Health effects of pesticides on agricultural farmers in the developing countries of Fiji, Ecuador, the Philippines, and Costa Rica versus the United States

Abstract

This paper will compare and contrast the reasons and statistics of development of negative health affects experienced by farmers and farm workers exposed to pesticides in both developed and developing countries. Several studies have suggested that a constant and close exposure of pesticides have negative affect on those who work closely with them. In developed countries farmers and farm workers have a lower risk of being affect by pesticides, whereas, in developing countries many workers face several disadvantages that affect the opportunities that they may be afforded.

Countries in which one can clearly examine these specific global issues include developing countries such as: Ecuador, Fiji, Philippines and Costa Rica. These countries have the lack of knowledge surrounding pesticides, outdated technology, and the economic value of crops outweighing the value of human health. Whereas, within developed countries, such as the United States that are afforded more technology and that are scientifically aware and knowledgeable about pesticides, farmers and farm laborers experience improved circumstances and statistics that surround the use of pesticides amongst agricultural workers and farmers. Being that farmers and farm workers from both developed and developing countries are individuals who treat and nurture agricultural lands closely, including the application of pesticides; they inhale a high concentration of the chemicals. Another contributing factor to the inhaling of high concentration is the amount of time each worker spends concocting the mixture of insecticides, fungicides, herbicides, nematocides (used to kill nematodes, elongated cylindrical worms), and rodenticides and applying the mixture to the crops. Creation of the mixture, application of pesticides, and disposable of pesticide containers contribute in making the farmers and farm workers high at risk for developing pesticide related illnesses. By researching and further examining the various circumstances that surround the production and application of pesticides, what will be determined are what types of acute or chronic illnesses emerge and why are they more prevalent in developing countries rather than developed countries.