Pesticides and Public Health: A Field-Level Analysis in Southwestern Part of Bangladesh

Agriculture employs a significant proportion of Bangladesh’s population, with pesticide application serving as a standard practice for pest control and yield enhancement. However, persistent concerns exist regarding the human health and environmental sustainability impacts of excessive and improper pesticide use. This study evaluates the health consequences of pesticide exposure among farmers, utilizing data from 120 respondents across southwestern part (Khulna, Bagerhat, Satkhira and Jashore districts) of Bangladesh. Findings indicate that most farmers operate within challenging socioeconomic circumstances. Critically, pesticide users incur more than double the healthcare expenditures compared to non-users, with “mixed users†—those applying multiple pesticide types—experiencing disproportionately severe health outcomes. The analysis reveals a robust positive association between pesticide exposure and adverse health effects, which subsequently drives a significant increase in workdays lost among users. To mitigate these health impacts, the study strongly advocates implementing preventive measures during application, including consistent use of personal protective equipment (PPE) and strict adherence to usage guidelines.