Pesticide Contamination in Blood of Vegetable Farmers is Associated with Age, Pre-Harvest Interval, and Risk Behaviors

Pesticides are commonly used in commercial agriculture. Organophosphates (OPPs) are one of the most imported pesticides in Thailand. OPP contamination in the human body is inversely determined by acetylcholinesterase (AChE) levels in blood circulation. Multiple factors determine OPP bioaccumulation in the human body. This present study aimed to investigate the association between levels of knowledge, behaviors, and personal characteristics of vegetable farmers with levels of pesticide contamination in the farmers' blood. Participants in this descriptive cross-sectional study were 219 vegetable farmers from Maha Sarakham province, Thailand using questionnaires on knowledge and behaviors on pesticide uses; and personal characteristics data. The level of blood AChE was measured by a reactive paper test kit. Association between each factor was analyzed by c2 tests with a significant level at P < 0.05. Results show that the levels of pesticide contamination in 219 vegetable farmers were significantly associated with age and pre-harvest interval. The risk levels of behaviors were also significantly associated with the levels of pesticide contamination (not reading labels and instructions, mixing pesticides with bare hands, not checking the wind direction during spraying, and not wearing correctly. In conclusion, levels of OPP contamination are associated with advancing age, pre-harvest interval (PHI), and risky behaviors. Close monitoring of these factors in vegetable farmers should be implemented.