Some clinical findings among workers manufacturing pesticides

ABSTRACT

This study was conducted to evaluate the health effects, of pesticides on a group of exposed workers in a manufacturing plant. Data were derived by interviewing a population of 264 exposed male workers for symptoms and history of exposure. Medical and occupational histories were recorded in detail. Physical examination included general examination, measurement of blood pressure, auscultation of the heart and lungs and special examination dictated by the history. The control group consisted of 50 workers of similar age, sex, educational and socioeconomic background as the exposed workers. They were never occupationally exposed to pesticides of any kind. Blood samples were collected from each examined worker for the determination of plasma and R.B.C. cholinesterase activities. Present results revealed that hypertensive diseases, neuroses and other personal disorders, liver and gall-bladder manifestations, headache, dermatitis, urinary tract conditions and impotence were more frequent among exposed workers. Inhibition of cholinesterase activities were met among 14.02% of the exposed workers compared to none of the controls. It was also found that previously mentioned health disorders were significantly more common among those having cholinesterase activity depression. No differences were found as regard the relationship between cholinesterase activity and previous history of acute intoxication. On the other hand, present data revealed that workers exposed to pesticides for a longer duration [more than 20 years] have more reduction in cholinesterase activity