PESTICIDE USE AND RISK PERCEPTIONS FOR HUMAN HEALTH AND THE ENVIRONMENT: A CASE STUDY OF ALGERIAN FARMERS

peer reviewedIn Algeria, market gardeners consider the use of pesticides as necessary to manage pests, diseases and weeds during cultivation under greenhouses, in an effort to reduce or eliminate yield losses and maintain a high level of productivity. Despite their popularity and extensive use, pesticides may pose a significant threat to human health and the environment. The purpose of this study is to evaluate market gardeners’ practices and attitudes with regard to pesticide use and to assess the impact of pesticides on human health and the environment. A survey was carried out in Ain Naga (East Ziban) and Doucen (Ziban West). 96 vegetable farmers randomly selected were interviewed from October 2016 to December 2017. The survey revealed that a total of 143 pesticide products were used by farmers surveyed, representing 70 different active substances. According to CLP classification, the majority of active substances have an acute and/or chronic effects for human health and could cause great harm for ecosystems and target and non-target organisms. According to the WHO classification, four actives substances are considered as highly (WHO class Ib) and one extremely (WHO class Ia) hazardous. However, exposure is particularly critical for abamectin (WHO class Ib), since it is the most commonly used by the majority of farmers (79%). Over 60% of the farmers use pesticides lack knowledge and risk perceptions. More than 50% of the farmers presented safety issues when spraying pesticides. While 72% of the farmers encountered at least one symptom of severe poisoning due to pesticide use. Market gardeners are highly exposed to a wide range of pesticides, with a potential effect on their health