Pesticide exposure in Latin America: Bibliographic review

Abstract

Introduction: The use of pesticides in Latin America and the Caribbean represents approximately 20% of the worldwide consumption. In Central America the pesticides per capita consumption is (1.84 kg per person per year) which is considerably higher than in other parts of the world. Methodology: A series of  articles were reviewed including ones from 1978 up to 2023. Keyword were used, such as pesticides, legal framework, jurisprudence, exposure to pesticide, pesticide use, environmental health, public health policies, Latin America. Results: The literature referring the use and legal framework of pesticides in Latin America are scarce, therefore the base of this review is based upon 50 articles. Conclusions: Despite the number of existing laws, policies, international conventions, the updated statistics of prevalence and regulations are far from acceptable, thus the urgency to find successful and prompt interventions to minimize the health hazards regarding the pesticides use is needed.