Variáveis de exposição de lactantes e lactentes a agrotóxicos na região das Missões, RS

Abstract

Agricultural production in Brazil makes use of large amounts of pesticides to ensure productivity. The Missões Region, in the state of Rio Grande do Sul, is characterized by having an essentially agricultural economy and, as a result, makes use of several pesticides. Considering the growing consumption of these substances, and especially the sensitivity in the children's age group, the present study aims to verify the forms of exposure of infants to pesticides in the municipalities of the Missions Region, RS. This study has a cross-sectional design, of quantitative approach, with descriptive and explanatory scope. The participants were infants aged up to two and a half years who live in the municipalities. A data collection instrument was used, standardized for the mothers of the infants, by the research team. The project was approved by the Research Ethics Committee of the Universidade Federal da Fronteira Sul (UFFS). The data were analyzed using the R software. The study had the participation of 107 mothers, with 50 (46.7%) mothers from rural areas and 57 (53.3%) mothers from urban areas. The age of the mothers ranged from 18 to 40 years. Among the rural mothers, 46% reported spraying the inside of their homes with insecticides, and 57.9% reported spraying the inside of their homes in the urban area. It was found that 25 (50%) mothers in rural areas reported the use of pesticides on their property, with three (12%) mothers preparing the pesticide and four (16%) mothers applying the pesticide. The compounds used on the properties are predominantly used in farming. Finally, this study is expected to contribute to the discussion of maternal and child health of the population exposed to pesticides and the impacts of these compounds on the environment.