Author(s)

Sonchieu Jean^1*, Bitsoga Marie Gracile¹, Ngassoum Martin Benoit²

¹Department of Social Economy and Family Management, Higher Technical Teacher Training College, University of Bamenda, Bamenda, Cameroon.
²Department of Applied Chemistry, ENSAI, University of Ngaoundere, Ngaoundere, Cameroon.

Personal protective equipment is intended to protect worker from risks that cannot be eliminated for more effective safety. This study was aimed at evaluating the type of cloth worn by pesticide users in Foumbot agricultural area (West Region of Cameroon) and to identify signs and symptoms related to pesticides effects on human health. A survey was conducted on seventy (70) farmers randomly selected using a questionnaire made up of closed and opened questions. Specimens of cloth were collected, identified and analyzed for the water and vapor absorbency and permeability. The identification was done by burning and solubility tests. Results showed that no farmer used adequate protective clothing, they all presented many pesticide-related signs and symptoms such as dizziness, skin irritation, eye-watering and breathing difficulties; the permeation of clothes that they wear is high with high vapor and water absorbency capacity; they were made up with Cotton fiber, blended cotton fibre, wool, polyester and polyethylene; a local laminated fabric manufactured with Tri-acetate fiber was identified with great capacity of protection. This study raised inappropriate characteristics of protective materials used by farmers in Foumbot agricultural area. However, a local fabric was identified to have been adapted to pesticide applications and may be promoted after further study on the comfortability.

Pesticides, Personal Protective Equipment, Safety, Health, Farmers

Jean, S. , Gracile, B. and Benoit, N. (2019) Characterization of Personal Clothing Worn by Pesticide Sprayers in Foumbot Agricultural Area (Cameroon). Agricultural Sciences, 10, 1056-1072. doi: 10.4236/as.2019.108080.