Summary
This narrative review by Damalas and Koutroubas, published in Toxics (2016), examines the occupational health risks faced by farmers through pesticide exposure, covering acute and chronic toxicity mechanisms and the principal routes of exposure. The paper surveys evidence on the adequacy of protective behaviours and equipment use among farming populations, and discusses practical and regulatory approaches to minimising harm. It is likely to draw on international literature given the broad framing of the title and the generalist scope of the journal.
UK applicability
Although the review is international in scope, its findings are broadly applicable to UK farming practice and are relevant to UK policy frameworks governing pesticide regulation, occupational health standards, and farmer training requirements under Health and Safety Executive (HSE) guidance.
Key measures
Pesticide toxicity classifications; routes of exposure (dermal, inhalation, ingestion); personal protective equipment (PPE) usage rates; risk reduction strategies
Outcomes reported
The paper reviews the types of pesticide toxicity to which farmers are exposed during application and handling, and examines preventive measures to reduce occupational health risks.
Topic tags
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