IMPACT OF PESTICIDE USE ON HORTICULTURE FAMILY HEALTH IN THE REGION OF

Farmers have in agriculture of Lagoa Seca, Paraíba State, Brazil, the main economic activity of the region, with highlight to horticulture. This type of activity occupies important social role, because part of the hand absorbs-of-work place. The management of agriculture in the region leaves the soil completely exhausted, being necessary the intensive use of fertilizers and agrochemical, making the horticulturists susceptible to contamination and diseases. The research was performed in the period between march 2006 to march 2008 in the communities: Alvinho, Lagoa Gravatá, Gruta Funda and Oiti in of Lagoa Seca city. The sampling universe consisted of 21 properties and 115 workers. In the research was carried out the following procedures: an epidemiological survey clinical and laboratory of the health of horticulturists. In this perspective was carried out a diagnosis of field of study aimed to raise the degree of contamination of natural resources (water and soil). Whereas the data gathered, confirm the negative effects of agricultural activity in natural systems of the region, being quite influenced both by pesticides as fertilisers used in vegetables. Whereas the data gathered, confirm the negative effects of agricultural activity in natural systems of the region, being quite influenced both by pesticides as fertilisers used in vegetables. Considering the results presented one can conclude that the inadequate management of pesticide use, lack of protective equipment and exposure to toxic chemicals, cause undesirable effects in farm workers.