*3.5.1 The usage of personal protective equipment by farmers*

The usage of PPE by farmers while dealing with pesticides was assessed in this study. Nearly all the participants 93.15% did not use any means of PPE while dealing with pesticides and 6.85% of the respondents only reported using gloves.

This indicates that farmers are in a high potential risk of exposure while preparing, handling and spraying pesticides through all the exposed parts of their bodies,

**109**

**Table 7.**

*The usage of personal protective equipment by farmers.*

*Limited Knowledge and Unsafe Practices in Usage of Pesticides and The Associated Toxicity...*

especially their hands, which are considered the main carriers of pesticide, traces to every single part of their bodies. Wearing proper PPE during pesticide application proved to have a significant effect on mitigating farmers' risk of exposure. According to [45], an increase in the use of protective measures decreases the prob-

Farmers were also asked to list the factors that stops them from using PPE while handling pesticides. As depicted in **Figure 5** below, the answers were as follows: too expensive 42%, not comfortable in the tropical climate 5%, not available when needed 22% and no health challenges from using pesticides 31% are some of the

The officer in Finchawa Kebele reported during the interview that farmers do not use any kind of personal protective equipment while dealing with pesticides because the government does not provide them with any. However, the officer in Tullo indicated that farmers tie their clothes on their nose and mouth while spraying as a kind of precautionary measure to protect themselves from pesticide exposure, which increases the risk of their dermal exposure after wearing their

The study assessed the actions that farmers take instantly when their skins get contaminated with pesticides. As depicted in **Figure 1**, sample respondents were asked about the actions they take when their skin gets in contact with pesticides. Accordingly, about 18% of the respondents reported that they wipe the unclean area of skin with a clean piece of clothing, while 6% indicated that they stop working and clean their skin with working cloths, and 34% replied that they rinse the pesticide-contaminated area of skin with water. However, the majority of the respondents 42% reported taking no action until they finish their shift **Figure 1**. Ignoring the contaminated area of skin with pesticides until the shift is finished, rather than cleaning it immediately, is worrisome. According to [46], the extent of skin absorption increases positively with the duration of exposure. This implies that the sooner the cleaning of the contaminated area of skin is performed, the greater the decrease in the dermal absorption is achieved, especially in the case of liquid formulations. Besides, the longer the operators ignore the stains of pesticide on their skin, the greater the risk of their exposure will become via the inhalation of

**No PPE Items Freq. percent** Gloves 5 6.85% Mask/Respirator 0 0% Protective eyewear 0 0% Special shoes 0 0% Overall 0 0% Hat/Cap 0 0% Wear all of them at the time of handling pesticide 0 0% Do not use any of them 68 93.15

*3.5.2 Instant actions taken by farmers when their skin gets in contact with* 

*DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.5772/intechopen.96093*

ability of poisoning by 44% to 80% (**Table 7**).

cited reasons.

clothes again.

*pesticides*

pesticide volatiles.

**Figure 4.** *Pesticide preparation area by farmers.*

#### *Limited Knowledge and Unsafe Practices in Usage of Pesticides and The Associated Toxicity... DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.5772/intechopen.96093*

especially their hands, which are considered the main carriers of pesticide, traces to every single part of their bodies. Wearing proper PPE during pesticide application proved to have a significant effect on mitigating farmers' risk of exposure. According to [45], an increase in the use of protective measures decreases the probability of poisoning by 44% to 80% (**Table 7**).

Farmers were also asked to list the factors that stops them from using PPE while handling pesticides. As depicted in **Figure 5** below, the answers were as follows: too expensive 42%, not comfortable in the tropical climate 5%, not available when needed 22% and no health challenges from using pesticides 31% are some of the cited reasons.

The officer in Finchawa Kebele reported during the interview that farmers do not use any kind of personal protective equipment while dealing with pesticides because the government does not provide them with any. However, the officer in Tullo indicated that farmers tie their clothes on their nose and mouth while spraying as a kind of precautionary measure to protect themselves from pesticide exposure, which increases the risk of their dermal exposure after wearing their clothes again.

### *3.5.2 Instant actions taken by farmers when their skin gets in contact with pesticides*

The study assessed the actions that farmers take instantly when their skins get contaminated with pesticides. As depicted in **Figure 1**, sample respondents were asked about the actions they take when their skin gets in contact with pesticides. Accordingly, about 18% of the respondents reported that they wipe the unclean area of skin with a clean piece of clothing, while 6% indicated that they stop working and clean their skin with working cloths, and 34% replied that they rinse the pesticide-contaminated area of skin with water. However, the majority of the respondents 42% reported taking no action until they finish their shift **Figure 1**.

Ignoring the contaminated area of skin with pesticides until the shift is finished, rather than cleaning it immediately, is worrisome. According to [46], the extent of skin absorption increases positively with the duration of exposure. This implies that the sooner the cleaning of the contaminated area of skin is performed, the greater the decrease in the dermal absorption is achieved, especially in the case of liquid formulations. Besides, the longer the operators ignore the stains of pesticide on their skin, the greater the risk of their exposure will become via the inhalation of pesticide volatiles.


**Table 7.** *The usage of personal protective equipment by farmers.*

*Emerging Contaminants*

playing with the mud.

in farmers' information inadequacy.

pesticide should be used, or any technical issue regarding pesticide handling results

As depicted in **Figure 4** below, respondents were also asked about the area they usually use to mix and load pesticides. The majority 56% of the respondents reported that they mix and load pesticides within their residential area in the garden, while 27% reported that they mix and load in the field and 17% reported that they never prepare pesticides and they use the one that is already prepared by someone else. Mixing and loading pesticides within the house garden increases the risk of exposure of farmers' family members via dermal absorption, inhalation or ingestion, especially among small children who spend most of their time outdoors

The inadequate knowledge of farmers regarding pesticide handling and toxicity was reflected in their field practices and found to be unsatisfactory. Moreover, it implied a high potential of pesticide exposure for them and their families.

The usage of PPE by farmers while dealing with pesticides was assessed in this study. Nearly all the participants 93.15% did not use any means of PPE while dealing

This indicates that farmers are in a high potential risk of exposure while preparing, handling and spraying pesticides through all the exposed parts of their bodies,

**3.5 Safety precaution and protective measures adopted by farmers**

with pesticides and 6.85% of the respondents only reported using gloves.

*3.5.1 The usage of personal protective equipment by farmers*

seek information from woreda agricultural extension experts.

Officials in the agricultural office in both kebeles assured, during the interview, that farmers resort to them when they observe any pest infestation in their farms to get advice about the right type of pesticide that should be applied in such cases. This implies that participants are somehow on the same page with their authorities. This finding is in line with the result of [44] which reported that 57.2% of the farmers

**108**

**Figure 4.**

*Pesticide preparation area by farmers.*

#### **Figure 5.** *Factors that hindered the usage of PPE by farmers.*

Rinsing the contaminated area of skin with water is considered a proper action in the case of using water soluble pesticide formulation, like flazasulfuron, based on the general rule of like dissolves like. Yet, both organochlorine and organophosphate insecticides reported to be used in this study are lipid-soluble. They are very well absorbed through the skin as they dissolve easily in the sebum that is released by the sebaceous glands; therefore, rinsing the contaminated area with water is an inappropriate instant action performed by farmers and implies a high risk of exposure.

Wiping the contaminated area of skin with a work cloth is also worrying. Cloths soaked with pesticides increase the risk of dermal exposure and volatiles inhalation. Also, the longer the time the operator wears the contaminated clothes, the greater the extent of absorption and inhalation will be.

The level of self-protection among farmers regarding the proper usage of adequate PPE while dealing with pesticides, and the instant action taken when their skin gets contaminated with pesticides in this study, is found to be disappointing and presents a potential risk to pesticide exposure, especially via the dermal route.

### **3.6 Self-reported toxicity symptoms associated with pesticide exposure among farmers**

Sample respondents were asked about the acute toxicity symptoms they experienced in 24 hours after mixing, loading or applying pesticides. Significant number 94.52% of the farmers reported at least one symptom of acute pesticide poisoning in the previous year immediately after applying or handling pesticides, while 5.48% of the respondents did not ascribe any health problems encountered to pesticide exposure. The most frequently symptoms reported by the participates were headaches 84.93%, skin rash 60.27%, slow heartbeats 72.60%, chest wheezing 67.12%, change in their mood 71.23%, dizziness 42.46%, burning in the skin or eyes 61.64%, lacrimation 17.81% and day/night coughing 23.29%. Other symptoms reported by respondents were pain in the hands or on the feet, excessive sweating and chest tightness (**Table 8**).

Participants were also asked about the actions they take following an incident of poisoning. The majority 53% reported that they resort to traditional methods like drinking milk, applying creams and washing the affected area, 32% reported that they do not take any action as long as the incident is minor or required only selfmedication. Only 15% of respondents reported a serious poisoning incident that required medical attention in a clinic (**Figure 6**).

**111**

others 20%.

*of injury.*

**Figure 6.**

**Table 8.**

study conducted in Tanzania [47].

*Action farmers usually take following an incident of poisoning.*

*Toxicity symptoms reported by the participants on the short-term of exposure.*

*Limited Knowledge and Unsafe Practices in Usage of Pesticides and The Associated Toxicity...*

**Items Freq. Percentage** Skin rash 44 60.27% Headache 64 84.93% Slow heartbeats 53 72.60% Chest wheezing 49 67.12% Burning in the skin or eyes 45 61.64% Change in the mood 52 71.23% Day/night cough 17 23.29% Dizziness 31 42.46% Excessive sweating 24 32.88% Pain in the hands or in the feet 14 19.18% Chest tightness 14 19.18% Pain in the hands or in the feet 14 19.18% Eye tears 13 17.81% No health impairment 4 5.48%

Self-medication methods that farmers resort to in the case of injury were manifested by the physician in the Referral Hospital during the interview.

*Farmers usually drink milk after swallowing bleach (Barakina) to reduce the risk* 

In general, actions taken by farmers following an incident of poisoning are unsatisfactory. Only a few of participants have visited a health institution after incidents of pesticide poisoning, and others resorted to traditional-based care methods or did not take any action. This finding is also in line with what the physician has indicated in the health institution. Similar findings were reported by the

On the long-term of exposure, symptoms reported by farmers are illustrated in **Figure 7** below. The majority 46% of the sample respondents reported libido, whereas, the remaining reported poor memory 24%, diabetes 10% and

*DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.5772/intechopen.96093*

*Limited Knowledge and Unsafe Practices in Usage of Pesticides and The Associated Toxicity... DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.5772/intechopen.96093*


#### **Table 8.**

*Emerging Contaminants*

Rinsing the contaminated area of skin with water is considered a proper action in the case of using water soluble pesticide formulation, like flazasulfuron, based on the general rule of like dissolves like. Yet, both organochlorine and organophosphate insecticides reported to be used in this study are lipid-soluble. They are very well absorbed through the skin as they dissolve easily in the sebum that is released by the sebaceous glands; therefore, rinsing the contaminated area with water is an inappropriate instant action performed by farmers and implies a high risk of exposure. Wiping the contaminated area of skin with a work cloth is also worrying. Cloths soaked with pesticides increase the risk of dermal exposure and volatiles inhalation. Also, the longer the time the operator wears the contaminated clothes, the greater

The level of self-protection among farmers regarding the proper usage of adequate PPE while dealing with pesticides, and the instant action taken when their skin gets contaminated with pesticides in this study, is found to be disappointing and presents a potential risk to pesticide exposure, especially via the dermal route.

**3.6 Self-reported toxicity symptoms associated with pesticide exposure among** 

Sample respondents were asked about the acute toxicity symptoms they experienced in 24 hours after mixing, loading or applying pesticides. Significant number 94.52% of the farmers reported at least one symptom of acute pesticide poisoning in the previous year immediately after applying or handling pesticides, while 5.48% of the respondents did not ascribe any health problems encountered to pesticide exposure. The most frequently symptoms reported by the participates were headaches 84.93%, skin rash 60.27%, slow heartbeats 72.60%, chest wheezing 67.12%, change in their mood 71.23%, dizziness 42.46%, burning in the skin or eyes 61.64%, lacrimation 17.81% and day/night coughing 23.29%. Other symptoms reported by respondents were pain in the hands or on the feet, excessive sweating and chest

Participants were also asked about the actions they take following an incident of poisoning. The majority 53% reported that they resort to traditional methods like drinking milk, applying creams and washing the affected area, 32% reported that they do not take any action as long as the incident is minor or required only selfmedication. Only 15% of respondents reported a serious poisoning incident that

the extent of absorption and inhalation will be.

*Factors that hindered the usage of PPE by farmers.*

required medical attention in a clinic (**Figure 6**).

**110**

**farmers**

**Figure 5.**

tightness (**Table 8**).

*Toxicity symptoms reported by the participants on the short-term of exposure.*

#### **Figure 6.**

*Action farmers usually take following an incident of poisoning.*

Self-medication methods that farmers resort to in the case of injury were manifested by the physician in the Referral Hospital during the interview.

#### *Farmers usually drink milk after swallowing bleach (Barakina) to reduce the risk of injury.*

In general, actions taken by farmers following an incident of poisoning are unsatisfactory. Only a few of participants have visited a health institution after incidents of pesticide poisoning, and others resorted to traditional-based care methods or did not take any action. This finding is also in line with what the physician has indicated in the health institution. Similar findings were reported by the study conducted in Tanzania [47].

On the long-term of exposure, symptoms reported by farmers are illustrated in **Figure 7** below. The majority 46% of the sample respondents reported libido, whereas, the remaining reported poor memory 24%, diabetes 10% and others 20%.

#### **Figure 7.**

*Long-term health effects reported by farmers.*

Through increasing the reactivity of toxic xenobiotics by converting them into electrophiles, free radicals or nucleophiles, chemicals cause damage to major biological systems leading to the development of various diseases, such as diabetes, neurodegeneration, schizophrenia, respiratory disorders, aging, cancer, immunodeficiency syndromes, and hypertension [48]. The ultimate toxicant may bind to the target molecules covalently or non-covalently, or may alter it by hydrogen abstraction, electron transfer or enzymatic reaction.

Endocrine disruptors, such as endosulfan, were proved to change the levels of insulin secretion in the body, leading to the development of diabetes [49]. Regarding men infertility, including libido, it was found that exposure to organochlorines is the main reason for hyperprolactinemia (a severe decrease in serum prolactin) which is the main reason for decreased libido and infertility [50]. Furthermore, a developmental exposure to pesticides may generate oxidative stressors that result in irreversible damage in the brain cells, followed by reducing the ability of the cells to communicate with each other. In time, chemical connections between brain cells are lost, and cells begin to die, resulting in poor memory [51].

The finding in the study revealed that the prevalence of toxicity symptoms among farmers is quite high.

#### **3.7 Factors influence the prevalence of long-term toxicity symptoms among farmers**

A multiple logistics regression model was employed to determine the effect of the independent variables (working hours per day, residential area, source of income, experience and training) on the prevalence of long-term toxicity symptoms among farmers (**Table 9**).

The result illustrated that the odds of the prevalence of long-term toxicity symptoms is negatively correlated with the training factor; therefore, farmers who have access to training are 9% less likely to develop long-term toxicity symptoms than farmers who did not attend training in pesticide handling and toxicity. Hence, the estimated odds ratio is statistically significant since (p = 0.042) which indicates that (p < 0.05) within 95% confidence interval (OR = .090, CI = 0.009–.0.920).

The result also revealed that the odds of the prevalence of long-term toxicity symptoms is positively influenced by working hours per day; therefore, farmers

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declared that:

farmers, and their families.

*Limited Knowledge and Unsafe Practices in Usage of Pesticides and The Associated Toxicity...*

Training(1 = yes) −2.406 1.185 .042 .090 .009 .920

Experience (1 = 5–10 years) −.341 1.062 .748 .711 .089 5.697 Experience (2 = 10–20 years) −.311 1.128 .783 .733 .080 6.682 Experience (3 = above 20 years) −.362 1.257 .773 .696 .059 8.169

Knowledge −1.566 .828 .059 .209 .041 1.059

*a. Variable(s) entered on step 1: training, Years of using pesticides (experience), working hours per day, and* 

**B S.E. Sig. Exp(B) 95% CI for EXP(B)**

2.681 .841 .001 14.599 2.809 75.881

**Lower Upper**

who work more than 8 hours per day in the farm (full-timers) are 14.599 times more likely to develop long-term toxicity symptoms than farmers who spend less than 8 hours in the farm (part-timers). Hence, the estimated odds ratio is statistically significant since (p = .001) which indicates that (p < 0.05) within 95% confidence interval (OR = 14.599, CI = 2.809–75.881), while knowledge and years of experience

**3.8 Data extracted from the interview with the physicians in Bushullo health** 

The physician in the Bushullo health institution reported during the inter-

*"Only one acute pesticide intoxication case was reported for the last five years. The case was a female farmer and wasn't officially registered because she refused to pay the card fee which was 20 birr. The farmer patient was excessively salivating and dizzy when she arrived to the health center. Symptoms were quickly reversible and the patient returned back healthy in 15-30 minutes. Severe cases of acute pesticide intoxication are not treated in the health center and usually are transferred to the Referral Hospital because antidotes for poisons are not available in the health institution. The health institution treats patients with minor symptoms only by providing them with oxygen and fluids. Cases of pesticide intoxication were never under-estimated, and all the crew in the health institution resort to the Ethiopian hospital guidelines to diagnose all cases. In addition, doctors ask about the history* 

Both hard and soft documents where reviewed in the health center by the interviewed physician to obtain the accurate number of toxicity cases registered before. The physician also indicated that under-reporting the cases by farmers is due to a lack of knowledge as most of the farmers are illiterates and the government's help would be appreciated by providing more educational programmes and training to

The interviewed physician in the emergency room at the Referral Hospital

*DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.5772/intechopen.96093*

Experience .990

Constant −.884 .838 .291 .413

*The factors that influenced the prevalence of long-term toxicity symptoms among farmers.*

**Dependent variable: self-reported toxicity**

Working hours per day on the farm (1 = Full time)

failed to be significant under the given conditions.

*of using pesticides as a part of the diagnosis."*

**center and referral hospital**

view that:

*knowledge.*

**Table 9.**

*Limited Knowledge and Unsafe Practices in Usage of Pesticides and The Associated Toxicity... DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.5772/intechopen.96093*


*a. Variable(s) entered on step 1: training, Years of using pesticides (experience), working hours per day, and knowledge.*

#### **Table 9.**

*Emerging Contaminants*

Through increasing the reactivity of toxic xenobiotics by converting them into electrophiles, free radicals or nucleophiles, chemicals cause damage to major biological systems leading to the development of various diseases, such as diabetes, neurodegeneration, schizophrenia, respiratory disorders, aging, cancer, immunodeficiency syndromes, and hypertension [48]. The ultimate toxicant may bind to the target molecules covalently or non-covalently, or may alter it by hydrogen

Endocrine disruptors, such as endosulfan, were proved to change the levels of insulin secretion in the body, leading to the development of diabetes [49]. Regarding men infertility, including libido, it was found that exposure to organochlorines is the main reason for hyperprolactinemia (a severe decrease in serum prolactin) which is the main reason for decreased libido and infertility [50].

Furthermore, a developmental exposure to pesticides may generate oxidative stressors that result in irreversible damage in the brain cells, followed by reducing the ability of the cells to communicate with each other. In time, chemical connections between brain cells are lost, and cells begin to die, resulting in poor memory [51]. The finding in the study revealed that the prevalence of toxicity symptoms

**3.7 Factors influence the prevalence of long-term toxicity symptoms among** 

A multiple logistics regression model was employed to determine the effect of the independent variables (working hours per day, residential area, source of income, experience and training) on the prevalence of long-term toxicity symptoms

The result illustrated that the odds of the prevalence of long-term toxicity symptoms is negatively correlated with the training factor; therefore, farmers who have access to training are 9% less likely to develop long-term toxicity symptoms than farmers who did not attend training in pesticide handling and toxicity. Hence, the estimated odds ratio is statistically significant since (p = 0.042) which indicates that (p < 0.05) within 95% confidence interval (OR = .090, CI = 0.009–.0.920). The result also revealed that the odds of the prevalence of long-term toxicity symptoms is positively influenced by working hours per day; therefore, farmers

abstraction, electron transfer or enzymatic reaction.

among farmers is quite high.

*Long-term health effects reported by farmers.*

among farmers (**Table 9**).

**farmers**

**Figure 7.**

**112**

*The factors that influenced the prevalence of long-term toxicity symptoms among farmers.*

who work more than 8 hours per day in the farm (full-timers) are 14.599 times more likely to develop long-term toxicity symptoms than farmers who spend less than 8 hours in the farm (part-timers). Hence, the estimated odds ratio is statistically significant since (p = .001) which indicates that (p < 0.05) within 95% confidence interval (OR = 14.599, CI = 2.809–75.881), while knowledge and years of experience failed to be significant under the given conditions.

## **3.8 Data extracted from the interview with the physicians in Bushullo health center and referral hospital**

The physician in the Bushullo health institution reported during the interview that:

*"Only one acute pesticide intoxication case was reported for the last five years. The case was a female farmer and wasn't officially registered because she refused to pay the card fee which was 20 birr. The farmer patient was excessively salivating and dizzy when she arrived to the health center. Symptoms were quickly reversible and the patient returned back healthy in 15-30 minutes. Severe cases of acute pesticide intoxication are not treated in the health center and usually are transferred to the Referral Hospital because antidotes for poisons are not available in the health institution. The health institution treats patients with minor symptoms only by providing them with oxygen and fluids. Cases of pesticide intoxication were never under-estimated, and all the crew in the health institution resort to the Ethiopian hospital guidelines to diagnose all cases. In addition, doctors ask about the history of using pesticides as a part of the diagnosis."*

Both hard and soft documents where reviewed in the health center by the interviewed physician to obtain the accurate number of toxicity cases registered before.

The physician also indicated that under-reporting the cases by farmers is due to a lack of knowledge as most of the farmers are illiterates and the government's help would be appreciated by providing more educational programmes and training to farmers, and their families.

The interviewed physician in the emergency room at the Referral Hospital declared that:

*"All pesticide intoxication incidents reported before were intentional suicide cases among teenagers and youths in their early twenties. Most of suicidal cases resort to the hospital when they reach the brink of death. Symptoms experienced by patients are vomiting, diarrhea, sweating, breathing difficulties, uncontrollable defecation and too much fluid around the lungs. The antidote usually given in these cases is atropine as it rapidly dries up the body and reduces secretions. In the case of total respiratory failure, patients are treated in the intensive care units with the help of a machine that helps them breathe properly. There is a limited number of these machines in the hospital and the patient might pass away in the case of all the machines being occupied. Besides, when the farmers experience slight symptoms of pesticide intoxication, they resort to nurses living in the same residential area, which results in misdiagnosing the cases properly due to nurses' lacking the adequate experience. In addition, there is a poor registration system in general, and registration only matters for patients. All highly toxic pesticides should be officially banned and the free availability is a serious issue."*

Documents associated with pesticide intoxication were all reviewed in the Referral Hospital. The employee in the registration room reported that the ICD 10 system is the one that has been implemented for a long time now (more than 10 years) and to this present date. This system was implemented by the World Health Organization (WHO) in 1993 to replace ICD-9, which was developed by the WHO in the 1970s. ICD-10 is used in almost every country in the world, except the United States [52].

The employee also clarified that the registration system is not really efficient and the Ethiopian government will develop and start using its own system soon; however, only 56 cases of poisoning were officially registered in the past two years and labeled as poisoned due to unspecified drugs and biological substances. Therefore, data inserted in the system found to be not properly categorized, and the exact number of pesticide intoxication cases and intentional suicide trials among farmers and their families is unknown. This finding is in line with what the physician in the Referral Hospital declared about the poor registration system. However, the poor categorization of disease causals might be due to the registrars' lack of awareness about the importance of the accuracy of these numbers which are definitely a solid clue for the authorities to check the improvement of their performance.

The finding of this study regarding the registration of pesticide intoxication cases among farmers in Finchawa and Tullo rural kebeles found to be poor and in line with the study of [14] that was previously conducted.

#### **4. Conclusion and recommendations**

In conclusion, there is no gap of communication between farmers, and their authorities, as answers from both parties were perfectly matched. Statistically, the level of knowledge among the sample participants was found to be on average and was reflected in their field practices. However, while going into deeper details to address the presented and absent areas of knowledge among the participants, it was revealed that they were knowledgeable about the daily tasks that should be performed in the field, while the information about the effect of pesticides on the environment, on humans especially in the long-term, as well as the dermal route of exposure, were absent. Accordingly, the knowledge that farmers acquired from their experience, practices, field training and daily observations were insufficient to fill the hiatus of knowledge that is known to be obtained from the accumulation of information through education, and this was the gap that hindered farmers from

**115**

**Author details**

Lana MHD Jamal Alshalati

**Acknowledgements**

Analysis: Mr. Bereket Mekonenn.

Hawassa University, Hawassa, Southern Ethiopia

provided the original work is properly cited.

\*Address all correspondence to: lshalati82@gmail.com

*Limited Knowledge and Unsafe Practices in Usage of Pesticides and The Associated Toxicity...*

mitigating their risk of exposure and had a joint significance on influencing the

Therefore, knowledge-based training programs with practical classes and related courses are essential to improve farmers' level of knowledge about the adverse health effects of pesticides on human and environmental health, and help them address the simple protective methods to protect themselves and the environment around them. In addition, a specific budget should be dedicated by the government to provide farmers with adequate personal protective equipment to reduce their risk of exposure. Since the existence of highly toxic pesticides in farmers' residential area increased the risk of exposure among their family members, an official banning of highly toxic pesticides and replacing them with less toxic ones should be seriously considered. In the same respect, Pesticide application should be restricted to certified people who are trained, experienced and adequately equipped. Besides, improving the registration system in governmental hospitals is pivotal, and physicians should not prescribe any type of medication to their patients until they are registered and the disease is well categorized. Finally, construct hazardous waste collection units in Hawassa City for the proper disposal of empty chemical containers, rather than disposing of them in an inappropriate way.

Main advisor Dr. Daniel Fitamo. Co-advisor Prof. Solomon Sora. Statistical

© 2021 The Author(s). Licensee IntechOpen. This chapter is distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/ by/3.0), which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium,

prevalence of pesticide intoxication among farmers and their families.

*DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.5772/intechopen.96093*

#### *Limited Knowledge and Unsafe Practices in Usage of Pesticides and The Associated Toxicity... DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.5772/intechopen.96093*

mitigating their risk of exposure and had a joint significance on influencing the prevalence of pesticide intoxication among farmers and their families.

Therefore, knowledge-based training programs with practical classes and related courses are essential to improve farmers' level of knowledge about the adverse health effects of pesticides on human and environmental health, and help them address the simple protective methods to protect themselves and the environment around them. In addition, a specific budget should be dedicated by the government to provide farmers with adequate personal protective equipment to reduce their risk of exposure. Since the existence of highly toxic pesticides in farmers' residential area increased the risk of exposure among their family members, an official banning of highly toxic pesticides and replacing them with less toxic ones should be seriously considered. In the same respect, Pesticide application should be restricted to certified people who are trained, experienced and adequately equipped. Besides, improving the registration system in governmental hospitals is pivotal, and physicians should not prescribe any type of medication to their patients until they are registered and the disease is well categorized. Finally, construct hazardous waste collection units in Hawassa City for the proper disposal of empty chemical containers, rather than disposing of them in an inappropriate way.
