Authors : Aksanti Bahizire Philippe; Kasereka Syauswa; Charles-Lwanga Bandima Apalanginda; John P. Hawuory; Serges M. Kilumbiro; Léonard Kasereka Kavyavu; Ibulungu Byamungu J.; Katuala Givo Yves

Volume/Issue : Volume 11 - 2026, Issue 1 - January

Google Scholar : https://tinyurl.com/2ptfnbnu

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DOI : https://doi.org/10.38124/ijisrt/26jan571

Note : A published paper may take 4-5 working days from the publication date to appear in PlumX Metrics, Semantic Scholar, and ResearchGate.

Abstract : Pesticides, widely applied in agriculture to control pests and increase crop yields., While their use has revolutionized agriculture by increasing crop yields, their widespread application poses serious health risks. Pesticides can penetrate the respiratory system in the form of aerosols, dust, mists, or ultra-low-volume particles, directly affecting the alveoli and circulating through the bloodstream to other organs. Despite these risks, many farmers in developing regions, including the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), frequently use pesticides without proper training or personal protective equipment (PPE), significantly increasing their vulnerability to respiratory complications. The objective of this study, therefore, was to establish the association between pesticide exposure and respiratory diseases among farmers in the Nyiragongo health zone in North Kivu, DRC. The study used a retrospective matched case-control design targeting 183,988 farmers in the Nyiragongo health zone from which a sample of 302 farmers selected using. Data was collected using a questionnaire, and analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics. The study established a clear link between occupational and non-occupational exposure to chemical pesticides and increased risk of respiratory illnesses among farmers in the Nyiragongo Health Zone. Inhalation of pesticide dust and fumes, handling chemicals without protective measures, and prolonged or frequent exposure significantly elevate respiratory risk, while unsafe domestic storage practices further exacerbate exposure. It is thus recommended that farmers should receive targeted training on safe pesticide handling, proper use of personal protective equipment, and adoption of hygienic practices such as handwashing and controlled storage. Regulatory authorities should strengthen enforcement of bans on highly hazardous pesticides and establish strict compliance frameworks for pesticide labeling, sale, and domestic storage.

Keywords : Chemical Pesticides, Banned Pesticides, Respiratory Disease, Harmful Exposure, Case-Control.

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