Human health, environmental, and economic effects of pesticide use in potato production in Ecuador

Abstract

This research brief use qualitative data to prove that pesticides are greatly affecting health in the Ecuadorian Andes for men and women alike. The researchers note that traces of pesticides were found in the home, the majority of men and women did not understand the color coding on pesticide labels and that the vast majority of farmers used highly toxic pesticides without protection. They conclude that alternative technologies, in particular integrated pest management, would be better for the farmer's health and profitability as well as the environment.