PESTICIDE USE INAREAS OF THE MUNICIPALITY OF CARDENAS SUGARCANE TABASCO, MEXICO: POTENTIAL ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACTAND THE HEALTH

Abstract

For some years it has been questioned on the effects that pesticides can cause both environmental compartments and the fauna, flora and especially humans. Excessive use of these chemicals can cause environmental problems and human health, which if not prevented or treated in time may result in irreversible environmental damage and epidemiological. Today some are studies that allow us to know the use, distribution and the impact these substances cause. In southeastern Mexico, particularly in the town of Cardenas in the state of Tabasco, the cultivation of sugar cane is economic livelihood of many families and the excessive use of pesticides for the eradication of pests and diseases of crops is already a Normal practice. In this paper, derived from interviews with producers, the staff responsible for the distribution of pesticides in each association and groups of residents near the sugar cane area, shows a general diagnosis of pests affecting the cultivation of sugar cane and as the use, distribution and type of pesticides applied. Geographically locating the area of influence of the culture, we identified 17 different types of pesticides frequently used and based on the mechanisms of toxic action, delivering a diagnosis of their potential environmental impact and human health.

Keywords: pesticides, pests, sugar cane.