Sharp increase in number of Thai farmers suffering from pesticide

BANGKOK, July 5 (TNA) - The Public Health Ministry has set up health clinics in villages covering 19 per cent of total agricultural areas in Thailand after finding that more agriculturists are suffering from the negative effect of pesticides. The Ministry is trying to establish more health clinics so that they covered every agricultural area in the country. Public Health Minister Dr. Rajata Rajatanavin said the Public Health Ministry is concerned on the number of agriculturists suffering from the use of pesticides. According to official statistics of the ministry, the number of patients suffering from poisonous effect of pesticides in 2012 rose to more than 8,000 from about 1,800 persons in 2010. Symptoms of those suffering from pesticide poison include blurred vision and breathing problems. In the long run, it could lead to cancer and loss of fertility. (TNA)