An Undergraduate Thesis presented during the Philippine Association of State Universities and Colleges-Region VI Student Research Symposium held at Iloilo City, Philippines on February 2013.

1. 1
PRACTICES AND KNOWLEDGE ON ENVIRONMENTAL AND
HEALTH HAZARDS OF FARM PESTICIDE USE
Kenneth D. Barrientos
AKLAN STATE UNIVERSITY-IBAJAY CAMPUS
College of Hospitality and Rural Resource Management
Ibajay, Aklan

2. 1
PRACTICES AND KNOWLEDGE ON ENVIRONMENTAL AND
HEALTH HAZARDS OF FARM PESTICIDE USE
Kenneth D. Barrientos
ABSTRACT
The study was conducted to find out the practices and knowledge on
environmental and health hazards on farm pesticide use by rice farmers in the
seven agricultural barangays in the Municipality of Ibajay, Aklan. Data were
collected from the 99 rice farmers and 76 barangay officials from January to
February 2013 using an interview schedule translated in the Aklanon dialect to
elicit information.
Results showed that the respondents were mostly males, 43 years old,
married, and finished secondary education. Most of the farmers were landowners
with an average size of 1 ha. irrigated farmland. They had participated in local
governance and members of associations. All farmers used insecticides to
control rice pests. Most of them safely applied pesticides using knapsack
sprayer, wore long-sleeves, long pants and face mask. They stored pesticides
safely by burying empty pesticide containers and some were burned.
Farmers acquired their knowledge on pesticides from the Agricultural
Technologists of LGU Ibajay assigned in the municipality. The health problems
experienced associated with pesticide mishandling were skin rashes, redness of
skin, discoloration of toe nails, shortness of breath, vomiting, itching of eyes ,and
blurred vision. Generally, farmers had knowledge on the environmental and
health hazards of pesticides.
Keywords: Pesticides knowledge, Practices, Environmental hazards, Health
hazards, Pesticide use

3. 2
INTRODUCTION
Pesticides are important agricultural input used to eliminate pests and
ensure increase rice production. However, studies shows that the unsystematic
use of pesticides had resulted to ecological imbalances of farming system,
worsening pest problems and creating harmful effects on environment and
human health (Oczon, 2012; Rola and Pingali, 1993). Kedia and Palis (2008)
revealed that the farmers lack of awareness and limited knowledge on the
dangers of using pesticides were due to their difficulties to comprehend the
complex agrochemical label instructions and health safety information of the use
of pesticides.
Rice farming is one of the major sources of income in the municipality of
Ibajay, Aklan. Ibajay has a total population of 45,279 (Census of population and
Housing, 2010) with 25 barangays engaged in rice farming. Most of the farmers
attended trainings and seminars in rice production. However, increased
production was given much attention rather than health and safety of farmers on
the use of pesticides. Hence, this study attempted to examine the practices and
knowledge of rice farmers on environmental and health hazards due to pesticide
use.
Statement of the Problem
The study aimed to determine the practices and knowledge on
environmental and health hazards of pesticide use in the municipality of Ibajay.
Specifically, the study aimed to answer the following questions:
1. What is the socio-demographic and economic profile of the respondents in
terms of age, gender, educational attainment, marital status, number of
children, number of years in farming, total area of farmland, type of farm,
ownership of land, source of farm input, average rice production per
cropping, and participation in local governance and associations?
2. What are the kinds of pesticides used by the farmers?
3. What are the practices adopted in handling, application, and disposal of
farm pesticides?
4. What are the sources of knowledge on pesticides?
5. What are the symptoms associated with mishandling pesticides?
6. What is the knowledge of the respondents on the environmental and
health hazards of using pesticides?

4. 3
METHODS
Research Design
The study used descriptive-survey method. The design described the
characteristics or behavior of the respondents.
Locale of the Study
The municipality of Ibajay has 35 barangays and only seven barangays
were selected in the study considering the (a) highest hectarage of irrigated fields
and (b) highest number of registered farmers. These barangays were Agbago,
Aquino, Batuan, Laguinbanwa, Maloco, Naile, and Naisud.
Respondents of the Study
The respondents of the study were the 99 rice farmers and 76 barangay
officials of the seven barangays (Table 1).
Table 1. Number of respondents
Barangays
Population
(N)
Sample size
1.Agbago 126 13
Brgy. Officials 11 11
2. Aquino 132 13
Brgy. Officials 11 11
3. Batuan 120 12
Brgy. Officials 11 11
4. Laguinbanwa 130 13
Brgy. Officials 11 11
5. Maloco 136 14
Brgy. Officials 11 11

5. 4
Table 1. Continued…
6. Naile 174 17
Brgy. Officials 11 11
7. Naisud 174 17
Brgy. Officials 10 10
Total 992 99 76
Sampling Techniques
The sampling technique used in the study was the stratified/proportionate
random sampling with a random start.
Research Instrument
An interview schedule was used to get the needed information from the 99
farmers and 76 barangay officials. The interview schedule was translated in the
Aklanon language to be easily understood by the respondents. Most questions
asked were based from the United States Environmental Protection Agency
(1991) regarding safe pesticide use.
Data Gathering Procedure
The researcher secured an approved letter from the Municipal Mayor of
Ibajay to administer the interview schedule. Assistance from the Barangay
Captains were also solicited prior to the conduct of the interview.
Data Analysis Procedure
Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics such as frequency count,
percent, rank and mean.

6. 5
RESULTS AND DISCUSSION
Socio-Demographic and Economic Profile of the Respondents
Age. Almost 50 percent of the respondents were young adults with mean
age of 43 years old indicating middle age.
Gender. Most (83 percent) of the respondents were males and only 17
percent were females.
Civil Status. Most or 80 percent of the respondents were married.
Educational attainment. Nearly 50 percent of the respondents finished
secondary education and tertiary education. This indicates that they can read
and comprehend the labels and instructions in the containers of pesticides.
Number of children. The result of the study showed that farmers had 3-4
children.
Number of years in farming. Farmers were working on the field for
nearly 31 years while a few of them had 21-25 years farming experience.
Source of farm input. Almost all the respondents had loans from
relatives and lenders as source of farm inputs for farming activities.
Average rice production per cropping. The study showed that 36
percent of the farmers harvested between 21- 35 cavans per cropping and only
very few farmers harvested between 36-50 cavans. This is a low harvest
considering the average of 1 hectare of farmland.
Hectares. Almost half of the respondents (47 percent) were farming one
hectare of riceland, followed by 28 percent farming half hectare and 13 percent
farming 1.5-2 hectares, respectively.
Land Ownership. Majority (63 percent) of the farmers were tenants and
only 37 percent farm owners.
Seminars attended. Most of the respondents (77 percent) had attended
seminars on the proper handling of pesticides while few (23 percent) had never
attended at all.

7. 6
Table 2. Socio-Demographic and Economic Profile of the Respondents
Profile Number Percent
Demographics
Age*
15-24 years (Young) 38 21.71
25-40 years (Young adult) 82 46.86
41-64 years (Middle adult) 50 28.57
65-above years (Adult) 5 2.86
Total 175 100.00
Mean Age = 43 years old
Gender
Male 146 83.43
Female 29 16.57
Total 175 100.00
Civil Status
Single 24 13.71
Married 150 85.71
Widow 1 0.57
Total 175 100.00
Highest Educational Attainment
Elementary 23 13.14
Secondary 78 44.57
Tertiary 74 42.29
Total 175 100.0
Number of Children
None 34 19.43
1-2 37 21.14
3-4 65 37.14
5-6 35 20.00
7-above 4 2.29
Total 175 100.0
Number of Years in Farming
1-5 years 19 15.08
6-10 years 15 11.90
11-15 years 13 10.32
16-20 years 23 18.25
21-25 years 14 11.11

8. 7
Table 2. Continued…
26-30 years 18 14.29
31-above years 24 19.05
Total 126 100.0
Socio-Economic
Source of Farm Input
Salary/Honoraria 16 12.70
Loans 59 46.83
Personal 51 40.48
Total 126 100.00
Average Rice Production/cropping
6-20 cavans 39 30.95
21-35 cavans 46 36.51
36-50 cavans 5 3.97
51-65 cavans 8 6.35
66-80 cavans 11 8.73
81-up cavans 17 13.49
Total 126 100.00
Hectares of Farmland
0.5 hectare 35 27.78
1 hectare 59 46.83
1.5 hectares 16 12.70
2 hectares and above 16 12.70
Total 126 100.00
Land Ownership
Farmer/owner 47 37.30
Tenant 79 62.70
Total 126 100.00
Type of Farming
Irrigated 72 57.14
Rainfed 54 42.86
Total 126 100.00
Seminar Attended
Have Attended 97 76.98
Not Attended 29 23.02
Total 126 100.00

9. 8
Kinds of Pesticide Used
Table 3 shows the different kinds of pesticide applied by the respondents.
It showed that all of them applied insecticides on the field (rank 1) followed by
molluscicides. Only 69 among them used fungicides (rank 4).
Table 3. Kinds of pesticides used by the respondents.
Kinds of Pesticides use* Number Rank
Insecticides 126 1
Molluscicides 118 2
Rodenticides 84 3
Fungicides 69 4
*multiple response
Practices on Pesticide Handling, Storage, Application and Disposal
Pesticide handling and storage practices. Table 4 shows the different
practices of handling and storage of pesticide containers by the respondents. Out
of the total 126 respondents, 115 of them separates pesticides from groceries
(rank 1) followed by keeping it away from the reach of children (rank 2). Only 56
of them do not stored pesticides together with any volatile materials to avoid the
chance of explosion or fire.
Table 4. Handling and storage of pesticide containers by the respondents.
Handling of Pesticides* Number Rank
 Bagging pesticides away from groceries 115 1
 Storing pesticides in locked and labeled
cabinets
93 4
 Putting pesticides on its original
containers
101 3
 Storing pesticides separately from other
volatile materials
56 7

10. 9
Table 4. Continued…
 Keeping storage area dry and well
ventilated
81 5
 Keeping pesticides away from children’s
reach
102 2
 Stored pesticides with intact and readable
labels
79 6
*multiple responses
Methods of pesticide application. Most farmers were spraying
pesticides using the recommended knapsack sprayer (Piston-pump knapsack
sprayer) which ranked first (Table 5). However, there were still respondents that
practiced broadcasting of granular insecticides.
Table 5. Methods of pesticide application by the respondents.
Methods of Application* Number Rank
Using Knapsack Sprayer 114 1
Broadcasting 21 2
Pesticide disposal practices. Table 6 indicates the farmers’ disposal
practices of empty pesticide containers. Majority of the farmers buried their
empty pesticide containers on the ground near their houses at a depth of 1-2
meters (ranked 1). Some farmers reported that they burned the containers (rank
2); left the containers in the field (rank 3), and few threw it away in the garbage or
anywhere else. The practices indicate that some farmers are less cautious on the
effects pesticide in the environment.
Table 6. Disposal practices of empty containers by the respondents.
Disposal Practices* Number Rank
Garbage bins 7 4
Burying in the soil 104 1
Left in the field 33 3
Table 6. Continued…

11. 10
Burning 36 2
Washing and reusing at home 1 5
Thrown in the river 1 5
Thrown anywhere 1 5
Protective Gears Worn by the Respondents
Nearly half of the farmers wore protective gears like wearing long-sleeved
shirt, face mask and long pants (Table 7). This was followed by those wearing
hat with brim, face mask, long-sleeved shirt, rubber gloves and long pants.
However, others never wear any protective gears when spraying pesticides.
Table 7. Protective gears worn by the respondents.
Protective gears worn Number Percent
 Complete protective clothing (Hat with brim,
goggles, face mask, long-sleeved shirt, rubber
gloves, protective boots, and long pants)
3 2.38
 Hat with brim, face mask, long-sleeved shirt,
rubber gloves and long pants
32 25.40
 Hat with brim, face mask, long-sleeved shirt,
rubber gloves, protective boots, long pants
9 7.14
 Long-sleeved shirt, rubber gloves, long pants 14 11.11
 Face mask, long-sleeved shirt, long pants 57 45.24
 Hat with brim, long-sleeved shirt and long
pants
8 6.35
 No protective gears 3 2.48

12. 11
Table 7. Continued…
Total 126 100.00
Sources of Knowledge on Pesticide Use
Table 8 indicates the farmers’ sources of knowledge on the use of
pesticides. The most common source of information came from the Agricultural
Technologists of LGU-Ibajay assigned in the barangay (rank 1). This was
followed by personal experience through the years of farming (rank 2). Few
others reported that it came from pesticide dealers.
Table 8. Sources of pesticide knowledge by the respondents.
Sources* Number Rank
Through experience 67 2
From specialist 19 4
Agricultural Technologists 68 1
Product label 52 3
Pesticide dealers 13 5
*multiple responses
Symptoms Associated with Mishandling Pesticides
The respondents reported that they had experienced dermal symptoms
brought about by the mishandling of pesticides (Table 9). These symptoms
include skin rashes, redness of skin, and blackening of toe nails. Some also
experienced respiratory problem like coughing and shortness of breath.
In terms of neurological problems, it was reported that they experienced
headaches (rank 1) and fatigue (rank 2). Gastrointestinal problem was exhibited
by vomiting and salivation. There were also reports that some farmers had
ophthalmic problems like itching of the eyes and blurred vision. Few famers
admitted that they suffered abdominal pain after spraying pesticides.

13. 12
Table 9. Symptoms associated with mishandling pesticides.
Symptoms* Number Rank
Dermal
 Skin rashes 91 1
 Redness of skin 44 2
 Excessive sweating 18 3
 Blackening of the toe nails 3 4
Respiratory
 Coughing 21 1
 Shortness of breath 12 2
Neurological
 Headache 65 1
 Fatigue 21 2
Gastrointestinal
 Vomiting 10 1
 Salivation 4 2
Ophthalmic
 Eye itching 44 1
 Vision disturbance (temporary
blurredness)
15 2
Systemic
 Abdominal pain 11 1
*multiple responses
Knowledge on the Environmental and Health Hazards of Pesticide Use
Table 10 summarizes the responses of the respondents on environmental
and health hazards associated with pesticide use.
Hazards on soil. Majority or 63 percent of the respondents agreed that
pesticide causes soil’s acidification, compaction and decreased quality brought
about by continuous use of pesticide. Only 37 percent of the farmers had no idea
about the hazardous effect of pesticides. This shows that many of them are
aware of the ill-effects of pesticides on soil.

14. 13
Hazards on air. Majority (70 percent) of the respondents were
knowledgeable on the pesticide hazards on air like pollution, acid rain build-up,
etc. Few (30 percent) had no idea at all.
Hazards on water. Majority or 63 percent of the respondents agreed that
continuous use of pesticide will contaminate bodies of water responsible for
pollution, affects ground water through leaching, etc. Thirty-seven percent
disagreed to the idea on the hazardous effect of pesticides on water.
Hazards on humans and living organisms. Majority or 65 percent of the
respondents affirmed that continuous use of pesticide could kill human and other
non-target living organisms. It also creates pest resistance. Only 35 percent had
no idea on the hazards posed on humans and other living organisms.
Table 10. Knowledge on environmental and health hazards of pesticide use.
Hazards
Responses
Yes % No %
Environmental Hazards
Hazards on Soil
 Toxic chemicals harm earthworms
and soil microbes.
140 80.00 35 20.00
 Excess toxic chemicals accumulates
in soil
127 72.57 48 27.43
 Pesticides accumulate on soil but
harmful to crops.
104 59.43 71 40.57
 Pesticides affects the acidity of the
soil
108 61.71 67 38.29
 Soil became compacted
102 58.29 73 41.71
 Pesticide decreases the soil quality
121 69.14 54 30.86
 Pesticides prevent higher water
retention.
75 42.86 100 57.14
Average 111.00 63.43 64.00 36.57

15. 14
Table 10. Continued...
Hazards on Air
 Pesticides contribute to air
pollution.
153 87.43 22.00 12.57
 With pesticides use, disease could
occur.
143 81.71 32.00 18.29
 Pesticides contribute to acid rain
buildup.
96 54.86 79.00 45.14
 Pesticides affect the ozone layer.
98 56.00 77.00 44.00
Average 122.50 70.00 52.50 30.00
Hazards on Water
 Pesticide residues contaminate
bodies of water.
158 90.29 17 9.71
 Pesticide is responsible for water
pollution.
139 79.43 36 20.57
 Pesticide contributes to the
proliferation of algae.
59 33.71 116 66.29
 Groundwater could be affected by
pesticide leaching
111 63.43 64 36.57
 Pesticides can accumulate on the
bottom sediments of rivers, lakes,
streams, etc.
86 49.14 89 50.86
Average 110.60 63.20 64.40 36.80
Health Hazards
Hazards on Humans and Living Organisms
 Pesticides can kill birds, insects
and others.
148 84.57 27 15.43
 Pesticides could affect nontarget
organisms.
100 57.14 75 42.86
 Pesticides can accumulate on the
body of organisms.
101 57.71 74 42.29
 Pesticides can create pest
resistance.
106 60.57 69 39.43

16. 15
Table 10. Continued...
 Pesticides affect the food sources
of human and animals.
118 67.43 57 32.57
 Pesticides can lead to the migration
of animals.
111 63.43 64 36.57
 Pesticides can cause abnormalities
on human and animals.
121 69.14 54 30.86
 Pesticides could enter the human
body through skin, inhalation or
ingestion.
105 60.00 70 40.00
Average 113.75 65.00 61.25 35.00
CONCLUSIONS
1. Farmers were in their middle age, had secondary education, and married.
They were tenant-farmers for 30 years farming with 1 hectare with an
average production of 35 cavans. They also undergone seminars on rice
farming but had limited knowledge on the proper handling and application
of pesticides.
2. All the farmers used insecticides to control pests in rice.
3. Farmers sprayed pesticides using knapsack sprayer, wore protective
clothing, stored pesticide in safe places, and buried empty containers near
their houses.
4. Farmers had knowledge on the proper use of pesticides like handling,
storage, application, and disposal of empty containers.
5. Farmers got the knowledge and information on the proper use of
pesticides from the Agricultural Technologists of LGU-Ibajay.
6. Several symptoms were exhibited by farmers’ exposure to pesticides such
as vomiting, itching of eyes and abdominal pains.
7. Farmers were knowledgeable about the ill effects of pesticides on soils, air
and water including on humans and other living organisms.

17. 16
RECOMMENDATIONS
1. Farmers should be given continuous follow-up on training or seminars on
the proper use of pesticides.
2. Technical assistance through the conduct of training and seminars on
organic farming or Integrated Pest management (IPM) should be given to
farmers to minimize the use of pesticides.
3. Information, Education and Communication (IEC) materials such as
videos, leaflets, flyers, comics, brochures should be made available to
farmers emphasizing the proper use of pesticides for environment and
health protection.

18. 17
LITERATURE CITED
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for Private and Commercial Applicators. Revised. pp 7-93 Available at
http://www.aglearn.net/resources/resUse/pestAppMeths.pdf. Date
retrieved: December 4, 2012.
Indira Devi, P. (2009). Health Risk Perceptions, Awareness and Handling
Behaviour of Pesticides by Farm Workers in Kerala. Agricultural
Economics Research Review Vol. 22 July-December 2009 pp 263-268.
Available at http://www.dec.ny.gov/docs/pm6.pdf. Date retrieved:
December 6, 2012
Kedia, Satish K. and F.G. Palis (2008). Health Effects of Pesticide Exposure
among Filipino Rice Farmers. The Anthropologist, 8: pp 4-15.Available at
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4. Date retrieved: December 4, 2012
Rola, A.C. and Pingali, P.L. (1993) Pesticides, Rice Productivity and Farmers’
Health: An Economic Assessment, International, Rice Research Institute,
Manila, Philippines and World Resources Institute, Washington, DC, USA.
Available at http://books.google.com.ph/Pesticides, Rice Productivity, &
Farmers' Health: An Economic Assessment. Date retrieved: December 4,
2012.
http://www.census.gov.ph/sites/default/files/attachments/hsd/pressrelease/Weste
rn%20Visayas.pdf. Date retrieved: January 12, 2013