Peligro Invisible en Babahoyo: Los Insecticidas Amenazan la Salud de los Ciudadanos 2022

This study addresses the impact of the indiscriminate use of insecticides on the health of residents of the Babahoyo canton, Los Ríos province, during 2022. Using a quantitative, cross-sectional, and descriptive approach, the relationship between pesticide exposure and the incidence of diseases in agricultural workers and residents near crop areas was evaluated. The sample consisted of 267 people selected from a population of 300 farmers using random sampling with a 5% margin of error and a 95% confidence level. The results revealed that 89% of participants use pesticides on their crops, with insecticides being the most commonly used (53.6%). Furthermore, it was evident that 55.8% of respondents had never received training on the proper handling of these products, which increases the risk of poisoning and associated diseases. Among the most prevalent infections, respiratory diseases stand out (52.4%), followed by dermatological (31.8%), gastrointestinal (11.6%) and neurological (4.2%). The Study is based on theories such as silent contamination by systemic pesticides, dose-response theory, agricultural tradition theory, and human capital, demonstrating that a lack of education and technical training increases occupational vulnerability. The research concludes that prolonged exposure to insecticides, along with the lack of preventive measures, represents a significant threat to local public health. It is recommended that public policies focused on mandatory training for safe pesticide handling, promoting sustainable agricultural practices, conducting periodic health monitoring in rural areas, and developing community awareness campaigns be implemented to mitigate the negative effects of insecticides on the health of the agricultural population in the Babahoyo canton.