N Pakravan1, M Shokrzadeh2, M A Khalat Bari1, Amir Shadboorestan3. 1. Pharmaceutical Sciences Research Center, Faculty of Pharmacy, Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences, Sari, Islamic Republic of Iran. 2. Pharmaceutical Sciences Research Center, Faculty of Pharmacy, Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences, Sari, Islamic Republic of Iran mslamuk@yahoo.com. 3. Department of Toxicology and Pharmacology, Faculty of Pharmacy,Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
Abstract
INTRODUCTION: Accidental toxicity by organophosphate (OP) agents may occur among farmers during spraying season due to improper use and handling. Plasma cholinesterase (ChE) activity measurement is recommended to monitor the extent of exposure to the OP agent. The aim of the current study was to measure plasma ChE activity before and after exposure with OP pesticides. METHODS: This was a prospective study conducted on 36 farmers working in the farm field. The plasma ChE level was measured before spraying and 2 days and 8 weeks after spraying season and exposure to OP agent. Farmers were observed for clinical signs and symptoms of toxicity after exposure. RESULTS: Vertimac was the most common agent used by farmers followed by diazinon and chlorpyrifos. The plasma ChE level significantly decreased after exposure by over 50%. The level returned to preexposure level after 8 weeks. CONCLUSION: Exposure to OP pesticide is a major concern in the developing countries. More than 50% reduction in the plasma ChE activity after spraying is an alarming message for health-care system and policy makers. Furthermore, workplace evaluation, serial ChE monitoring, and appropriate training and education to exposed individuals would be initial important steps to avoid the toxicity or reduce the severity of poisoning.
INTRODUCTION: Accidental toxicity by organophosphate (OP) agents may occur among farmers during spraying season due to improper use and handling. Plasma cholinesterase (ChE) activity measurement is recommended to monitor the extent of exposure to the OP agent. The aim of the current study was to measure plasma ChE activity before and after exposure with OP pesticides. METHODS: This was a prospective study conducted on 36 farmers working in the farm field. The plasma ChE level was measured before spraying and 2 days and 8 weeks after spraying season and exposure to OP agent. Farmers were observed for clinical signs and symptoms of toxicity after exposure. RESULTS: Vertimac was the most common agent used by farmers followed by diazinon and chlorpyrifos. The plasma ChE level significantly decreased after exposure by over 50%. The level returned to preexposure level after 8 weeks. CONCLUSION: Exposure to OP pesticide is a major concern in the developing countries. More than 50% reduction in the plasma ChE activity after spraying is an alarming message for health-care system and policy makers. Furthermore, workplace evaluation, serial ChE monitoring, and appropriate training and education to exposed individuals would be initial important steps to avoid the toxicity or reduce the severity of poisoning.
Authors: Susana Viegas; Maryam Zare Jeddi; Nancy B Hopf; Jos Bessems; Nicole Palmen; Karen S Galea; Kate Jones; Peter Kujath; Radu-Corneliu Duca; Hans Verhagen; Tiina Santonen; Robert Pasanen-Kase Journal: Int J Environ Res Public Health Date: 2020-08-13 Impact factor: 3.390