Assessment of the Health risk among agricultural workers exposed to pesticides in Deoli Block Wardha District

Title: Assessment of the Health risk among agricultural workers exposed to pesticides in Deoli Block Wardha District Objectives: 1) To assess the awareness & preparation of handling pesticide and its storage by the agricultural workers. 2) To find and compare the current health status between agricultural workers exposed to pesticide and non-agricultural workers. Introduction:  Pesticides affect health of farmers. It may be simple irritation of skin and eye to more severe effects such as affecting the nervous system. Disorders which are seen more commonly are mild conditions like irritation of nose, throat, and eyes. Pesticides are used extensively throughout the world. Methodology: A Cross-sectional study was conducted in Deoli which is15 km away from Wardha. Agricultural pesticide sprayers and non Agricultural workers visiting RHTC Deoli in the Department of Community Medicine Results: Pesticide sprayers and 5(6.02%) of  non agricultural workers were educated up to middle school level, 32(38.55%) of agricultural pesticide sprayers and 17(20.48%) of non agricultural workers were educated up to high school level, 6(7.22%) of agricultural pesticide sprayers and 15 (18.07%) of  non agricultural workers were educated up to junior college level. Running nose 15(18.07%) in agricultural pesticide workers (agricultural pesticide sprayers) compare to 10(12.04%) non agricultural workers, burning of eyes 48(57.83%) in agricultural pesticide workers compared to 15 (18.07%) in non agricultural workers, itching of eyes 30(36.12%) in agricultural pesticide sprayers compared to 2(2.40%) in non agricultural workers, excessive sweating 20(24.09%) in agricultural pesticide sprayers compared to 10(12.04%) in non agricultural workers.