Abstract
Pesticides are used to eliminate a variety of unwanted living organisms that may cause
infections. Due to their effectiveness, their use has skyrocketed in recent decades. Its use for
the management of pests has reached more than 2.6 million kilograms per year worldwide.
Using various sorts of pesticide has produced massive primary benefits in numerous areas,
including agriculture and public health. However, there is the public concern over their use,
including the misuse, abuse and exposure to humans. While majority of individuals are
relatively prepared to pay attention to the safety use of pesticides, there are too few eager to
take appropriate action. Thus, laws must be in place to ensure the health, protection, and wellbeing
of workers. Pesticide exposure of humans can occur at the workplace or in the
environment. The aim of this study was to determine the knowledge and practices of the use
of pesticides and exposure by pest control officers at Dr Kenneth Kaunda District Municipality,
South Africa. A cross-sectional quantitative study design was utilized, as it sought to evaluate
the understanding and practices of pesticide application and exposure. The study followed a
survey strategy which offered a quantifiable, numeric outline of tendencies, and perspectives
of a population by examining a sample of it, in Dr Kenneth Kaunda District Municipality. A
100% of the participants were male, with majority between 30 – 39 and 40-49 years having
about 55% highest likelihood of being a case, compared to other age groups. Most of the study
participants with matric had no increased or decreased risk, with an exception of one
participant with a diploma who had 94% lower chances of being a case, and as the highest
level of qualification. Furthermore, five individuals had 1-5 years of working experience, six
participants had 6-10 years working experience and had about 21% highest likelihood of being
a case, and three participants had 11-15 years of working experience with 41% lower chances
of being a case, and one participant had 16-20 years of experience.
The study found that there was a significant association between knowledge and practices
related to pesticide safety and handling among respondents in this dataset, emphasizing areas
where further training and awareness may be beneficial, particularly regarding personal
protective equipment (PPE) and disposal practices. Pest control officers who store mixed
chemicals were four times more likely to engage in this behaviour in contrast to those who do
not store mixed chemicals. Recommendations were made for more research to be done in
other sectors to determine the connection between pesticide exposure and awareness and
usage practices. Further training and creation of awareness to be applied, particularly
regarding PPE and disposal practices, and lastly for policies to be established and applied,
that will promote safe handling practices.