Agrochemicals pose health risks to coffee factory workers in Githuguri (Kenya)
View/ Open
Date
1993Author
Mwanthi, Mutuku A
Kimani, Violet N
Type
ArticleLanguage
enMetadata
Show full item recordAbstract
In this century, the use of pesticides and fertilizers (agrochemicals) is indispensable because they are seen as a panacea for protecting crops from insects and diseases. However. the manner in which these agrochemicals are handled poses significant health risks to manufacturers, transporters. vendors and farmers. In Kenya, for example; coffee factory workers (specifically storekeepers) apportion the agrochemicals and sell them to the coffee farmers. The process of apportioning and other factors expose these workers to health risks. In order to evaluate the extent of the problem. J pilot study was undertaken in the Githuguri location. The results showed (hat lack of use of protective clothing, poor handling of agrochemicals and poorly designed storage facilities were very common. As a result, 95% of the workers interviewed reported a variety of agrochernical health related problems. In conclusion, the government and the public role regarding possible preventive measures were proposed.
Citation
international Journal of Environmental Health Research 3,73-81 (1993)Publisher
Chapman & Hall Department of Community Health, College of Health Sciences, University oj Nairobi,
Description
Agrochemicals pose health risks to coffee factory workers in Githuguri (Kenya)
Collections
- Faculty of Health Sciences (FHS) [10377]