Abstract
The present study explores the effect of pesticide exposure on the reproductive health and liver function of females participating in agricultural related work. Blood samples were obtained from thirty-five (35) females (out of one hundred females of reproductive age) who were willing donors. Fifty (50) females matched for age and socio economic status was recruited as a control group to compare levels of hormones (estradiol, progesterone and follicle stimulating hormone), liver enzymes-alanine aminotransferase (ALT), and aspartate aminotransferase (AST). Results showed that 56% of the females were illiterate with 48% representing agricultural work. Females who helped in farming operations showed a higher incidence of adverse pregnancy outcome such as abortions and stillbirths compared to non-participants. There was a significant elevation in estradiol and progesterone levels among female agricultural workers. While there was an elevation in serum liver enzymes (AST and ALT) there was a significant decrease in FSH level in females engaged in agricultural activities. The study suggests that participation of females in agricultural activities with potential exposure to pesticides endangers their reproductive health and liver functions.
Highlights
Indian economy is largely based on agricultural products and the output primarily depends on extensive use of pesticides
We conducted a cross-sectional study in female pesticide sprayers of mango plantation in rural Malihabad, Lucknow
Females who helped in preparing pesticides represented 67.16%
Summary
Indian economy is largely based on agricultural products and the output primarily depends on extensive use of pesticides. Agricultural practices involve the use of a diverse group of agro-chemicals that is indiscriminately sprayed by the farmers for pest control. Organophosphorus pesticides (OPs) alone or in combination with organochlorines (OCs) are frequently used and sprayed in mango plantation of Malihabad (Lucknow, U.P.) which is a mango belt in north India and remains an important source of poisoning. These agro-chemicals are popularly termed as pesticides and have been broadly classified in to organophosphorus, organochlorines, carbamates and pyrethroids [1]. In mango field the common pesticide sprayed includes Dichlorovas 76% EC, Monocrotophos 36% EC, Dimethoate 30% EC, Phosphamidon 85% SL Endosulfan 35% EC, Carbaryl, 25% EC, Monocrotophos 36% SL, Methomyl [1]
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
