Pesticides and asthma

In this study we try to prove and evaluate the acute and chronic effects of pesticides on respiratory system among pesticide applicators. They were applicators of different types of pesticides [organophosphates, carbarnates, pyrethroides and or-ganochlorine] living in an Egyptian village [150 Km south to Cairo]. Respiratory symptoms were reported in about 66.5% of the applicators and only in 33.4% of controls [highly significant p < 0.01]. Chest examination revealed that 21.7% of the applicators and 11.4% of the control subjects had respiratory signs. Analysis of the ventilatory function results showed a significant ventilatory defect [p < 0.05] among applicators when compared to the control, these were in the form of obstructive defects [doubled] and restrictive defect [5 folds increase]. The relation between the duration of exposure among applicatos and the ventilatory functions showed that the more they were exposed to pesticides the higher the incidence of ventilatory function changes. The challenge test was done to 38 applicators and 63 control subjects, with 39.5% +ve in applicators and only 17.9% in control, and the result was significant. Also, the serum cortisol level and cholinesterase activity were more depressed among applicators than in controls. We concluded that people with chest problems, especially asthma and COPD, should avoid exposure to pesticides. Challenge test with methacholine should be done as screening test to all applicators before exposure and positive subjects should be excluded

Auto exhaust pollution [in Cairo] and cardio respiratory disorders

Five hundred and five traffic policemen, busdrivers and garage mechanics from Greater Cairo were examined. Examination included full history taking, clinical examination of heart and chest, electrocardiogaraphic recordings, pulmonary function tests and estimation of blood lead and carboxyhaemoglobin. The results showed that the frequency distribution of chronic non specific respiratory diseases [CNRD] and cardiovascular diseases increase with age, duration of employment and in smokers. Hypertension and ischaemic heart diseases increased significantly with age, for policemen. The same was observed between Ischaemic heart diseases and duration of employment, in policemen also. A directly proportional relation was found between ischaemic heart diseases and carboxyhaemoglobin levels; the same was found between hypertension and blood lead levels. The results of ventilatory function tests showed that FVC% was unaffected; while FEV1% was reduced in the examined group. There was also a directly proportional relation of blood lead levels with duration of employment as well as carboxyhaemoglobin levels with both duration of employment and smoking. Smoking proved to play an important role in development and frequency distribution of cardiovascular and respiratory disorders; ii also influenced carboxyhaemoglobin levels. Policemen group was the most affected, if compared to drivers and mechanics in all the studied parameters

Liver involvement in munition workers due to multiple chemical exposure

73 male workers in the explosive industry were examined clinically; laboratory investigations were done detect liver affection. SGOT, SGPT and alkaliue phosphatase were found significantly high [p < 0.001]. The serum protein and albumin were decreased while alpha 1, alpha 2 and gama globulin were increased and these were statistically significant. Lead and copper were increased while iron and zinc were decreased and these also were statistically significant. These findings indicate liver affection which can be attributed to exposure to T. N. T. glycol derivarives, organic solvents and lead stearate. Regarding the neurological effects, the salient features were peripheral neuritis, muscle weakness and headache

Cardio-respiratory manifestation due to chronic occupational exposure to trichloroethylene

The hazardous effects of Trichloroethylene were studied on 125 exposed workers in the central Bank Note printing. The study shows that the level of air concentration of trichloroethylene is above the threshold limit value of this solvent. A significant obstructive ventilatory impairment and hypertension were found, in the exposed group. As regarding electrocardiographic [ECG] changes; there were high percentage of left ventricular hypertrophy, ischaemic heart diseases and arrhythmia in comparison to the control

Acute toxicity of some organic solvents in albino rats

In a trial to verify the cause of Volatile Solvent Abuse [VSA] the acute toxicity of some commonly abused organic solvents were studied in albino rats exposed to the LD 50 of either acetone, toluene or xylene. Blood lipids and histopathological changes were studied in both dead and lwing animals. Electro-Cardiographic tracing was done to the control and survived intoxicated rats. The results obtained suggested profound hyperlipemia, structural damage and myocardial disturbances. Strict legislative measures are recommended