AN ONTOLOGY OF DISEASES CAUSED BY IMPROPER USE OF PESTICIDES

Abstract

The indiscriminate use of pesticides is one of the main factors contributing towards the chemical contamination of human beings, causing various types of intoxications. However, accessing information about pesticides and the consequences of their use, has proven difficult. Therefore, the present paper describes the development of an ontology which has the purpose of structuring knowledge in the field of health, focusing on diseases caused by the improper and indiscriminate use of pesticides. The ontology developed, called OntoTox was based on documents with a pesticide classification and the intoxication caused by their use.  OntoTox was constructed according to the Methontology method, as well as some steps of the 101 method and implemented in the Protégé environment. This ontology was evaluated by the Data-Driven method as well as the response to questionnaires administered to experts in the fields of health and agriculture. They considered it a valid source of knowledge in aiding the diagnosis of poisoning and health problems related to the use of pesticides. This ontology can be used in providing aid to victims of poisoning and in research involving pesticides and poisoning.