Tatjana Golubović , Ana Bijelić , Anđela Jovanović ,
Aleksandar Lazarević , Ana-Marija Valland 

ORIGINAL SCIENTIFIC PAPER

OCCUPATIONAL EXPOSURE TO FERTILIZERS AND ASSOCIATED HEALTH EFFECTS 

DOI: 10.46793/SEMSIE25.061G

Abstract:

Fertilizers are generally used to provide nutrients to crops, through increasing yields and soil fertility. They are mainly categorized into two groups, organic and inorganic. Inorganic fertilizers are synthetic nutrient-rich products used to supply essential minerals to plants, such as nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium. Organic fertilizers are obtained naturally from either plant (compost and biosolids) or animal sources (manure, slurry, etc.). Although the use of fertilizers in the agricultural sector is inevitable for achieving high-yield crop production, their production and application can present health and safety hazards. Some professions are especially significant in terms of exposure to fertilizers, primarily those associated with agriculture and related industries. They include agricultural workers, those who work in fertilizer plants and researchers. Individuals living in the same residential area are also exposed to these substances. Agricultural workers face potential exposure during planting, fertilizing, and harvesting, as well as through equipment maintenance and cleaning. Fertilizer plant workers may be exposed to dust and fumes during production, packaging, and storage. Transportation and handling of fertilizers, whether in bulk or packaged form, also present risks of exposure. Occupational exposure to fertilizers, particularly during manufacturing and agricultural application, can lead to various health issues. These range from respiratory problems and skin irritation to more serious conditions like kidney and liver damage, and even neurological effects.

Keywords:

Fertilizers, occupational exposure, health effects

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS:

This paper is supported by the Ministry of Science, Technological Development and Innovation of the Republic of Serbia pursuant to agreement № 451-03-137/2025-03/200148 g13 with the University of Niš, Faculty of Occupational Safety. 

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