Best practices for the final disposal of empty pesticide containers in the district of Los Santos, Panama

Abstract

Knowledge of good practices for the final disposal of empty pesticide containers was assessed in the Los Santos district. The research had a non-experimental, cross-sectional, and descriptive design, with a quantitative approach. The methodology consisted of a survey conducted by researchers through face-to-face interviews with 273 farmers selected through simple random probability sampling. The data were analyzed using descriptive statistics. The results reveal that only 12% of farmers use full personal protective equipment when applying pesticides, demonstrating a worrying lack of safety measures. Furthermore, many farmers store products in inadequate conditions, compromising their effectiveness and increasing the risk of exposure. Furthermore, 43% of respondents accumulate empty containers on the ground and then burn them, a practice that reflects poor management and contributes to soil and water pollution, releasing toxic substances into the environment. The lack of adequate training is evident, underscoring the urgent need to implement educational programs that promote safe and sustainable practices in the management of pesticides and their residues.