Leonie Kijewski

 

Cambodian migrant workers face adverse health effects brought on by exposure to pesticides and a lack of protective gear when working on farms in Thailand, a new study has found.

 

The study, conducted by a group of health researchers and published late last month, shows that more than 75 percent of the migrant workers had abnormal levels of cholinesterase in their blood. Low levels of cholinesterase can lead to dizziness, headaches and nausea, and in more extreme cases, vomiting and diarrhea.

 

Chemical-resistant clothes and hygiene measures such as washing hands before drinking and taking a shower promptly after applying pesticides can mitigate risks from exposure.

 

read more http://www.phnompenhpost.com/national/pesticides-pose-risk-workers-research-finds

 

 

-- © Copyright Phenom Pen Post 06/02

So when you are chewing on your cheap Thai fruit and veg spare a thought for those migrant chemical sprayers whose disgusting exploitation is studiously ignored by public and government alike.

 

These are the options facing thousands of men and women who are not routinely issued with protective clothing and masks and not regularly monitored for excess pesticide in their system (source:http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/pi221).

 

Common Symptoms Associated with Carbamate and Organophosphate Pesticide Poisoning.

Degree of Poisoning	Symptoms
Mild	Fatigue, headache, dizziness, blurred vision, excessive sweating/salivation, nausea/vomiting, stomach cramps, and diarrhea.
Moderate	Inability to walk, weakness, chest discomfort, constriction of pupils, and mild symptoms that are more severe.
Severe	Unconsciousness, severe constriction of pupils, muscle twitching, running nose, drooling, breathing difficulty, coma, and death.

Well luckily we only eating the stuff.