7% of the cases, carbamate 13.0%,
herbicides 8.2%, pyrethroids 2.1%, rodenticides 1.3%, and chlorinated hydrocarbons
1.3% (Sinhaseni 1990).
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