Title
Neurological symptoms among Sri Lankan farmers occupationally exposed to acetylcholinesterase-inhibiting insecticides
Author
Smit, L.A.M.
van Wendel- de Joode, B.N.
Heederik, D.
Peiris-John, R.J.
van der Hoek, W.
Publication year
2003
Abstract
Background: In many agricultural districts in Sri Lanka, pesticide poisoning is a leading cause of death. This study aims to evaluate the impact of pesticide use on Sri Lankan farmers' health. Methods: A total of 260 subjects were surveyed in both a low and a high exposure period. Acetylcholinesterase activity was measured and data on symptoms were collected with questionnaires. Results: Twenty-four percent of surveyed farmers had suffered at least once from acute pesticide poisoning. Farmers showed significantly more inhibition of cholinesterase activity than controls. Acute symptoms indicative for exposure to cholinesterase-inhibiting pesticides were associated with farming and a higher degree of cholinesterase suppression (more than 13% inhibition). Integrated Pest Management (IPM) training seemed to result in less insecticide use, and less cholinesterase inhibition. Conclusions: Our results suggest that occupational acetylcholinesterase-inhibiting insecticide exposures have a negative impact on Sri Lankan farmers' health. Overall reduction in pesticide use seems the best option to protect farmers from the adverse effects of pesticides. © 2003 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Subject
Health Chemistry
Food and Chemical Risk Analysis
Acetylcholinesterase inhibition
IPM
Neurological symptoms
Pesticide exposure
Sri Lanka
acetylcholinesterase
insecticide
adult
agricultural worker
article
cholinesterase inhibition
controlled study
enzyme activity
female
human
integrated pest management
intoxication
major clinical study
male
neurologic disease
occupational exposure
questionnaire
Sri Lanka
symptomatology
Acetylcholinesterase
Adult
Agriculture
Cholinesterase Inhibitors
Female
Humans
Insecticides
Male
Middle Aged
Nervous System Diseases
Occupational Exposure
Prevalence
Sri Lanka
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http://resolver.tudelft.nl/uuid:487a8f02-ae8c-4c00-a990-2fc5a75d960e
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1002/ajim.10271
TNO identifier
237255
ISSN
0271-3586
Source
American Journal of Industrial Medicine, 44 (3), 254-264
Document type
article