Pesticide air pollution linked to respiratory illnesses among farmers

Senior lecturer John Arko Mensah of the University of Ghana School of Public Health has warned that farmers must wear protective gear while spraying pesticides to avoid respiratory issues and other serious health conditions. Pesticide drift from chemical application is contributing to air pollution, putting farmers' health at risk.

Prolonged exposure to pesticides may cause cancer, heart disease, cognitive problems, and other illnesses. Ghana's agriculture sector has seen widespread pesticide and herbicide use, with many farmers not wearing proper protective equipment. Chemicals released into the atmosphere during spraying can cause severe health consequences for farmers and surrounding communities.

A preliminary study of the Ankobra River detected pesticide-related chemicals in the water. Farmers should wear protective equipment before spraying crops, especially cocoa fields, to avoid long-term health effects. Former Secretary of the Peasant Farmers Association Charles Nyaaba also urged farmers to adopt safer spraying practices, such as spraying early in the morning or late evening and using nose masks, gloves, and boots.

Pesticide pollution from farms can affect entire communities, not just farmers. Farmers in the Volta Region have reported headaches and skin problems from unprotected pesticide spraying. Emmanuel Asare, a farmer in Ashaiman, said many farmers avoid protective clothing due to the heat generated while working. Government support is requested for protective jackets, gloves, face masks, and drones for spraying, along with more education on pesticide use.