Analysis of Trends of the Types of Pesticide Used,Residues and Related Factors among Farmers in the Largest Vegetable Producing Area in the Philippines

The objective of study is to provide an analysis of data trends on the type of pesticideused, exposure factors, and the pesticide-related concerns among the farmers from 2005 to2010 in one of the largest vegetable producing areas in the Philippines. This is todetermine and analyze changes that have occurred for the last five years in order toprovide necessary basis in promoting safe usage of pesticides. It is shown in the studiesthat the most commonly used type of pesticide was Tamaron (methamidophos) which is anorganophosphate. The top five pesticide-related symptoms confirm findings in otherstudies. The risk factors to pesticide exposure were also identified in the reviewedstudies such as improper mixing and loading of pesticides, and re-entering previouslysprayed area. Pesticide residues were also found in vegetables, soil and water samples.This points to environmental contamination due to pesticide. It is suggested thatgovernment agencies implement programs on monitoring, surveillance, informationdissemination, and training on proper use of pesticides, and seek alternative farming suchas organically grown vegetables, or use of integrated pest management as well as goodagricultural practices.