Articles | Open Access |

ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTANTS AND SANITARY RISKS: A STUDY OF FARM WORKER EXPOSURE AND HEALTH IMPACTS

Bianca Mancini , Department of Agro-Environmental Science (DISAAT), Aldo Moro University of Bari, Italy

Abstract

Farm workers are frequently exposed to a wide range of environmental pollutants, including pesticides, fertilizers, and industrial emissions, which can pose significant health risks. This study investigates the sanitary risks associated with pollutant exposure among farm workers, focusing on both direct and indirect health impacts. Through a combination of environmental sampling, surveys, and health assessments, we identify common pollutants in agricultural settings and assess their potential to cause respiratory issues, skin conditions, and other health problems. Findings indicate that prolonged exposure to these pollutants can lead to chronic health conditions, with vulnerable groups such as seasonal workers and individuals with limited access to healthcare being at heightened risk. This study emphasizes the need for improved safety regulations, access to protective equipment, and regular health screenings for farm workers to mitigate the impacts of pollutant exposure.

Keywords

Environmental pollutants, Farm workers, Sanitary risks

References

ARPA Campania (Regional Agency for Environmental Prevention andProtection). 2009. Monitoraggio ambientale zona acerrana.Available from: http://www.arpacampania.it/index.asp.

Barra M.I., Ricciardi P., Terracina A. 2008. Chemical and carcinogenic-magents: health risks and occupational diseases. pp 57-66 in Proc.Congr. The evaluation of the chemical risk inside chemical labora-tories of pure and applied search, 10 June, Roma, Italy.

Cerruto E., Balsari P., Oggero G., Friso D., Guarella P., Raffaelli M. 2008.Operator safety during pesticide application in greenhouse: a sur-vey on Italian situation. Acta Horticult. 801:1507-14.

Cottica D., Grignani E. 2010. Evaluation of the exposure to chemicalagents: algorithms and measurements, advantages and difficulty.Ital. J. Med. Jobs Ergonomics 32:113-6.

Gino G. 2010. Methodological and normative aspects for the analysis ofthe chemical risks caused by jobs. Ital. J. Med. Jobs Ergonomics32:108-12.

ISS-ISPESL (Istituto Superiore di Sanità - Istituto Superiore per laPrevenzione E la Sicurezza del Lavoro). 2009b. Banca dati ISS-ISPESL - Proprietà tossicologiche dei contaminanti. Available from:http://www.iss.it/binary/suol/cont/prop_toss_Banca_dati_ISS_ISPESL_Maggio_2009.pdf

Johnson P, Ettinger R. 1991. Heuristic model for predicting the intru-sion rate of contaminant vapours into building. Environ. Sci.Technol. 25:1445-52.

Mausacchio C., Sanvito I. 2012. Flux Chamber: study and definition ofthe preparation for the evaluation of the soil emissions. J. Solid.Waste 26:108-14.

Nano G. 2010. Models for the evaluation of the exposures. Ital J MedJobs Ergonomics 32:121-4.

Settimi L., Davanzo F., Marcello I. 2007. National system of overseeingfor the acute poisonings caused by pesticide: observations carriedout in 2005. Reports ISTISAN 2007. Available from:http://www.iss.it/binary/publ/cont/07-51.1203428194.pdf

Tortora A., Sica C., Capobianco R.L. 2005. Workers’ health and safetyinside greenhouses. pp 1-12 in Proc. VIII AIIA Natl. Congr., 27-30,June, Catania, Italy.

US EPA. 1997. Exposure factors handbook. Volume I - General factors,EPA/600/P-95/002Fa. United States Environmental ProtectionAgency, Cincinnati, OH, USA.

Article Statistics

Copyright License

Download Citations

How to Cite

Bianca Mancini. (2024). ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTANTS AND SANITARY RISKS: A STUDY OF FARM WORKER EXPOSURE AND HEALTH IMPACTS. The American Journal of Agriculture and Biomedical Engineering, 6(11), 1–4. Retrieved from https://theamericanjournals.com/index.php/tajabe/article/view/5586