RESUMEN
The objective of the present study was to evaluate the renal function of rural workers in a city of northeastern Brazil. A cross-sectional study was carried out with 208 workers in Boquim, Sergipe, Brazil. Renal function markers and butyrylcholinesterase (BChE) were evaluated and the glomerular filtration rate (GFR) was determined. The sample consisted mainly of illiterate males with a low usage of personal protective equipment and no training. Approximately 40% had some level of renal failure. Relative risk (1.59) of GFR alteration was higher in workers with more than 5 yr of exposure, mainly to organophosphates. Workers more than 60 yr of age presented a 17.06 greater risk for manifesting acute intoxication. Butyrylcholinesterase reduction was associated with reports of intoxication (relative risk of 11.36). We concluded that exposure to pesticides represented a risk factor for the development of nephrotoxic effects and alteration of renal function, which reinforced the need to implement measures to protect rural workers. Environ Toxicol Chem 2021;40:1132-1138. © 2020 SETAC.