Pesticides Exposure and Biological Monitoring of Ache Activity among Commercial Farm Workers in Tanzania: A Case of Tea Estates

This study was conducted in three Tea companies in Tanzania. The survey was done to determine the extent of occupational pesticide exposures, injuries and diseases in line with blood test to determine cholinesterase inhibiting substances in the blood samples. Blood samples were taken from 96 spray men, randomly selected from each company. Data on pesticides risk and exposure assessment were collected through personal and face-to-face interview using structured interview schedule, observations and focus group discussion. Simple descriptive statistics were used in the analysis using Statistical Package for Social Science (SPSS) computer software. The Acetyl cholinesterase Test mate photometric analyser kit (RBC) was used to test the cholinesterase inhibiting substances in the blood sample of selected spray men. The exposure rate was found to be 30.7 %. Spray men tested for AchE were found to be highly exposed and their blood test fell below the borderline of 24.5u/ghgb. On the other hand, at least 32.4 % have occupational pesticides diseases, namely, Headache, Skin irritation, Strong flue, Chest pain, and Coughing, while the rest are under pesticides environment. The survey established that majority of workers in tea companies use pesticides out of ignorance. They cannot associate health problems with pesticides use and exposure. Moreover, there are no proper technical advice/training given to workers on the proper use of pesticides and pesticides safety. Most workers do not take serious note on pesticide safety, coupled with improper use of PPEs, despite efforts of awareness creation on safety precaution using posters on almost every notes board of the companies. It is recommended that special pesticides safe use action need to be developed in tea companies. They should develop job rotations programs as well to minimize exposure among farmers directly working under pesticides. Likewise, enforcement mechanisms need to be established to non compliance of safety practices and PPE use including termination of contracts on non compliance to safety precautions. On the other hand, workers need to be exposed to pesticides safe use and handling training as well as identification of pesticides exposure symptoms. Periodic and ad hock inspection of workers need to be effected by designated national authorities on occupational health and safety.