Water and pesticides contamination in Federal District, Brazil

Abstract

The higher incidence of pesticides poisonings in Federal District, demonstrates the importance
to increase knowledge about water contamination with those agents. Therefore socioeconomic
data and on the use of pesticides in the DF were searched. Between the years of 2008 and
2013, average consumption of pesticides for unit of area raised in 63% and the notifications of
intoxications increased 3519%, higher in women. Poisonings occurred in bigger ratio in places
with lesser per capita average income. No data of water monitoring for pesticides was found
for the studied period. The water supply crisis and use of new sources will increase pesticides
concentration in the water supplied to the population, showing the need for a complete program
of monitoring of pesticides as well as other contaminants. Those actions should be carried
out with participation and social control aiming more transparency to the process. Basins
of the Descoberto, Preto and Paranoá, should be prioritized.