Household pesticide use: attitudes, behaviors, and health risks

Year 2024, Volume: 8 Issue: 4, 846 - 854

Viera Peterkova , Ivan Ilko

https://doi.org/10.31015/jaefs.2024.4.13

Abstract

The main objective of the scientific study was to determine the level of use and attitudes toward the use of pesticides designed for domestic use. Pesticides, intentionally released toxic substances, have the potential to cause adverse health effects even at very low exposure levels, including hormonal disorders, asthma, allergies, and cancer. The rate of pesticide usage and attitudes toward pesticides in the home were measured through an online questionnaire that was completed by a total of 250 respondents. Based on the data collected, we found that the majority of respondents use pesticides in their homes to control insects. The questions in the questionnaire were focused on the respondents' practices in handling, application, storage, disposal, and purchasing of pesticides. Exposure to pesticides can result in mild symptoms, such as vomiting, through to more severe consequences like cancer. Despite the risks associated with pesticide use, regulatory measures are in place; however, misuse often stems from improper storage and disposal practices. We found that gender did not influence safe pesticide handling behavior, although women exhibited more responsible behaviour in purchasing, storing, and disposing of pesticides. Compared to men, women had a higher overall mean score for attitude towards pesticides and thus approached pesticides more responsibly than men. We examined differences in pesticide handling behaviour between urban and rural residents. Based on the data collected, we found that attitudes towards pesticides of urban and rural dwellers are not different. Through the statistical analysis, we concluded that respondents' attitudes towards pesticides influence safe behaviour in purchasing, handling, storage, and disposal of pesticides. The more positive the respondents' attitude toward pesticides, the more responsible their attitude towards pesticides.

Keywords

Pesticides, Attitude, Behaviour, Household, Safety, Enviroment

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