Pesticide exposures towards health and environmental hazard in Bangladesh: A case study on farmers’ perception

The levels perception and behavior of farmers on pesticide uses and its relevant risks to the environment and human health were surveyed among the farmers of Bangladesh in two areas: Savar Upazila (SU) and Mehendiganj Upazila (MU). Significant differences were observed between the farmers’ regarding information of pesticides (χ2 = 19.679 at p < 0.05). 35% farmers of SU reported different mass communication devices as a primary source of information while 36% farmers from MU reported other farmers as their sources of information followed by pesticide dealers (28%). Proper storage and uses of personal protective equipment (PPE) were absent. However, significant differences were also observed to cover face with cloth (χ2 = 22.019 at p < 0.05). Farmers of SU used partial cover 69% while in MU 48% farmers reported no covering. Only 14% and 5% of farmers reported the full use of PPE in both areas. 39% farmers and 42% farmers of the SU and MU, respectively, reported throwing empty pots into the nearby water body followed by taking home for reuse by 31% and 24%, respectively. 88% farmers of SU vs. 82% farmers of MU consumed betel leaf, tobacco or smoking during spraying. 87% in SU and 66% in MU believed that pesticide application decreased soil fertility (χ2 = 12.265 at p < 0.05). About 83% farmers in SU and 24% farmers in MU reported that surface water pollution occurred due to pesticide χ2 = 69.963 at p < 0.05); excessive uses of pesticides destroyed beneficial insects (χ2 = 73.509 at p < 0.05). 67% farmers of SU and 26% farmers of MU responded that environmental quality was deteriorating. Canonical correspondence analysis (CCA) revealed all the background variables (education, age, farming experience, and farm ownership) had a similar contribution towards understanding the danger of pesticides impact of health and environment irrespective of rural or urban location. A DPSIR framework (drivers, pressures, state, impact, response model) for the health and environmental hazard and a conceptual model of training tools for farmers are proposed.