STUDI TENTANG PENGGUNAAN PESTISIDA DAN PENGARUHNYA TERHADAP KESEHATAN MASYARAKAT PETANI SAYURAN DI KABUPATEN REJANG LEBONG

Long term negative effect of pesticides on vegetable farmers' health needs to be studied. Research was conducted to evaluate the effect of pesticides on the farmers' health status in Kabupaten Rejang Lebong, Bengkulu, which in turn will be used to develop regulation on pesticides application. One hundred of active farmers were evaluated their pesticides handling in the field and their health status based on their feeling, urine and blood test. The results showed that the respondents have knowledge in handling of the pesticides at home. However, application in the field hardly exposing the farmers to pesticides due to negligence not using protective cloths, such as glasses, masker and gloves. In result, more than 50% of the farmers, in combination, felt tired, muscle cramps, dry throat, shortness of breath, headache, dizzy and other digestive system. Clinical test confirmed that health problems such as heart and kidney deterioration were encountered among the farmers. Unfortunately there was not yet available regulation on pesticides trade and application developed by Pemda Rejang Lebong