Abstract
Pesticide handling in farming activities involves substantial hazards for the rural population and for the environment. In Latin America, it is estimated that the population at risk of being affected by heavy metals is over 4 million. This research describes the different types of exposure to pesticides and heavy metals in a rural population (Loma del Gallo), considering both environmental and occupational exposure. This study consists of an inspection in a former pesticide factory (QUIMAGRO), analysis of heavy metals in samples from surface and ground water in the community close to the factory, and a survey to the local population about their perceptions of pesticide exposures. Containers with 34.6 tons of chemicals improperly stored were identified in the former factory and removed by the government. Arsenic and cadmium were found in groundwater, and the highest values were 0.012 and 0.004 mg/l, respectively. These contaminants were also detected in most surface water samples, with maximum values of 0.026 and 0.0001 mg/l, respectively. Results of the survey show that of the 44 participants 42 % were farmers. Farmers used 19 different pesticide products containing 11 active ingredients. The most used active ingredients were paraquat (65 %), methamidophos (35 %), and atrazina (29 %). Eighty-two percent of the farmers did not use personal protective equipment. In addition to the pesticides used in the agriculture of the area, pesticide containers were removed from the QUIMAGRO area, but the pollution was still present at time of sampling and it is evident by the odor of the site. Surface water had the major concentration of heavy metals than the groundwater. Loma del Gallo population has been exposed to toxic pesticide from QUIMAGRO and agriculture for many years. The farmers carry out mishandling of pesticides and they not use PPE.
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This research work has been partially financially supported by the project development and strengthening of National Institute of Health of the Ministry of Health of El Salvador founded by Spanish Agency for International Development Cooperation (AECID, the Spanish acronym) and from Ministry of Health of El Salvador. First, and we want to thank the local farmers for their collaboration. The authors also aknowledge the environmental team of health center of San Luis Talpa by supporting field sampling. Many thanks to Eduardo Vela, Paola Villegas, and David Alfaro for providing technical and field support. We gratefully acknowledge Prof. Luis Carlos Silva Ayçaguer for his suggestions. Finally, we are deeply thankful to the administrative personals of the National Institutes of Health for their bureaucratic support.
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Quinteros, E., Ribó, A., Mejía, R. et al. Heavy metals and pesticide exposure from agricultural activities and former agrochemical factory in a Salvadoran rural community. Environ Sci Pollut Res 24, 1662–1676 (2017). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11356-016-7899-z
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s11356-016-7899-z