The infographic below, from the Extension, Training and Services Division of The Ministry of Agriculture, Land and Fisheries of Trinidad and Tobago, illustrates how much Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) protects vulnerable parts of the body from chemicals.
The genital area is the most and severely vulnerable to toxic chemicals. In fact, sterility is one harmful effect of Persistent Organic Pollutants (POPs). Another vulnerable part of the body is the head. The eyes, nose, mouth and ears allow entry into the body. The respiratory and nervous systems are particularly affected by POPs in the long term. This may also lead to cardiovascular defects and gastrointestinal tract issues. The skin, eyes, liver, kidney and blood may also be affected in the long term. Short term exposure to low levels of POPs pesticides may cause headaches, dizziness and nausea. Higher doses may cause respiratory distress and lead to a coma and death.
For more information on the safe handling of agrochemicals, see Farmer Ricky’s: Pesticide Predicament
