Why don't pesticide applicators protect themselves? Exploring the use of personal protective equipment among Colombian smallholders

Giuseppe Feola*, Claudia R. Binder

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Contribution to journalArticleAcademicpeer-review

Abstract

The misuse of personal protective equipment (PPE) during pesticide application was investigated among smallholders in Colombia. The integrative agent-centered (IAC) framework and a logistic regression approach were adopted. The results suggest that the descriptive social norm was significantly influencing PPE use. The following were also important: (1) having experienced pesticide-related health problems; (2) age; (3) the share of pesticide application carried out; and (4) the perception of PPE hindering work. Interestingly, the influence of these factors differed for different pieces of PPE. Since conformity to the social norm is a source of rigidity in the system, behavioral change may take the form of a discontinuous transition. In conclusion, five suggestions for triggering a transition towards more sustainable PPE use are formulated: (1) diversifying targets/tools; (2) addressing structural aspects; (3) sustaining interventions in the long-term; (4) targeting farmers' learning-by-experience; and (5) targeting PPE use on a collective level.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)11-23
Number of pages13
JournalInternational Journal of Occupational and Environmental Health
Volume16
Issue number1
Publication statusPublished - 2010
Externally publishedYes

Keywords

  • Colombia
  • IAC framework
  • Intervention
  • Personal protective equipment (PPE)
  • Pesticides
  • Transition

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