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(Reference retrieved automatically from Web of Science through information on FAPESP grant and its corresponding number as mentioned in the publication by the authors.)

Occupational safety and health practices among flower greenhouses workers from Alto Tiete region (Brazil)

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Author(s):
Ribeiro, Marcela G. [1] ; Colasso, Camilla G. [2] ; Monteiro, Paula P. [2] ; Pedreira Filho, Walter R. [1] ; Yonamine, Mauricio [2]
Total Authors: 5
Affiliation:
[1] Fundacao Jorge Duprat Figueiredo Seguranca & Med, BR-05409002 Sao Paulo - Brazil
[2] Univ Sao Paulo, Fac Ciencias Farmaceut, Dept Anal Clin & Toxicol, BR-05508900 Sao Paulo - Brazil
Total Affiliations: 2
Document type: Journal article
Source: Science of The Total Environment; v. 416, p. 121-126, FEB 1 2012.
Web of Science Citations: 13
Abstract

In this preliminary study the occupational safety and health practices among flower greenhouses workers were evaluated. The study was carried out in the alto Tiete region, located at the Sao Paulo State, Brazil. Inadequate welfare facilities; poor pesticide storage, use and disposal conditions; use of highly toxic pesticides; lack of adequate data regarding pesticide use; and incorrect use and maintenance of PPE were observed in most of the visited greenhouses. These results suggest that, in greenhouses, workers may be at higher risk of pesticide exposure, due to many factors that can intensify the exposure such as the lack of control on reentry intervals after pesticide application. Specific regulations are needed to ensure better OSH practices on pesticide use and to improve working conditions in greenhouses, in order to deal with the peculiarities of greenhouse working environment. Some of the special requirements for greenhouses workers' protection are the establishment of ventilation criteria for restricted entry interval; clear reentry restrictions; and EPI for workers other than applicators that need to enter the greenhouse before expiring REI interval. Another important way to improve OSH practices among workers includes the distribution of simple guidelines on the dos and don'ts regarding OSH practices in greenhouses and extensively training interventions to change the perception of hazards and the behavior towards risk. (C) 2011 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved. (AU)

FAPESP's process: 08/09137-0 - Evaluation of occupational exposure to organophosphate pesticides in flower greenhouses
Grantee:Mauricio Yonamine
Support Opportunities: Regular Research Grants