Survey of Cha-Om growing and effects of chemical application on Cha-Om growing in Kalasin province

Abstract

This study was the survey research, which has 3 objectives. 1) to investigate the growing of Cha-Om , 2) to study health impacts of pesticides on Cha-om growers and 3) to study the pesticide residues in Cha-om. To study the health impacts, 80 families of Cha-Om growers, which are in Dongmuang Village, Lampan subdistrict, Amphoe Muang, Kalasin province, were interviewed. To study the pesticide residues in cha-om, cha-omûs young leaves were collected randomly from each plot of 4 sample groups in February-March 2007. The samples were analyzed using gas chromatography (GC). The results of this study showed that the income of the Cha-om growers were ranged from 400-8,100 Baht/harvest (average 400-800 baht/work load /harvest). The growers could harvest 2 times/week all year round. They all (i.e. 100%) widely used pesticides resulting in having pesticide residues in their blood. The residues were classified into three levels; non-safety level (42.5%), risky level (43.8%) and safety level (13.8%). Pesticide residues in Cha-Om were from methamidophos, monocrotophos and dicrotophos belonging to the organophosphate group.