Telangana Farmers Suffer Severe Health Issues Due to Pesticide Exposure, Study Finds

Farmers in Telangana are facing severe health challenges due to overexposure to pesticides, with many afflicted by respiratory diseases, skin irritations, asthma, and even chronic conditions such as Alzheimer’s and cancer, according to a recent study. Conducted by researchers from the Indian Council of Medical Research-National Institute of Nutrition and Osmania University, the study titled Biomonitoring of Pesticide Exposure and Its Health Implications in Agricultural Areas of Telangana, India highlights the alarming impact of pesticide overuse.

The research, published by Elsevier, examined 493 farmers across Telangana, with 341 identified as part of the exposure group and 152 as the control group. Blood and urine tests revealed significantly elevated levels of pesticide residues in exposed farmers, including 28 different types of pesticides. Notably, 11 of these pesticides are classified as highly hazardous by the World Health Organization (WHO) guidelines.

Pesticide overuse has become a prevalent issue, especially among commercial growers who prioritize profit over safety. This has led to unsafe handling practices, lack of awareness regarding risks, and the use of banned chemicals. The exposed farmers were found to have higher levels of dialkyl phosphate (DAP) metabolites, indicating direct pesticide exposure, and lower levels of acetylcholinesterase enzymes, suggesting potential neurological damage.

The study also revealed widespread unsafe practices, such as using bare hands to mix pesticides and improper storage and disposal, which increase the health risks for farmers. Researchers are advocating for the adoption of Integrated Pest Management (IPM) practices, such as using biopesticides, improved seed varieties, and more efficient irrigation and fertilization methods. Additionally, the study calls for regular biomonitoring and the use of personal protective equipment to minimize direct exposure to harmful pesticides.

The findings emphasize the urgent need for better safety regulations and sustainable farming practices to protect the health of farmers in Telangana.

Source: Times of India