PERCEPÇÃO DOS PRODUTORES RURAIS QUANTO AO USO DE AGROTÓXICOS

The use of pesticides in Brazil has brought serious consequences, both for the environment and for the health of rural workers. Thus, the present study aimed to carry out an exploratory study in order to investigate whether the producers of Cuncas District in Clay County, Ceará, are using pesticides correctly. Fieldwork took place in November/2014 and March and April/2015, which was applied a semi-structured questionnaire to 30 farmers seeking to collect socioeconomic information (education), information on agricultural work (acreage, main crops) and specific information on the use of pesticides (agronomic prescription, guidance for handling, used clothing, opinions on the use of pesticides). It was found that most of the farmers do not understand the information regarding the label and agronomic prescription, and do not store pesticides properly, do not use environmental protection equipment and so some producers are contaminated. It is concluded that farmers do not use pesticides correctly and prone to contamination and consequent health problems.