A exposição ocupacional a agrotóxicos no Brasil e o projeto de lei 6299

Abstract

The objective of this study is to evaluate the influence of the recently approved Law 6.299, of 2002, on occupational exposure to pesticides in Brazil. This is a bibliographical review based on current legislation and in process in Brazil, the recommendations of International Organizations and the specialized literature produced by companies and public research foundations in the areas of health, labour and agriculture. The data found revealed that rural workers are the group most exposed to pesticides, and the skin is its main route of absorption. In addition, cases of intoxication due to occupational exposure of this type of substance are quite representative in Brazil, although they are still underreported. Among the proposals of the bill n. 6.299, there was a ban on 18 agrochemicals, which was not approved in a recent vote. However, it can be verified that non-banishment did not represent a high impact on the regulatory situation of these products, since of the 18 products, only six are still approved in Brazil. However, it is important to address that among the six products still approved, acephate is used in significant amounts, being the fourth pesticide most consumed in the country. Thus, based on these data, it is concluded that, among the products proposed for banishment, acephate represents the product with the highest risk of occupational exposure due to its wide use and high toxicity. Therefore, it is necessary to have more discussions on measures to mitigate occupational risk to this agent and also on the technical feasibility to increase the restriction of acephate use in Brazil.