ABSTRACT

Exposure to particular types and concentrations of plant protection products causes adverse effects on public health, workers and the environment, and it’s therefore essential to assess the impact of these substances on their use by authorized or unauthorized entities. The sample was constituted by 6 companies of Coimbra, 3 AE and 3 UE, and by 16 workers in these study places. We conclude that there are significant differences between workers with and without training in the area with regard to knowledge and handling of PPP. It should also be noted that younger workers demonstrate greater knowledge rather than older ones. Significant changes in the concentrations of air components during the 3 study periods were observed in relation to the sampling places, which leads to the conclusion that the methods of preparation and application of the syrup are carried out more safely in the AE that in UE.