A Survey on the application and storage conditions of pesticides in Kashan, Iran, 2012

Received: February 2014, Accepted: October 2014 Background: Noticeable amounts of pesticides are used in developing countries each year. However excessive application of these chemicals in the past few decades has breaded serious problems to both animals and humans. Although most studies have targeted acute poisoning, in the present study chronic poisoning as a new and important health problem has been studied due to application and storage of pesticides at homes. Materials and Methods: This descriptive study was designed in Kashan, located in the dry central region of Iran in 2012. The data were collected by interviewing 500 home owners and filling questionnaires. The data were analyzed using abundance tables and SPSS software and statistic tests χ2 and fisher exact. Results: The results showed high availability and application of pesticides (97.2%). Citizens reported using pesticides once every six months. There was a positive relationship between the application of pesticides and the observed disorders (p<0.0001). Conclusion: Pesticides are available for most people in an uncontrolled way, which may be the cause of many health problems.