About This Course
This Pesticide Safety course is created for Caribbean farmers to improve the handling of agrochemicals in the agriculture sector. This education platform is designed to provide safety information for farmers and other agriculture workers to reduce the risk of exposure to pesticides which can have harmful effects on their health. The course was developed by students in the Global Health program at York University in Canada and students in the Master of Public Health program at St. George’s University in Grenada. Across the globe, many agricultural workers and their families are exposed to hazardous pesticides, resulting in health problems such as cancer, chronic respiratory diseases, lung failure and many more. This course is expected to increase understanding of safety practices in the handling, storage, and application of pesticides. This course includes materials safe use and storage of pesticides, health effects from pesticide exposure, personal protective equipment and its appropriate use, Pre harvest Interval (PHI), and reading and interpreting package labeling . There are two Modules in the course with various activities for engagement – video presentations, reading materials and short quizzes. By engaging with the course, farmers can improve their knowledge and competence in handling pesticides and using protective equipment to improve and sustain the health and wellbeing of agriculture workers.
Course Objectives
- To identify ways in which pesticides can enter the body.
- To review potential long and short term health effects from pesticides exposure.
- To understand safety practices to prevent exposure to harmful pesticides.
- To interpret label information on pesticide packages.
Course Staff
Salim Abdu
Salim Abdu is an Undergraduate Student of Global Health (e-Health) at York University, Canada. Over recent years Salim has undergone training and learning with global related issues conducting multiple research and reports. Salim has abundant knowledge regarding e-health including informatics, databases, and health technology in general. Salim has associated with the Red Cross Canada and is currently volunteering with the Red cross as an EMT/PDA agent. Aside from volunteering with Red Cross Canada, Salim has also been involved with UNVO as well as UNICEF@York where we were integral members of the organization contributing to its many successes.
Mahada Asser
Mahada Asser is a Canadian student at York University, who is doing her specialized honours in Global Health. She is specializing in Health Promotion and Disease Prevention. She is in her fourth and final year and is set to graduate in June 2021. Mahada’s main interest has always been around preventive research and health promotion advocacy. She has interest in the social determinants of health and protecting people who are most vulnerable and addressing the health inequalities and barriers to health care. Through the collaboration with York University, Mahada has partnered with the Department of Public Health & Preventive Medicine Department at the St. George University to develop an effective educational training package for Grenada and St. Lucian farmers as a health promotion approach.
Jerusha Cyril
Jerusha Cyril is an undergraduate student at York University completing her honours degree in Global Health and specializing in Health Promotion and Disease Prevention.She is in her final year of the program and is set to pursue a Bachelor of Science in Nursing in September 2022. Jerusha is passionate about promoting healthy living across different demographics and partaking in preventative research. She shares interest toward strengthening the capacity of vulnerable communities to take action and make decisions that protect their overall well-being. Jerusha has a keen interest in addressing the social determinants of health and reducing health disparities around the world. Through the partnership with York and St. George’s University, Jerusha has conducted evaluations sessions with St. Lucian farmers and curated a final report to present the findings of the platform evaluation.
Reeba Lewis
Reeba Lewis has earned her BSc in Biology from St. George’s University, where she is currently completing her MPH, specializing in Environmental and Occupational health. She works in higher education, where she facilitates student learning in a Biochemical Laboratory setting. She believes in the adage that prevention is better than cure, hence her enthusiasm to contribute to public health initiatives to safeguard health. Her research interests include chemical safety, food safety and quality assurance, occupational health and safety, environmental analysis, and sustainable development.
Vasini Vaheestharan
Vasini Vaheestharan is an undergraduate Global Health student at York University, specializing in health promotion and disease prevention, who is keen about promoting holistic health. Her goal is to work towards achieving health equity, starting with marginalized communities. Her areas of interest are in children and women's health as well as education. Vasini also strives to contribute to the healthcare field using her education and lived experiences. Her main contribution to the pesticide use and safety project was to facilitate the evaluation phase through a series of virtual evaluation sessions, and individual interviews with farmers from St. Lucia. She also played a prominent role in developing the evaluation report and presenting the results of the evaluation to key stakeholders.
