Residents of the Canela quilombo in São Benedito do Rio Preto, located approximately 240 km from São Luís, Brazil, have raised alarming reports regarding aerial spraying of pesticides over their homes and farms. Witnesses, including children, pregnant women, and the elderly, have experienced adverse health effects such as nausea, itching, and headaches following these aerial operations. Videos taken by the residents have identified the aircraft as an agricultural plane engaged in pesticide spraying, drawing serious concerns about the safety and health implications of such practices.

The usage of pesticides in this manner poses significant health risks, as exposure is linked to serious conditions like cancer. In addition to chemical exposure, the Canela community has documented other distressing issues, including land grabbing, invasions, attacks on residents, and destruction of local crops. Reports indicate that these incidents have severely impacted the community's ability to cultivate crops for local consumption, fuelling food insecurity and diminishing their agricultural heritage.

This year, São Benedito do Rio Preto has emerged as a hotspot for pesticide applications in the state of Maranhão, affecting approximately 27 communities. As residents continue to grapple with these ongoing threats to their health and livelihoods, their situation underscores the urgent need for governmental and organizational intervention to safeguard the health of vulnerable populations and address the violations occurring within these communities.