Alexander R, Anderson P K
Int J Health Serv. 1984;14(1):31-41. doi: 10.2190/5k2d-1ebp-ftl6-6r7f.
Cuba provides a unique example of a country that is actively implementing a program to reduce its dependence on pesticides. This paper addresses Cuba's current efforts to develop and implement alternatives to pesticides and legislation to limit exposure and protect workers in the interim. In 1980 Cuba embarked on a national program to utilize alternatives to chemical pest control. This three-part program includes expansion of knowledge of Cuban agro-ecology in order to implement cultural control practices; research and implementation on biological control of pests; and research on plant resistance and development of resistant crop varieties. To date, the program has enabled Cuba to reduce pesticide usage in sugar cane, citrus, tobacco, corn, and vegetable crops, among others. While alternatives to chemical pest control are being developed, the Cubans are paying special attention to regulating pesticide use and the safety of workers and members of the public exposed to toxic chemicals. In addition to the Resolution on Health and Safety (1967) and the Safety and Health Law (1978) which cover all workers, including Cuba's 250,000 agricultural workers, the Ministry of Public Health promulgated Resolution 335 in 1967. This resolution addresses requirements and administration of structural pest control, production, importation, transport and storage of pesticides, as well as requirements for worker contact with pesticides, pesticides for domestic use, aerial application of pesticides, and violations of the regulations. The paper concludes with a description of how the system works on the provincial level, as exemplified by Villa Clara, and the steps that have been taken to eliminate worker exposure to pesticides, to utilize pesticides which pose less of a hazard to workers, and to assure early detection of ill effects.
古巴是一个积极实施减少对农药依赖计划的独特范例。本文论述了古巴目前在开发和实施农药替代品方面所做的努力，以及在此期间限制接触农药和保护工人的立法情况。1980年，古巴启动了一项利用化学害虫防治替代品的国家计划。这个由三部分组成的计划包括扩大古巴农业生态学知识，以实施栽培防治措施；开展害虫生物防治的研究与实施；研究植物抗性和培育抗性作物品种。迄今为止，该计划已使古巴减少了甘蔗、柑橘、烟草、玉米和蔬菜作物等的农药使用量。在开发化学害虫防治替代品的同时，古巴人特别关注规范农药使用以及接触有毒化学品的工人和公众的安全。除了涵盖所有工人（包括古巴25万农业工人）的《健康与安全决议》（1967年）和《安全与健康法》（1978年）外，公共卫生部在1967年颁布了第335号决议。该决议涉及结构性害虫防治、农药生产、进口、运输和储存的要求及管理，以及工人接触农药、家用农药、农药空中喷洒和违规行为的要求。本文最后描述了该系统在省级层面的运作方式，以比那尔德里奥省为例，以及为消除工人接触农药、使用对工人危害较小的农药和确保早期发现不良影响所采取的步骤。
