Impact of Pesticides on Farmer Health and the Rice Environment

Abstract

From p. 7: "This study deviates from the controlled experimental paradigm for measuring the effects of pesticide use. Environmental, biological, and health effects of pesticide use are measured by observing actual farmer behavior, monitoring farmers health, and sampling farmer fields. There was no prior agreement with the farmers on the types or quantities of chemicals to use. Variability in pesticide use, and therefore variability in the effects of pesticides, was obtained primarily through a comparison of users and nonusers; and an examination of differences across the cross-section of farmers and across time. The results of this study indicate, however partially, the actual effects of pesticides on the environment and human health rather than simulated effects."