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Document ID (ISN)112237
CIS number 11-0816
ISSN - Serial title 0962-7480 - Occupational Medicine
Year 2011
Convention or series no.
Author(s) Pathak M.K., Fareed M., Bihari V., Mathur N., Srivastava A.K., Kuddus M., Nair K.C.
Title Cholinesterase levels and morbidity in pesticide sprayers in North India
Bibliographic information 2011, Vol.61, p.512-514. 9 ref.
Abstract The objective of this study was to compare cholinesterase activity and symptoms in knapsack and tractor-mounted pesticide sprayers in North India. Blood cholinesterase activity and symptoms were recorded for 42 knapsack and 66 tractor-mounted sprayers attending a health camp in 2009 and for 30 non-exposed controls. One hundred and eight of 197 (55%) eligible sprayers consented to participate. Mean acetylcholinesterase (AChE) and butyrylcholinesterase activity was 33 and 60% lower, respectively, in knapsack sprayers than in controls and 56 and 62% lower, respectively, in tractor-mounted sprayers than in controls AChE depletion was greater in tractor-mounted sprayers than in knapsack sprayers. In knapsack sprayers compared to controls, odds ratios (OR) were significantly raised for musculoskeletal symptoms (OR 3.9) but not for other symptoms. In tractor-mounted sprayers compared to controls, ORs were significantly raised for neurological (OR 7), ocular (OR 8.7), respiratory (OR 5.14), cardiovascular (OR 7.5), gastrointestinal (OR 5.43) and musculoskeletal (OR 6.12) symptoms but not for dermal symptoms (OR 1.93). The risk of cholinesterase inhibition and symptoms is greater in tractor-mounted than in knapsack pesticide sprayers and in both groups compared to controls. Occupational exposure in pesticide sprayers in North India needs better control, perhaps through redesign of spraying equipment.
Descriptors (primary) India; butyrylcholinesterase; acetylcholinesterase; pesticide spraying; symptoms; work posture; design of equipment; health hazards
Descriptors (secondary) tractors; gastrointestinal diseases; cardiovascular diseases; musculoskeletal diseases; eye injuries; determination in blood; comparative study; case-control study; cholinesterase monitoring; neurotoxic effects
Document type D - Periodical articles
Subject(s) Agriculture, fishing, animal husbandry
Toxic and dangerous substances
Occupational pathology
Broad subject area(s) Occupational medicine, epidemiology
Chemical safety
Browse category(ies) Agriculture
Agricultural chemicals