Varona_2005_Biomedica_25_377

INTRODUCTION: In Colombia, pesticide exposure has became a public health problem, as the use of these substances continues to increase. OBJECTIVE: The current study accumulated information concerning pesticides used by flower companies in Bogota and Rionegro (Antioquia) that were associated with Asociacion Colombiana de Exportadores de Flores (Asocolflores) in Colombia. MATERIALS AND
METHODS: Eighty-four companies were stratified by geographic location and size. Company and worker information was collected, and for each company, the process of pesticide application and maintenance of the cultivated flowers was carefully observed. Univariate and bivariate, and correlation analyses were applied for data analysis.
RESULTS: Sex of workers was 39.4% male and 60.6% female. Pesticides were grouped into 4 toxicity classes: 14.3% were class I, 14.4% class II, 52.0% class III, and 19.2% class IV. Dithiocarbamates was the group of pesticides more commonly used (11.7%). The equipment most frequently used for pesticide application was the "bomba movil" (92.8%), and the "lanza" (92.9%). Cholinesterase activity measured by the Michel-Aldrige method was the biological marker for exposure to pesticides used in 85.9% of the companies. Recommendations for improvements in their use and for measures to further reduce exposure of workers are made.