AES Bioflux, 2015, Volume 7, Issue 1. http://www.aes.bioflux.com.ro 90 AES BIOFLUX Advances in Environmental Sciences- International Journal of the Bioflux Society Pesticide use among farmers in Mindanao, Southern Philippines 1 Ian C. J. Perez, 1 Chielo M. Gooc, 1 Jilliane R. Cabili, 1 Marlo J. P. Rico, 1 Michelle S. Ebasan, 1 Monaliza J. G. Zaragoza, 1 Aileen F. S. Redondo, 2 Ronaldo R. Orbita, 1 Maria L. D. G. Lacuna 1 Department of Biological Sciences, College of Science and Mathematics, Mindanao State University-Iligan Institute of Technology, Andres Bonifacio Avenue, Iligan City 9200, Philippines; 2 Department of Professional Education, College of Education, Mindanao State University-Iligan Institute of Technology, Andres Bonifacio Avenue, Iligan City 9200, Philippines. Corresponding author: M. L. D. G. Lacuna, mileskung@yahoo.com Abstract. The hazards of pesticide exposure have been a growing concern all around the globe. Increase of susceptibility of farmers to pesticide intoxication is due to lack of knowledge regarding safe and proper pesticide handling. This study aims to assess the pesticide use and handling, perceptions on the pesticide effects to health and environment and the self-reported symptoms of potential pesticide poisoning among farmers in Mindanao, Southern Philippines. This study used a combination of an open-ended and a close-ended structured questionnaire where a total of 701 farmers were interviewed. Majority of the farmers believed that pesticide has negative effects to health and environment. Despite this notion, their unsafe handling of pesticides and non-compliance to proper utilization of personal protective devices may increase their risks to the potential danger brought about by exposure to pesticides. The most prevalent pesticides were those that belong to chemical families pyrethroid and organophosphate which are classified by WHO as Class II toxicity level. The most common complaints among farmers after the spraying sessions were skin irritation (32.95%), headache (29.55%), cough (23.30%), dry throat (15.34%), shortness of breath (14.96%), dizziness (14.20%), nausea (12.69%) and eye irritation (11.36%) which were manifestations of mild pyrethroid and organophosphate poisonings. These findings suggest that improving habits towards safe use and handling of pesticides among farmers by extensive trainings will significantly decrease pesticide poisoning incidences. Key Words: knowledge, pyrethroids, personal protective devices, self-reported symptoms. Introduction. The spreading concern about global food security has led to various approaches to improve food production systems and increase productivity. Toxic chemicals are purposely introduced to the environment to reduce the agricultural loss incurred due to the presence of pests (Singh & Kaur 2012). Despite their substantial contribution, the use of pesticides posts serious concerns about occupational hazard arising from the exposure of farmers, pesticide sprayers and residents living adjacent to heavily treated agricultural land. Indirect exposure occurs when the least degradable substances from pesticides remain in the soil penetrates into the ground water consequently contaminating the environment. These chemicals in turn enters the food chain by contaminating organisms thereby leading to possible adverse effects to human health (Dey et al 2013). On the other hand, people directly exposed to pesticides, such as production workers, formulators, sprayers, mixers, loaders and agricultural farm workers (Aktar et al 2009), are particularly at risk and frequently suffer acute as well as chronic poisoning symptoms. Several factors determine the safety of farmers from the potential risks of pesticide exposure namely, attention to details and safety precaution provided by the pesticide label, use of personal protective devices during the administration of pesticides, and proper storage and disposal of pesticides. Most often farmers had little knowledge of pest management as well as the consequences of pesticide use (Mahantesh & Singh 2009) and even if they are aware of the negative health effects of pesticides, many still use personal protective devices (PPDs)