Evaluating Health Risks, Economic Costs and Gender Impacts of Pesticide Exposure in Cotton Production

Abstract

The use of substantial amount of pesticides to control pests and disease in cotton production leads to creating an unhealthy working environment for farm workers. Health impacts and costs have different implications for men and women farm workers. The present study explores whether female workers experience higher vulnerability to pesticide residual effects than male farm workers. Cross-sectional data collected from four districts of Punjab, Pakistan were employed to compare the health repercussions, associated costs and determinants of health costs. The health cost function and multiple regression were used to find out the influence of various factors on health cost of male and female workers. Among the prevalent health impacts reported by farm workers commonly include flu/fever, skin irritations, nausea/vomiting and eye irritation. Health problems are more pronounced among pesticide applicators when compared with women workers and non-applicators. An evaluation of earnings per hour associated with pesticide exposure underscores a significant disparity among farm workers. Women cotton pickers earn roughly half of what pesticide applicators earn, and their earnings stand at less than four times those of non-applicators. Determinants of health cost include education, the use of PPE, access to healthcare facilities, duration of pesticide exposure and regional disparities, with a few exceptions. This study offers valuable guidance to policymakers to mitigate the health impacts of pesticide exposure among farm workers.