Regional differences of agromedical problems : I. Agromedical problems in humid tropical areas ; II. The public health perspective ; III. Persistence of chemicals

This chapter outlines features of the tropical region as they relate to pesticide protection. Three major areas are examined : public health diseases, geographical factors influencing chemical persistence and geographical impacts on agromedicine. The need is emphasized for tropical countries to develop relevant intermediate technology and an infrastructure which would allow the increasing quantities of pesticides in the region to be used with maximun human and environmental safety. The implications of this increased use of pesticides in the tropics are discussed in this chapter. Reference will be made to the actual or potential effects of pesticide use on human and environmental health in the area. Focus will be directed on possible solutions for problems which have been identified (AU)