Exposure to pesticides, health conditions, and popular surveillance of municipalities of Mato Grosso

Abstract

The study analysed the socio-demographic profile and health conditions of the population living in Mato Grosso municipalities between 2016 and 2017. It is a quali-quantitative, self-referred population-based study. Adult residents were interviewed on the basis of a structured questionnaire with 172 questions concerning family and individual information. A total of 1,379 valid questionnaires were applied, totaling 4,778 individuals. Most reported living in urban areas at distances of less than 1 km from farming areas (98%), low schooling (43%), average income below 3 minimum wages (68%), and using agrochemicals for domestic use (71.8%). The most commonly cited morbidities were: respiratory problems, acute intoxications, psychological disorders, kidney diseases and cancers. Underreporting of pesticide poisoning was identified, from 1 to 20 cases in Campos de Júlio; 1 to 77 cases in Campo Novo do Pareces and 100% underreporting in Sapezal. Associations were found between sociodemographic variables and exposure to agrochemicals and the mentioned morbidities, considering the p-value=0.005 and 95% significance level. The increasing use of agrochemicals associated with political and economic scenarios favorable to agribusiness interests demonstrated the need to develop strategies for Popular Health Surveillance, highlighting the negative impacts of this production model on human and environmental health.