Indoor application of anti-cholinesterase agents and the influence of personal protection on uptake.

The relationship between plasma-cholinesterase (ChE) measures and the uptake of anti-cholinesterase agents among 125 greenhouse sprayers in connection with normal working conditions were studied. An in-season ChE depression was observed indicating absorption of organophosphate (OP) or carbamate insecticides (p = 0.0001). The in-season enzyme depression among sprayers, exclusively exposed to carbamates (p = 0.06), probably reflects chronic percutaneous or oral uptake in the intervals between spraying by cultivating pretreated flowers. The frequency of applications (p = 0.03) and the wearing of protective clothings (p = 0.02) seems to be working habits, which significantly influenced the ChE activities, whereas gloves or face mask did not (p greater than 0.05). Especially, the wearing of whole-body protective clothing (p = 0.008) are of particular value in preventing percutaneous absorption.