Diagnóstico das intoxicações exógenas por agrotóxico de uso agrícola no Brasil, 2007 a 2023

Abstract

Agricultural activities play an essential role in the Brazilian economy, being one of the country's main sources of income. According to the National Supply Company, the 2023/2024 grain harvest is projected at 298.6 million tons, representing a reduction of 6.6%. However, high productivity per hectare places Brazil among the largest consumers of pesticides in the world. In this context, this study sought to analyze, through the variables of gender, race, education and age group, the cases of poisoning by agricultural pesticides in the five regions of Brazil, from 2007 to 2023, using data from DATASUS. A qualitative ecological study was conducted, considering variables such as race, age group, gender, and education level for each region. The results showed that the South and Midwest regions had the highest poisoning rates per 100,000 inhabitants. The most frequent cases occurred among men, individuals of white ethnicity, people with an educational level between 5th and 8th grade incomplete, and age groups of 20–39 years and 40–59 years. Based on these profiles, although there are already active public policies such as the National Policy on Workers' Health and the Health Surveillance of Populations Exposed to Pesticides created in 2022, more effective action is suggested to prevent and educate in an environmentally conscious manner, through stricter regulation of the use of pesticides, aiming to mitigate the impacts of these substances in rural areas. This research contributes to promoting sustainable development, addressing the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) 2 – Zero Hunger and Sustainable Agriculture, SDG 3 – Good Health and Well Being, SDG 12 – Responsible Consumption and Production, and SDG 15 – Life on Land.