Browsing by Autor "Rafael Cervantes"

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    Genetic Alterations in Pesticide Exposed Bolivian Farmers An evaluation by analysis of chromosomal aberrations and the comet assay
    (SAGE Publishing, 2007) Erik Jørs; Ana Rosa Gonzáles; Maria Eugenia Ascarrunz; Noemí Tirado; Catharina Takahashi; Erika Lafuente; Raquel Alves dos Santos; Natalia Bailón; Rafael Cervantes; Omar Huici
    Background Pesticides are of concern in Bolivia because of increasing use. Frequent intoxications have been demonstrated due to use of very toxic pesticides, insufficient control of distribution and sale and little knowledge among farmers of protective measures and hygienic procedures. Method Questionnaires were applied and blood tests taken from 81 volunteers from La Paz County, of whom 48 were pesticide exposed farmers and 33 non-exposed controls. Sixty males and 21 females participated with a mean age of 37.3 years (range 17–76). Data of exposure and possible genetic damage were collected and evaluated by well known statistical methods, controlling for relevant confounders. To measure genetic damage chromosomal aberrations and the comet assay analysis were performed. Results Pesticide exposed farmers had a higher degree of genetic damage compared to the control group. The number of chromosomal aberrations increased with the intensity of pesticide exposure. Females had a lower number of chromosomal aberrations than males, and people living at altitudes above 2500 metres seemed to exhibit more DNA damage measured by the comet assay. Conclusions Bolivian farmers showed signs of genotoxic damage, probably related to exposure to pesticides. Due to the potentially negative long term health effects of genetic damage on reproduction and the development of cancer, preventive measures are recommended. Effective control with imports and sales, banning of the most toxic pesticides, education and information are possible measures, which could help preventing the negative effects of pesticides on human health and the environment.
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    Is Gender a Risk Factor for Pesticide Intoxications Among Farmers in Bolivia? A Cross-Sectional Study
    (Taylor & Francis, 2013) Erik Jørs; Jasmin Hay-Younes; Madelaine A. Condarco; Guido Condarco; Rafael Cervantes; Omar Huici; Jesper Bælum
    This study compares gender differences regarding knowledge, practice, and symptoms of intoxication when handling pesticides in farming. Data were gathered in La Paz County, Bolivia, in 2008 and 2009. Poor knowledge on safe handling, hazardous working practices, and use of very toxic pesticides were seen. Being a female and having a low educational level were risk factors for "poor knowledge on pesticides" and a "risky behavior when handling pesticides." Females reported more symptoms of intoxication. The gender differences on knowledge and handling practices might explain why females report more symptoms. To minimize this gap, education and agricultural services should be made more accessible to female farmers in Bolivia.