Human Exposure to Pesticides and Fertilizers among Qat Producers and Consumers in Yemen

Ahmad A Attieg, MD, MPH, USAID, PO Box 22347, Sanaa, Yemen, 00967 1 30 31 55, attiegaa@state.gov

Qat (Catha Edulis) is a scrub containing a mild stimulant, which is widely grown and consumed in the Republic of Yemen. In the last two decades farmers introduced a variety of pesticides and fertilizers to increase production. The use of these chemicals is unregulated. Over the past years the local press reported an increasing number of deaths among Qat consumers and producers believed to be associated to the increasing use of pesticides and fertilizers. The overall purpose of this paper is to provide exposure information to health workers, public health officials and policy makers to help prevent disease or death that may result from exposure to environmental chemicals.

Learning Objectives:

At the conclusion of the session, the participant (learner) in this session will be able to

·To list which pesticides and fertilizers are used in Qat production.
·To assess the effectiveness of public health efforts to reduce exposure of Yemenis to specific environmental chemicals
·To set a baseline that will help to track, over time, trends in levels of exposure.
·To set priorities for future research.

Presenting author's disclosure statement:
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.

What's Happening in Developing Countries?

The 132nd Annual Meeting (November 6-10, 2004) of APHA