Male Sprayers Research Articles

Changes in lung function and respiratory symptoms during pesticide spraying season among male sprayers

Exposure to pesticides via inhalation might impair lung function and develop further severe respiratory symptoms and diseases. Thus, the purpose of the study was to compare lung function between pre- and post-pesticide spraying seasons among male sprayers. The study also evaluated the association of lung function changes and other factors with respiratory symptoms. The follow-up study was conducted on 58 male sprayers. The subjects were interviewed and measured lung function before and after pesticide spraying season. The results found that forced vital capacity (FVC), forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV1), and peak expiratory flow rate in the post-spraying season were significantly lower than in the pre-spraying season. With regard to respiratory symptoms, cough symptoms were associated with changes in FEV1/FVC [odd ratio (OR) = 1.29, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 1.01–1.67)] and smoking status (OR = 12.95, 95%CI = 1.35–124.34). Phlegm symptoms were also associated with changes in FVC (OR = 2.07, 95%CI = 1.01–4.25) and FEV1 (OR = 0.41, 95%CI = 0.18–0.91). The study provides evidence that pesticide spraying may increase risks for significant alteration of lung function and respiratory symptoms.

Molecular detection of M. tuberculosis and M. bovis and hematological and biochemical analyses in agricultural sprayers exposed to pesticides: A cross-sectional study in Punjab, Pakistan during 2014-2016.

We determined the correlation between a pesticide exposure, physical health and susceptibility toward tuberculosis along with hematological indices and liver enzymes' alterations in sprayers exposed to pesticides. Molecular detection of Mycobacterium tuberculosis and Mycobacterium bovis was detected by targeting histone-like protein (hupB) gene. The WBC (white blood cells) and RBC (red blood cells) levels of male sprayers and non-sprayers were significantly different (P<0.05). In female spray workers, the WBC and neutrophils levels were significantly different as compared with non-sprayers. Overall, in both male and female pesticide-exposed sprayers, mean values of alanine amino transferase and aspartate amino transferase were higher as compared with unexposed workers. M. Tuberculosis were detected in 15% male sprayers and 36% female sprayers while, M. bovis was detected in 5% male sprayers and 10% female sprayers. A χ2-test indicated that there existed a significant different (P<0.05) between positive and negative M. tuberculosis and M. bovis in both male/female spray workers out of total. The susceptibility of pesticide-exposed sprayers to tuberculosis and alterations in hematology and liver enzymes is crucial for health. Toxic effects of pesticides may lead to a weak immune system and increased tuberculosis susceptibility.

Seasonal variations in cholinesterase activity, nerve conduction velocity and lung function among sprayers exposed to mixture of pesticides

Pesticide spraying operation is associated with the increased risk of adverse health effects among sprayers who do not follow safe farm work practices. A study was conducted among pesticide sprayers in North India to evaluate the clinical and subclinical variations in their vital health parameters before and after the pesticide spraying season. Blood cholinesterase levels, pulmonary function test, nerve conduction velocity and self-reported symptoms were studied among 18 eligible and consenting male sprayers. Mean acetylcholinesterase activity was reduced by 55 % in the post-exposure assessment (P<0.001) as compared to pre-exposure levels. Mean forced expiratory volume in 1 s was 20 % lower in the post-exposure assessment as compared to the pre-exposure level (P<0.05). No significant change was observed in the motor and sensory nerve conduction velocity in the median nerve of sprayers before and after the spraying activity. Also, no significant variation was observed with respect to self-reported symptoms except weakness in arms and legs (P<0.05). The significant decline in lung function and acetylcholinesterase level after pesticide exposure reflects the strongly negative effect of exposure to pesticides during spraying activity. More longitudinal studies among pesticide sprayers must be undertaken to further substantiate the cause-effect relationship between pesticide exposure and its subclinical effects. There is a strong necessity to minimise the exposure through the use of personal protective equipment in pesticide sprayers.

Effects of smoking on the oxidant/antioxidant balance and the blood lipids in pesticide sprayers

The present study was conducted on 80 pesticide male sprayers (42 nonsmokers and 38 smokers). Our aim was to estimate the smoking effects on blood lipids and oxidant/antioxidant status in pesticide sprayers. Results revealed that cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein (LDL) and glutathion peroxidase (GPx) enzyme were significantly higher in the 38 smoker sprayers than in the 42 nonsmoker sprayers. Cholesterol and LDL were correlated with smoking index and high-density lipoprotein (HDL), superoxide dismutase (SOD) enzyme and zinc (Zn) were inversely correlated with duration of pesticides' exposure. In nonsmokers, LDL and cholesterol were negatively correlated with SOD and correlated with malondialdehyde (MDA), and cholesterol was negatively correlated with Zn. HDL was negatively correlated with MDA in all the sprayers, but was correlated with GPx in smokers and with Zn in nonsmokers. In smokers, LDL was negatively correlated with GPx, HDL was negatively correlated with MDA and triglycerides and very-low-density lipoprotein were negatively correlated with Zn. MDA was negatively correlated with SOD, GPx and Zn. Smoking and pesticide exposure could be responsible for hyperlipidemia and oxidative stress. Therefore, improvement in the antioxidant status is mandatory for pesticide sprayers especially the ones who smoke.

A Health Surveillance of Pesticide Sprayers in Talwandi Sabo Area of Punjab, North–West India

Human pesticide poisoning has become major public health issue these days. Throughout the world highest levels of pesticide exposure are found in the farm workers, applicators and people living adjacent to heavily treated agricultural land. Pesticides are linked to various chronic diseases like cancers, infertility, kidney failure, reproductive problems and nervous disorders. The present study had been carried out to examine the a cute symptoms of pesticide spraying in the farm workers of three villages in Talwandi Sabo block of Bathinda district of Punjab, a cotton growing area with high usage of pesticides. This is an exploratory health study recorded face- to-face on pre-tested questionnaire. A total of 108 male sprayers from villages Bangi Nihal Singh (34), Jajjal (39) and Mahi Nangal (35) were field interviewed about the immediate impact of pesticides during spraying season from September-October 2003. Majority of the sprayers complained of having nausea, itchiness of the eyes, pain while urinating, discolored nails, nails dropping off, swollen fingers, sleeplessness, headache, excessive sweating and skin rashes. Immediate attention should be given to the implementation of proper awareness programs to pesticide workers. Also, practices like Integrated Pest Management, Organic Farming, Biopesticides, and Crop Diversification should be promoted.

Monitoring of plasma butyrylcholinesterase activity and hematological parameters in pesticide sprayers

To evaluate the health impact of spraying organophosphorus insecticides (OPs), 34 male sprayers in the mango belt of Malihabad, a small town located 27 km from Lucknow in North India was selected. Plasma butyryl cholinesterase (PBChE) and complete blood count were assessed among sprayers after spraying pesticides and the findings obtained were compared with those determined in a reference group (n = 18). The most common symptoms observed were burning sensation in the eyes (8.82%), itching/skin irritation (23.52%) and chest symptoms (32.35%) in the exposed workers. Plasma butyrylcholinesterase (PBChE) was significantly decreased in workers. The results indicated significant decrease in the mean value of hemoglobin, hematocrit and platelets count; however, significantly higher count of leukocytes was also observed in the exposed group (sprayers) compared to that observed in the control group (P < 0.05). Monitoring of PBChE in pesticide sprayers could be useful to predict and prevent health hazards of OPs.

8-Hydroxydeoxyguanosine levels in human leukocyte and urine according to exposure to organophosphorus pesticides and paraoxonase 1 genotype

In order to investigate a role of paraoxonase 1 (PON1) polymorphism in organophosphorus (OP)-induced 8-hydroxydeoxyguanosine (8-OHdG) levels, urinary metabolites of OP, PON1 genotypes, and 8-OHdG levels in leukocyte and urine were measured in OP indoor insecticide sprayers and controls in summer and winter. The study population contained 18 male sprayers and age-matched 18 male controls. Sprayers were primarily exposed to OP insecticides (mainly fenitrothion, dichlorvos, chlorpyrifos, and diazinon), and partially to pyrethroids (mainly permethrin) and carbamates (mainly propoxur). Urinary metabolites of OP were measured by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry. 8-OHdG levels in leukocyte and urine were measured by ELISA kit. PON1 genotype was identified using allele-specific fluorogenic TaqMan probes. The mean concentrations of urinary dimethyl phosphate (DMP) and total dialkyl phosphates (DAP) in summer and those of 8-OHdG in summer and winter were significantly higher in OP sprayers than controls. This resulted in a significant positive correlation between 8-OHdG levels and urinary DMP or DAP, suggesting a correlation between OP metabolites and production of oxidative stress. Of PON1 genotypes, incidences of Q/Q, Q/R, and R/R types were 17, 39, and 44% in OP sprayers and controls, respectively. Although PON1 polymorphism did not contribute to the leukocyte and urinary 8-OHdG levels, the urinary OP metabolite concentrations in summer showed a significant decrease as the number Q allele decreased. These results indicate that an increase in OP metabolites is associated with a high level of oxidative stress in OP sprayers, although the contribution of the PON1 polymorphism to the metabolism of OP is still unclear.

Sister chromatid exchanges among workers occupationally exposed to phenoxy acid herbicides 2,4-D and MCPA.

The induction of sister chromatid exchanges (SCEs) was studied in the peripheral lymphocytes of workers spraying foliage in forestry with phenoxy acid herbicides 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid (2,4-D) and 2-methyl-4-chlorophenoxyacetic acid (MCPA) or their mixtures. In order to follow possible exposure-related changes in the frequencies of SCEs, three successive blood samples were taken from 50 male sprayers during the spraying season of July-October, 1981. In addition, 15 control subjects not working with herbicides were included in the study. The actual exposure levels of the exposed subjects were estimated by measuring the concentrations of 2,4-D and MCPA in the urine of the sprayers. Enough cells for the SCE analysis were obtained from 35 herbicide workers and 15 control subjects. The concentrations of 2,4-D and MCPA in the urine samples after exposure varied from 0.00 to 10.99 mg/l. No significant differences in the frequencies of SCEs were observed in samples taken before, during, or after the exposure. Furthermore, the means of SCEs in a nonexposed control group of 15 subjects fell in the same range as those of the exposed subjects. A difference in the means of SCEs was observed between nonsmokers and smokers, smokers having significantly higher mean values than nonsmokers. The results of the present study add support to the earlier data indicating that 2,4-D and MCPA do not act as direct DNA-damaging agents.