75. Chemical hazards in the workplace – pesticides. Occupational health risk. Prevention.

What is the definition of a pesticide?

A substance or mixture intended to prevent, destroy, repel, or mitigate any pest.

What are the main types of pesticides?

• Chemical substances,

• biological agents,

• disinfectants

• devices.

What essential information is found on a pesticide label?

• Usage instructions,

• hazards,

• signal words (DANGER, WARNING, CAUTION),

• storage,

• disposal

• Safety phrases

What does the signal word on a pesticide label indicate?

• The toxicological classification of the pesticide

• DANGER = Most toxic

How are pesticides classified chemically?

• Carbamates

• Chloronitrophenols

• Organomercury

• Organophosphorus

• Organotin

• Chlorine compounds

What is the formula for calculating pesticide hazard?

• Hazard = Toxicity × Exposure

• Exposure = Contamination × Time

What are some acute health effects of pesticide exposure?

• Respiratory irritation

• Nausea

• Vomiting

• Diarrhea

• Eye and skin irritation

Name some chronic health conditions associated with pesticide exposure.

• Parkinson’s disease

• Asthma

• Cancer (e.g., lymphoma, leukemia)

• Birth defects

• ADHD

Which pesticides are particularly linked to acute symptoms in workers?

• Organophosphate pesticides

What are the four main routes of pesticide entry into the body?

• Oral ingestion

• Inhalation

• Dermal absorption

• Eye contact

Why is dermal absorption the most common route of pesticide exposure?

• Pesticides frequently contact the skin during handling and application

What factors increase pesticide poisoning risk in developing countries?

• Illiteracy

• Poor regulation

• Lack of personal protective equipment (PPE)

• Inadequate hygiene facilities

What are the three factors that affect PPE’s chemical resistance?

• Chemical properties of the pesticide

• Exposure time

• Exposure situation