ABSTRACT
The samples were collected from 83 persons on 1 day (reading-I), 7 days (reading-II) and 30 days (reading-III) engaged in pesticide spraying in fourteen different fruit and vegetable farm stations located in the orchards of Gadap (rural area), Karachi-Pakistan. In the present study 26 workers out of 83 who were exposed to different pesticides (ie., cypermethrin, deltamethrin, polytrin-C, diazninon, monocrotophos, DDT and DDE) were compared with 25 healthy control persons. Different blood parameters were determined in comparison to control subjects. The results indicate some alterations in blood indices in allthe pesticide exposed persons, and only two persons from two different stations were affected severely and therefore their Hb, MCV MCHC, TLC, monocyte and neutrophil counts increased significantly. High lymphocyte count was noted in almost all the exposed persons. Platelets count was also found high in few persons but Hb, MCV, MCH, TLC, RBC and neutrophil counts significantly decreased in such persons. Exposure of multiple pesticides for prolong period has also affected the health of exposed persons and produced dermatological, hepatic, nephritic, respiratory and other clinical disorders reflecting the toxic effects of pesticides. Our findings indicate that indiscriminate use of pesticides in farming environments must be regularly assessed and farm workers must be trained for safe use of pesticides.
Subject(s)
Environmental Pollutants/toxicity , Occupational Exposure , Pesticide Residues/toxicity , Adolescent , Adult , Agricultural Workers' Diseases/epidemiology , Agriculture , Blood Cell Count , Environmental Pollutants/blood , Female , Humans , Male , Middle Aged , Pakistan , Pesticide Residues/bloodABSTRACT
Persons from 14 different fruit and vegetable farm stations from Gadap (rural area), Karachi-Pakistan were examined for the presence of pesticide (cypermethrin, deltamethrin, polytrin-C, diazinon, monocrotophos, DDT and DDE) residues in their blood samples. The present study is concerned with effects of residue on the enzyme levels (GPT, GOT and ALP) as well as the health hazards of pesticide exposed persons. There is a significant increased in the enzyme levels at different stations. Exposed persons complained about liver and kidney dysfunctions and RTI. It may be concluded that exposure of multiple pesticides for prolonged period has affected the normal functioning of different organ systems and possibly produced characteristics clinical effects such as hepatitis, dyspnea and burning sensation in urine.