Citation

Mourad TA. Int. J. Occup. Environ. Health 2005; 11(2): 144-149.

Affiliation

Department of Social Medicine, School of Medicine, University of Crete, Crete, Greece. tayserm@hotmail.com

Copyright

(Copyright © 2005, Maney Pub.)

DOI

unavailable

PMID

15875890

Abstract

To evaluate the health impact of insecticides on Palestinian farm workers in the Gaza Strip, the study assessed biomarkers in farm workers who used organophosphorus insecticides. Serum cholinesterase and complete blood count were determined before and after spraying of organophosphorus insecticides. Burning sensations in eyes/face (62.5%), itching/skin irritation (37.5%), and chest symptoms (29.2%) were reported. Serum butyrylcholinesterase (SBuChE) was significantly decreased at the end of the work day. Burning sensations in eyes/face and skin rash were significantly associated with inhibition of SBuChE activity (p < 0.05). Younger workers were more affected. Leukocyte and platelet counts were increased and hemoglobin decreased significantly, reflecting acute poisoning. Monitoring of SBuChE and hematologic parameters of farm workers could be useful to predict and prevent health hazards of pesticides.