Perspectiva campesina, intoxicaciones por plaguicidas y uso de agroquímicos

Abstract

Agrochemicals are substances commonly used in agricultural activities to promote and enhance the development of crops and increase production. According to FAO (1997) 99% of acute poisoning in agricultural activities is caused by the use of these substances, either by direct or indirect contact, a problem that increases due to lack of proper equipment for handling and application. This research presents statistics (2001-2010) provided by the Health Sector, complemented by interviews to farmers as users of agrochemicals. Nationally, the number of acute pesticide poisonings registered per year is 3,928; At the State level, Jalisco stands out as the principal entity with higher incidence; inside Jalisco; the "Sierra de Amula" region during the years 2004-2011, the municipalities of Casimiro Castillo and Autlán de Navarro are identified by the largest number of registered cases. In the latter municipality, from 24 surveyed "ejidos", 19 demonstrate the damage to health by these products; 68% of respondents do not seek medical service, instead they use home remedies; a problem that is proportional to agricultural activities and the rain period. The products most commonly used are Lannate, Tamaron and Furadan which are recognized for their higher degree of toxicity. The risk of poisoning by agrochemicals is related to the lack of technical knowledge, lack of training for management and use, as well as information provided by commercial firms; situation that generated the formation of empirical knowledge among farmers.