Santo Domingo. – The Ministries of Public Health and Education will work together with other institutions, to prevent pesticide poisoning in school environments and guarantee the safety of students and teaching staff.
During a meeting headed by the Minister of Public Health, Víctor Atallah, and in which the head of Education, Ángel Hernández, as well as that of Agriculture, Limber Cruz, participated, agreed validate permits for fumigationas well as the allowed schedules to carry out these tasks, prioritizing the protection of enclosures and other spaces.
In the meeting, Atallah stressed that the Ministry of Health maintains its commitment to protect the health of students and teachers against the risks associated with inappropriate use of pesticidesproblem that has affected the community, particularly schools in the Duarte province.
“It is essential that we unite efforts to protect the health of our students and personnel who work in schools. This is a commitment that requires the participation of all sectors present here, because only working together we can prevent risks and guarantee safer environments for our population, ”said the Minister of Health, during the meeting.
The vice minister of collective health, Eladio Pérez, explained that the Technical teams of the institutions involved are reviewing existing regulations and evaluating the aspects that require update.
“The most important thing is that all sectors work together to implement preventive measures that avoid damage to people, especially the educational community,” Pérez said.
Advances in prevention and toxicvigilance
The Ministry of Health reported that in collaboration with the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO), has elaborated the «Diagnostic and treatment guide of acute pesticides», A key document to strengthen the capacity of health personnel in the identification and management of poisoning cases.
He also stressed that they are working on prevention and toxicvigilance programs, which is why they created the Toxicological Information and Advice Centerwhich is part of the project for the establishment of the Dominican Institute of Toxicology (INTOXDOM)which seeks to offer specialized care and advice in poisoning cases.
Preventive measures to reduce risks
To avoid the risks of poisoning, public health recommends the use of personal protective equipment by the technicians in charge of fumigation, the previous notification when these activities are carried out near schools, hospitals or other sensitive spaces, and the safe storage of Chemicals.
In addition, it suggests training personnel in the proper management of waste and containers used for fumigation.
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