RISK FACTORS RELATED TO RURAL WORKERS EXPOSED TO PESTICIDES IN BRAZIL: AN INTEGRATIVE REVIEW

Aim: This study aimed to identify the health risk factors for rural workers exposed to pesticides. Methods: The research was organized in three stages, beginning with the definition of the study topic, rural workers exposed to pesticides, followed by a search for articles on the subject in scientific databases, after which the studies that met the previously defined inclusion/exclusion criteria were selected. The data was organized as follows: socio-demographic profile, occupational exposure, and safety practices of rural workers. Results: Twenty-four articles were eligible for inclusion in this integrative review. The studies focused on original studies on the health or safety of rural workers exposed to pesticides in Brazil. Rio Grande do Sul had the highest number of studies and the southeast was the region that presented studies from all four of its states, Minas Gerais, Espírito Santo, Rio de Janeiro, and São Paulo. Low schooling, inadequate safety practices (low adherence to personal protective equipment (PPE) use, inadequate handling, application and storage, purchase of pesticide without agronomic prescription), lack of knowledge about pesticides, and prolonged exposure were predominant in agricultural activities with pesticide exposure and were identified as factors associated with worker health problems. Conclusion: Therefore, to mitigate the adverse effects of pesticides, an integrated approach is needed that involves health surveillance and promotion programs, training and support of qualified professionals, and strict regulation, guaranteeing the protection of rural workers and their families.