Acute Stress in Health Workers in Colombia 2017-2021: A Cross-Sectional Study.

Objectives: Analyze the presence of acute stress response after adverse events in human talent in Colombian health institutions from 2017 to 2021. Methods: Cross-sectional study of prevalence, carried out on 838 members of the human talent in health (professionals, technicians, technologists, and auxiliaries) of Colombian health institutions in the study period with the application of the EASE instrument. Univariate analysis using descriptive statistical techniques, chi-square and Student's t-test, and bivariate analysis with a Poisson regression model using the institucional SPSS v. 26. Results: The prevalence of adverse events in the last 5 years was 33.8%, presenting levels of acute stress qualifying as Medium-high emotional overload at 21.91%, while extreme acute stress was at 3.53%. The prevalence of risk for presenting acute stress after being involved in an adverse event was PR: 1.30 (CI: 1.24-1.36). Conclusion: Acute stress in human talent after adverse events is limiting health and care capacity and must be efficiently addressed by health institutions. Psychosocial risk is linked within the framework of the patient safety program and the institutional occupational health and safety management systems.

Improving Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation Survival in COVID-19. Effect of a Bundle of Care.

Veno-venous extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) support surged during the COVID-19 pandemic. Our program changed the model of care pursuing to protect the multidisciplinary team from the risk of infection and to serve as many patients as possible. Patient-healthcare interactions were restricted, and the ECMO bed capacity was increased by reducing the ECMO specialist-patient ratio to 1:4 with non-ECMO trained nurses support. The outcomes worsened and we paused while we evaluated and modified our model of care. The ECMO bed capacity was reduced to allow a nurse ECMO-specialist nurse ratio 2:1 with an ECMO trained nurse assistant's support. Intensivists, general practitioners, nurse assistants, and physical and respiratory therapists were trained on ECMO. Tracheostomy, bronchoscopy, and microbiological molecular diagnosis were done earlier, and family visits and rehabilitation were allowed in the first 48 hours of ECMO cannulation. There were 35 patients in the preintervention cohort and 66 in the postintervention cohort. Ninety days mortality was significantly lower after the intervention (62.9% vs. 31.8%, p = 0.003). Factors associated with increased risk of death were the need for cannulation or conversion to veno arterial or veno arterio venous ECMO, hemorrhagic stroke, and renal replacement therapy during ECMO. The interventions associated with a decrease in the risk of death were the following: early fiberoptic bronchoscopy and microbiological molecular diagnostic tests. Increasing the ECMO multidisciplinary team in relation to the number of patients and the earlier performance of diagnostic and therapeutic interventions, such as tracheostomy, fiberoptic bronchoscopy, molecular microbiological diagnosis of pneumonia, rehabilitation, and family support significantly decreased mortality of patients on ECMO due to COVID-19.

Ecuaciones alométricas de biomasa aérea para la estimación de los contenidos de carbono en manglares del Caribe Colombiano / Tree above-ground biomass allometries for carbon stocks estimation in the Caribbean mangroves in Colombia

ResumenLa distribución de carbono azul en los ecosistemas, entre los que se cuentan los manglares, es poco conocida en comparación con los grandes avances que existen para los ecosistemas forestales terrestres, a pesar de que su alta productividad y capacidad de almacenamiento de carbono es reconocida. Este estudio, tuvo por objetivo, analizar la biomasa aérea de las especies Rhizophora mangle y Avicennia germinans en el ecosistema de manglar localizado en el área marina protegida denominada Distrito de Manejo Integrado (DMI) Cispatá-Tinajones-La Balsa en el Caribe colombiano. Para ello, con la debida autorización oficial, se cosecharon 30 individuos de cada especie, con el fin de generar modelos alométricos que permitieran estimaciones de biomasa aérea con bajos niveles de incertidumbre. Los resultados indican que la biomasa aérea de los bosques de manglar del Caribe colombiano en el DMI, es de 129.69 ± 20.24 Mg/ha, es decir, que almacenan 64.85 ± 10.12 MgC/ ha. Teniendo en cuenta que el DMI presenta un área de 8 570.9 ha en bosques de manglar, se estima que el carbono total potencialmente almacenado por este ecosistema es de aproximadamente 555 795.93 MgC. Las ecuaciones generadas en este estudio se pueden considerar como una opción alternativa para la evaluación de las reservas de carbono en la biomasa aérea de los bosques de manglar en del Caribe colombiano, dado que otros modelos disponibles para la estimación de la biomasa aérea no discriminan a los bosques de manglar, a pesar de ser ecosistemas particulares. Los modelos pueden ser empleados como una opción para apoyar las estrategias de conservación de bosques y la reducción de emisiones. En general, el potencial de almacenamiento de carbono en los bosques de manglar del Caribe colombiano, es importante, y podría posesionar al país en la conservación de bosques y la reducción de emisiones a través de la conservación del carbono azul almacenado.

AbstractThe distribution of carbon in “Blue Carbon” ecosystems such as mangroves is little known, when compared with the highly known terrestrial forests, despite its particular and recognized high productivity and carbon storage capacity. The objective of this study was to analyze the above ground biomass (AGB) of the species Rhizophora mangle and Avicennia germinans from the Marine Protected Area of Distrito de Manejo Integrado (DMI), Cispatá-Tinajones-La Balsa, Caribbean Colombian coast. With official authorization, we harvested and studied 30 individuals of each species, and built allometric models in order to estimate AGB. Our AGB results indicated that the studied mangrove forests of the DMI Colombian Caribbean was of 129.69 ± 20.24 Mg/ha, equivalent to 64.85 ± 10.12 MgC/ha. The DMI has an area of 8 570.9 ha in mangrove forests, and we estimated that the total carbon potential stored was about 555 795.93 Mg C. The equations generated in this study can be considered as an alternative for the assessment of carbon stocks in AGB of mangrove forests in Colombia; as other available AGB allometric models do not discriminate mangrove forests, despite being particular ecosystems. They can be used for analysis at a more detailed scale and are considered useful to determine the carbon storage potential of mangrove forests, as a country alternative to support forest conservation and emission reduction strategies. In general, the potential of carbon storage from Colombian Caribbean mangrove forests is important and could promote the country leadership of the “blue carbon” stored. Rev. Biol. Trop. 64 (2): 913-926. Epub 2016 June 01.

La identidad docente de profesores de posgrados médicos y quirúrgicos en un hospital universitario: una mirada desde las historias de vida / Identity of Professors of Medical and Surgical Graduate Programs at a University Hospital: A View from Life Stories / A identidade docente de professores de pós-graduações médicas e cirúrgicos em um hospital universitário: uma olhada desde as histórias de vida

Este artículo muestra los resultados de una investigación que tenía como fin analizar las narraciones de profesores de especializaciones médicas y quirúrgicas en un hospital universitario de la ciudad de Bogotá e interpretar sus experiencias pedagógicas, para conocer algunos elementos de su identidad docente y del saber pedagógico que han construido. Para lograr este objetivo, se desarrolló una investigación cualitativa, desde el enfoque histórico hermenéutico, empleando historias de vida, en la que participaron, voluntariamente, cinco profesores que llevaban más de diez años de actividad docente en el hospital. El análisis de las narraciones se hizo con enfoque en el significado e interpretando los hallazgos a la luz de la teoría pedagógica. En lo relacionado con la identidad docente, se pudo encontrar que los especialistas se convirtieron en profesores, de manera no intencionada, en respuesta a los requerimientos laborales propios del trabajo en el hospital universitario. El proceso de construcción de los profesores inicia desde sus años de escolarización, y su práctica pedagógica tiene una fuerte influencia de lo aprendido a sus maestros. La actividad académica es asumida por vocación, siendo las mayores motivaciones el agradecimiento manifestado por sus estudiantes y la satisfacción por el logro de los objetivos de aprendizaje propuestos. La ausencia de formación pedagógica genera tensión y preocupación en los profesores, lo cual podría ser evitado con programas de formación docente.

This article shows the results of a research in which I decided to analyze the narratives of professors of medical and surgical specialties in a university hospital in the city of Bogota, and interpret their teaching experiences, to learn some elements of their identity and the pedagogical knowledge they have built. A qualitative study was conducted from the hermeneutical historical approach, using life stories. Five teachers participated voluntarily. An analysis of the narratives focused on the meaning and the interpretation of the findings in the light of pedagogical theory was performed. In relation to teacher identity, the specialists became teachers unintentionally as a response to own labor requirements of the job at the university hospital. The construction process of the teachers started from their years of schooling, and pedagogical practice has a strong influence on what they learned from their own teachers. The academic activity is being undertaken by the major motivation vocation, expressions of thanks of their students and satisfaction for achieving the proposed learning objectives. The lack of teacher training creates tension and concern among teachers, which could be prevented with teacher education programs.

Este artigo mostra os resultados de uma pesquisa na que me propus analisar as narrações de professores de especializações médicas e cirúrgicas em um hospital universitário da cidade de Bogotá, e interpretar as suas experiências pedagógicas, para conhecer alguns elementos de sua identidade docente e do saber pedagógico que têm construído. Para conseguir este objetivo desenvolvi uma pesquisa qualitativa desde o enfoque histórico hermenêutico, empregando histórias de vida, na que participaram voluntariamente cinco professores que levavam mais de dez anos de atividade docente no hospital. A análise das narrações o fiz centrado no significado interpretando os achados à luz da teoria pedagógica. No relacionado com a identidade docente, pode encontrar que os especialistas se converteram em professores de maneira não intencionada em resposta aos requerimentos laborais próprios do trabalho no hospital universitário. O processo de construção dos professores inicia desde seus anos de escolarização e sua prática pedagógica tem uma forte influência do aprendido de seus professores. A atividade académica é assumida por vocação sendo as maiores motivações o agradecimento manifestado por seus estudantes e a satisfação pelo sucesso dos objetivos de aprendizagem propostos. A ausência de formação pedagógica gera tensão e preocupação nos professores, o qual poderia ser evitado com programas de formação docente.

[Tree above-ground biomass allometries for carbon stocks estimation in the Caribbean mangroves in Colombia]. / Ecuaciones alométricas de biomasa aérea para la estimación de los contenidos de carbono en manglares del Caribe Colombiano.

The distribution of carbon in "Blue Carbon" ecosystems such as mangroves is little known, when compared with the highly known terrestrial forests, despite its particular and recognized high productivity and carbon storage capacity. The objective of this study was to analyze the above ground biomass (AGB) of the species Rhizophora mangle and Avicennia germinans from the Marine Protected Area of Distrito de Manejo Integrado (DMI), Cispatá-Tinajones-La Balsa, Caribbean Colombian coast. With official authorization, we harvested and studied 30 individuals of each species, and built allometric models in order to estimate AGB. Our AGB results indicated that the studied mangrove forests of the DMI Colombian Caribbean was of 129.69 ± 20.24 Mg/ha, equivalent to 64.85 ± 10.12 MgC/ha. The DMI has an area of 8 570.9 ha in mangrove forests, and we estimated that the total carbon potential stored was about 555 795.93 Mg C. The equations generated in this study can be considered as an alternative for the assessment of carbon stocks in AGB of mangrove forests in Colombia; as other available AGB allometric models do not discriminate mangrove forests, despite being particular ecosystems. They can be used for analysis at a more detailed scale and are considered useful to determine the carbon storage potential of mangrove forests, as a country alternative to support forest conservation and emission reduction strategies. In general, the potential of carbon storage from Colombian Caribbean mangrove forests is important and could promote the country leadership of the "blue carbon" stored.

Consumo de sustancias psicoactivas en profesionales de la salud (médicos y enfermeros) de dos IPS de primer nivel de atención en consulta externa de Bogotá / Drugs of abuse consumption in health professionals (physicians and nurses) from two outpatient services of first level attention in Bogota / Consumo de sustâncias psicoativas em profissionais da saúde (médicos e enfermeiros) de dois IPS de primeiro nível de atenção em consulta externa de Bogotá

Se realizó un estudio para establecer la prevalencia de consumo de sustancias psicoactivas (SPA) en médicos y enfermeros de dos Instituciones Prestadoras de Salud (IPS) de consulta externa de Bogotá, para identificar las frecuencias de consumo, para establecer la prevalencia de alcoholismo empleando el índice CAGE y para explorar el interés en participar en programas de prevención o reducción de consumo en el ambiente laboral. Materiales y métodos: se realizó un estudio de corte transversal mediante la aplicación de una encuesta anónima autodiligenciada. Resultados: se aplicaron cincuenta y ocho encuestas (treinta y ocho en médicos y veinte en enfermeros). Las sustancias más consumidas en ambos grupos fueron alcohol, cigarrillo y bebidas energizantes, seguidas en médicos por marihuana y en enfermeros por barbitúricos, antidepresivos, anfetaminas y opiáceos. La prevalencia de alcoholismo fue superior a 8% en ambos grupos. Un 58% de los médicos y 70% de los enfermeros participaría en el diseño de programas de salud ocupacional para reducir el consumo de sustancias psicoactivas. Conclusiones: el consumo de SPA está por encima del encontrado en la literatura para la mayoría de las sustancias en la población general y es similar al revisado para personal de salud. Se recomienda la formulación e implementación de una política empresarial dentro del marco de trabajo en salud ocupacional de estas instituciones, encaminada a la reducción y prevención del consumo de sustancias psicoactivas.

We conducted a study to establish the prevalence of drugs of abuse consumption in physicians and nurses in two health institutions in Bogota outpatient identify the frequency of consumption, to establish the prevalence of alcoholism using the CAGE questionnaire and explore the interest participate in prevention or reduction of consumption in the workplace. Materials and methods: A cross-sectional study by applying an anonymous survey. Results: There were 58 questionnaires (38 in physicians and 20 nurses). The substances most consumed in both groups were alcohol, cigarettes and energy drinks, followed on medical by marijuana in nursing followed by barbiturates, antidepressants, amphetamines and opiates. The prevalence of alcoholism was greater than 8% in both groups. 58% of physicians and 70% of nurses would participate in the design of occupational health programs to reduce the consumption of psychoactive substances. Conclusions: The use of drugs of abuse is higher that found in the literature for most of the substances in the general population and is similar to the revised health personnel. It recommends the formulation and implementation of corporate policy within the framework of occupational health work of these institutions, aimed at reducing and preventing the consumption of psychoactive substances.

Introdução:Se realizou um estudo para estabelecer a prevalência de consumo de sustâncias psicoativas (SPA) em médicos e enfermeiros de duas Instituições Prestadoras de Saúde (IPS) de consulta externa de Bogotá, para identificar as frequências de consumo, para estabelecer a prevalência de alcoolismo utilizando o índice CAGE e para explorar o interesse em participar em programas de prevenção ou redução de consumo no ambiente laboral. Metodologia: se realizou um estudo de corte transversal mediante a aplicação de uma sondagem anônima autodiligenciada. Resultados: aplicaram-se cinquenta e oito sondagens (trinta e oito a médicos e vinte a enfermeiros). As sustâncias mais consumidas nos dois grupos foram álcool, cigarro e bebidas energéticas, seguidas em médicos por maconha e em enfermeiros por barbitúricos, antidepressivos, anfetaminas e opiáceos. A prevalência de alcoolismo foi superior a 8% em ambos os grupos. Um 58% dos médicos e 70% dos enfermeiros participaria na criação de programas de saúde ocupacional para reduzir o consumo de sustâncias psicoativas. Conclusões: o consumo de SPA está por cima do encontrado na literatura para a maioria das sustâncias na população geral e é similar ao revisado para pessoal de saúde. Se recomenda a formulação e implementação de uma política empresarial dentro do marco de trabalho em saúde ocupacional destas instituições, encaminhada à redução e prevenção do consumo de sustâncias psicoativas.

Exposición a plaguicidas en los habitantes de la ribera del río Bogotá (Suesca) y en el pez Capitán / Exposure to Pesticides in Residents or the Banks of the Río Bogotá (Suesca) and the Capitán Fish / Exposição a praguicidas nos habitantes da ribeira do rio Bogotá (Suesca) e no peixe "Capitán de la sabana"

Objetivo: considerando el elevado uso de plaguicidas en Colombia y los efectos nocivos que produce la exposición a estas sustancias para la salud humana y el ambiente, se realizó un estudio para la determinación de biomarcadores de exposición y efecto de plaguicidas en la población de Suesca que habita en la ribera del río Bogotá, de los niveles de plaguicidas en muestras de agua del río tomadas en el mismo municipio y en muestras de pez "Capitán de la sabana" (Eremophylus mutisii) capturado en dicha zona. Materiales y métodos: se realizaron determinaciones para organofosforados, carbamatos, ditiocarbamatos y organoclorados También se exploró, mediante una encuesta, la exposición ocupacional a plaguicidas y el conocimiento y utilización de medidas de protección personal en su actividad laboral. Adicionalmente, se examinó el hábito de la pesca de pez Capitán y su consumo en la dieta de los habitantes de esta zona del río. Resultados: los resultados muestran la presencia de plaguicidas organoclorados y organofosforados en el río y en el tejido de los peces y organoclorados y etilentiourea en las muestras biológicas humanas. En el estudio participaron trabajadores directamente expuestos a plaguicidas, quienes manipulan productos de alta toxicidad; en su mayoría conocen y emplean las medidas de protección personal e higiene industrial. Conclusiones: existe contaminación por plaguicidas en la cuenca alta del río Bogotá que afecta a la fauna y a las poblaciones ribereñas. Es necesario promover mejores medidas para el cuidado del ambiente, para la protección y para el autocuidado de las personas que manipulan plaguicidas en la zona.

Objective: Considering the high use of pesticides in Colombia and the harmful effects resulting from exposure to these substances on human health and the environment, a study for the determination of biomarkers of exposure and effect of pesticides in population of the banks of the Río Bogotá in Suesca, the levels of pesticides in river water samples taken in the same city and in samples of fish, "Capitán de la Sabana" (Eremophylus mutisii) caught in this area. Materials and methods: We measured for organophosphates, carbamates, dithiocarbamates and organochlorines. We also explored through a survey of occupational exposure to pesticides in the population and knowledge and use of personal protective measures in their work. Additionally, we explored the habit of fishing for captain and consumption in the diet of the inhabitants of the riverbank. Results: The results show the presence of organochlorine and organophosphorus pesticides in the river and in fish tissue and organochlorine and ethylene thiourea in human biological samples. Participated in the study workers directly exposed to pesticides, highly toxic handlers, most know and use personal protective measures and industrial hygiene. Conclusions: Pollution such as pesticides in the upper basin of Bogotá that affects wildlife and coastal populations. Best action is necessary to promote environmental care, protection and self-care of persons using pesticides in the area.

Objetivos: Considerando o elevado uso de praguicidas na Colômbia e os efeitos nocivos que produz a exposição a estas sustancias para a saúde humana e o ambiente, se realizou um estudo para a determinação de biomarcadores de exposição e efeito de praguicidas na população de Suesca que habita na ribeira do rio Bogotá, dos níveis de praguicidas em amostras de água do rio tomadas no mesmo município e em amostras do peixe "Capitan de la sabana" (Eremophylus mutisii) caçado nesta zona. Materiais e métodos: se realizaram determinações para organofosforados, carbamates, ditiocarbamatos e organoclorados. Também explorou-se, mediante uma pesquisa, a exposição ocupacional a praguicidas e o conhecimento e utilização de medidas de proteção pessoal em sua atividade laboral. Adicionalmente, examinou-se o hábito da pesca de peixe "Capitan de la sabana" e seu consumo na dieta dos habitantes desta zona do rio. Resultados: os resultados mostram a presencia de praguicidas organoclorados e organofosforados no rio e no tecido dos peixes e organoclorados e etilentiouréia nas amostras biológicas humanas. No estudo participaram trabalhadores diretamente expostos a praguicidas, os quais manipulam produtos de alta toxicidade; na sua maioria conhecem e empregam as medidas de proteção pessoal e higiene industrial. Conclusões: existe contaminação por praguicidas na bacia alta do rio Bogotá que afeita à fauna e às populações da ribeira. É necessário promover melhores medidas para o cuidado do ambiente, para a proteção e para o autocuidado das pessoas que manipulam praguicidas na zona.

Evento cerebrovascular y acidosis metabólica / Stroke and Metabolic Acidosis

Paciente de sexo femenino, de 59 años, educadora; llevada a institución hospitalaria por alteración súbita del estado de conciencia. Antecedente de hipotiroidismo en manejo con levotiroxina, 50 microgramos al día. Al examen físico de ingreso se encontraba en mal estado general, FC: 88 x min., TA 170/110, FR: 8 x min., temp.: 35 Cº, Glasgow: 6/15; estuporosa, con apertura ocular al estímulo doloroso, sin respuesta verbal, movimiento de retirada en hemicuerpo izquierdo al estímulo doloroso. Plejia de miembro superior derecho, paresia 2/5 en miembro inferior derecho y Babinski bilateral. Las imágenes diagnósticas confirmaron evento cerebrovascular tipo hemorragia intraparenquimatosa, de extensión parietotemporal e insular del hemisferio cerebral izquierdo. Se le realizó cirugía de drenaje de hematoma intraparenquimatoso e intraventricular, sin complicaciones. En el primer día postoperatorio la paciente cursó con hipokalemia, que persistió a pesar de reposición de potasio y presentó acidemia metabólica sin causa aparente que empeoró a pesar de manejo médico.

A 59-year-old female, was brought at hospital with sudden loss of consciousness. Physical exam showed a sick woman, her temperature was 35°C, pulse rate 88 beats/min, respiratory rate 8 breaths/min, blood pressure 170/110 mm Hg and the Glascow Coma Scale was 6/15 with ocular opening to the painful stimulus, without verbal response and retire movement in lefthanded to the painful stimulus. There was focal neurological deficiency with upper right extremity plegia and low right extremity paresia of 2/5. CT scan revealed parietotemporal and insular intracerebral hemorrhage in left hemisphere. Drainage surgery of intracerebral hematoma was successful, without complications. On the first postoperatory day she showed hipokalemia, that persisted in spite of potassium replacement and she had severe metabolic academia, without apparent cause, that worsed in spite of me dical therapy.

Evento cerebrovascular y acidosis metabólica / Stroke and Metabolic Acidosis

En este artículo se presenta para discusión el caso de una paciente de 59 años con pérdida súbita de conciencia. La tomografía axial computa-rizada reveló una hemorragia intraparenquimatosa; en el postoperatorio de la cirugía de drenajedel hematoma presentó marcada acidemia metabólica sin causa aparente.

This article is offered for discussion. A case of a 59-year-old woman with sudden loss of consciousness is presented. Cerebral computed tomography revealed intracerebral hemorrhage, in postoperative of surgical drainage of the hematoma, she had severe metabolic acidemia without apparent cause.

Evaluación del uso de plaguicidas en la actividad agrícola del departamento de Putumayo / Evaluation of Pesticides Used in Agriculture - Putumayo, Colombia

El objetivo fue identificar los plaguicidas empleados por agricultores del Putumayo, evaluando el cumplimiento de las disposiciones legales sobre manejo de éstos y las medidas de protección personal. Metodología: estudio observacional descriptivo de campo, en zonas de cultivos ilícitos. Resultados: se evaluaron 490 sujetos, de los cuales se identificaron como expuestos a plaguicidas el 25,9%. La distribución por edad de los expuestos a plaguicidas fue: 1-10 años (19,7%), 10-18 (18,1%), 18-35 (33,9%), 35-55 (23,6%) y más de 55 años (4,7%). La mayoría de productos reportados son categoría toxicológica I. De las 109 personas que realizan labores de formulación, el 95,4% utilizan un método manual sin guantes. De los 115 sujetos que hacen aplicación, 76,5% utilizan bomba de espalda y 23,5% bomba estacionaria. El 97,6% de expuestos no emplea elementos de protección personal. Los envases vacíos son dispuestos de manera inadecuada. En los últimos seis meses se han presentado 198 contactos accidentales en 72 individuos. Conclusiones: es preocupante encontrar el uso inadecuado de insecticidas y herbicidas tóxicos y el desconocimiento de la normatividad vigente. Es recomendable que entidades académicas, entes gubernamentales e industria de agroquímicos emprendan esfuerzos para cumplir a cabalidad su función de educación, con- trol y vigilancia sobre el uso de plaguicidas, sin importar si el producto cultivado es lícito o ilícito.

The objective was to identify the pesticides employed by farmers in Putumayo, evaluating the fulfillment of legal dispositions on management and personal protection measures. Methodology: Field descriptive observational study, in areas of illicit crops. Results: 490 subjects were evaluated, from whom 25.9% were identified as exposed to pesticides. The age distribution of the pesticide exposed was: 1-10 years-old (19,7%), 10-18 (18,1%), 18-35 (33,9%), 35-55 (23,6%) and more than 55 years old (4,7%). Most of the reported products were toxicological category I. Out of the 109 subjects in formulation activities, 95,4% used a manual method with no gloves.. Out of the 115 subjects in application, 76,5% used back bomb and 23,5% estacionary bomb. 97,6% of the exposed group did not use elements of personal protection. The empty bottles were disposed in an inappropriate way. In the six months preceding the study 198 accidental contacts were reported in 72 subjects. Conclusion: the inadequate used of toxic pesticides is worrying, as well as the lack of knowledge about their legislation. It is advisable that academic, governmental and agrochemical entities establish efforts to fulfill the function of education, control and supervision of the pesticides use, disregarding if it is a licit or illicit crops.