Objectives:

the purpose of this study is to characterize chronic exposure to pesticides, their indiscriminate use, and seminal quality in Chapare farmers.

Methods:

66 male farmers from two towns in Chapare participated: Villa 14 and Villa Bolívar. Surveys were conducted to the participants to determine the conditions with which they carry out the fumigations that are the most used pesticides. Seminal analysis was performed according to WHO 2010 criteria, a farmer between 18 and 45 years of age. In addition, a sperm DNA fragmentation test was performed.

Results:

the results obtained were: 55% of the participants do not use any type of protection at the time of product preparation and 45% do not use it at the time of fumigation. 97% of the farmers surveyed use the herbicide Paraquat; 94% use Glyphosates; Carbamates (49%); different types of Organophosphates (12.7%) and Organochlorides (4.8%); they use commercially combined products such as Caporal (84%) and Extermin (63%). Regarding the seminal parameters, it was determined that 38% of the participants have at least one altered parameter.

Conclusions:

in conclusion, we can say that farmers are exposed to toxic, highly toxic and prohibited pesticides. They do not use adequate protection to carry out fumigations. They present symptoms that indicate effects on their health. In addition, at least one of the seminal parameters is present, which means that the seminal quality is diminished.

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