Pesticide risk perception and use of personal protective equipment among young and old cotton growers in northern Greece

Abstract:

Conventionally grown cotton receives many pesticide treatments each year, but protective measures of growers during pesticide handling may vary considerably. A survey to cotton growers was conducted in northern Greece to study the perception risk to pesticide and the use of personal protective equipment in young (below 35 years old) and old (above 50 years old) growers. Both groups showed high acceptability about using pesticides, considering them necessary for high yield, product quality and pest management for cotton in Greece. Young growers revealed higher levels of risk perception due to adverse effects of pesticide on users' health than old growers, who felt that pesticides are safe if used according to the manufacturer's instructions and less hazardous compared with other farming activities. Moreover, young growers showed higher levels of adoption of pest management practices related to Integrated Pest Management (IPM) than old growers. Hat and boots were the most commonly used protective items, but most of both growers groups reported low frequency of use for gloves, goggles, face mask, coveralls, and respirator. The use of these items was considerably lower particularly for the old than for the young growers; the respirator was not used at all. Old growers showed worryingly low use of some protective items, which were more frequently used by young growers.