The purpose of this study is to explore the relationships between orchid
farmers’ behavior of chemical application and children’s health. In this study, children
were defined as those aged below 10 years old. This study is partly based on data of a
research titled “Population Pressure, Utilization of Chemicals in Agriculture, Health
Outcomes: An Integrated Solid Waste Management in Peri urban Agricultural Sector”.
The study area was in Nongkhem district, Bangkok. In addition, a survey of 81
children living in orchid/non-orchid farming households was conducted. There were
15 child care-takers, who live in orchid/non-orchid households with/or without
children who were in-depth interviewed. Descriptive statistics, chi-square test, and
content analysis were employed.
It is found that heads of the orchid farming households without children are
more cautious about chemical substance storage than those with children. However,
storages are located in the house, where high temperatures can cause evaporation and
vapor. Both children and adults have chances to inhale chemical vapor. Household
heads with children have higher awareness of chemical mixing and disposal of
chemical containers than those without children. In the study, all sprayers have
accurate knowledge on chemical spraying, accounting for wind. About 14 percent of
subjects in this study have problems related to chemical substances. Nine children who
live in non-orchid farming households have allergies, one child has a heart disease and
another child gets a rash. It is important to note that the children’s houses are located
close to orchid plantations. On the contrary, children from orchid farming households
are found in a better health.
These findings suggest that 1) households with children need to increase
awareness and cautions on the behavior of chemical application, 2) non-orchid farm
households have to protect their children from chemicals dispersed from the orchid
farm households, and 3) all related agencies, particularly agricultural and public health
officers, community leaders, students and teachers have to provide knowledge on the
impact of chemical use in orchid farms on children health.
|