Análise dos riscos sanitários e ocupacionais na comercialização de plantas medicinais em mercados públicos de Recife - PE sob perspectiva da gestão em saúde

Abstract

This study analyzed risk management and biosafety conditions in the commercialization of medicinal plants in public markets of Recife-PE, recognizing their cultural, therapeutic, and economic relevance. The research was descriptive, observational, quantitative, conducted between January 2024 and July 2025, through structured interviews with herbal vendors and direct observation of storage conditions, labeling, botanical identification and workplace safety. Statistical analysis using Chi square and ANOVA revealed a strong predominance of orally transmitted family knowledge (p<0.001), in addition to the frequent use of plastic bags for storage (p<0.001), indicating microbiological vulnerability and risk of chemical degradation. Results also demonstrated low traceability of plant origin, non-standardized labeling, reliance on organoleptic control, and inconsistent validity information, affecting phytochemical quality and consumer safety. Low adherence to Personal Protective Equipment and limited compliance with NR-1, NR-6, NR-15, NR-17, NR-24 and RDC 26/2014 reinforce occupational risks. The findings indicate the need to integrate traditional herbal knowledge with sanitary training, traceability tools and minimum labeling standards. It is concluded that improving biosafety practices does not diminish cultural knowledge; it preserves and strengthens it, ensuring safer therapeutic use and supporting public policies, health surveillance and management strategies in the commercialization of medicinal plants in Recife