Exposure of agricultural workers to pesticides and safety measures

Pesticides are used to increase agricultural production and maintain productivity, and excessive and unconscious use harms both employee and public health. It is used frequently and intensively by agricultural workers, especially in our country. This situation exposes them to chemicals through respiration, digestion, skin and eyes and causes health problems. Chemical substances are most exposed during spraying processes. Pesticides create chemical hazards and risks in terms of occupational health and safety. Preparation, transportation, and storage of pesticides cause new problems. Agricultural workers who use and prepare pesticides are also exposed to physical, chemical, ergonomic, biological, and psychosocial risks. In this thesis study, the ways in which agricultural workers are exposed to pesticides, their importance and effect are explained, examples from the literature review are given, and the dangerous and risky situations in terms of occupational health and safety are emphasized. In addition, it has been determined what kind of acute and chronic health risks children and adults may be exposed to because of the consumption of pesticide residue foods. In this respect, it has been revealed that it is very important for both employees and public health to regularly control the foods sprayed in agriculture before they are offered for consumption, and to reduce the frequency of application and the number of pesticides. To ensure the use of pesticides and other harmful chemicals in a way that does not pose a danger or risk to agricultural workers, and to mediate the importance of ambient ventilation in indoor environments, most importantly in greenhouses.