CLINICAL AND BIOCHEMICAL-CHANGES IN GREENHOUSE SPRAYERS CHRONICALLY EXPOSED TO PESTICIDES

1 This study was conducted with the aim of evaluating the impact on he alth produced by the use of different types of pesticides in greenhous es. it is based on the need to practice and develop biological monitor ing techniques to assess exposure and predict health risk in workers o ccupationally exposed to pesticides. 2 Two groups of greenhouse worker s with either high or low exposure to a combination of pesticides was taken in Almeria, a Spanish province where cultures under plastic are very extended. 3 One hundred and five sprayers were interviewed to col lect information about symptoms and signs related to past exposures. E ach pesticide sprayer was examined by a physician, and a blood sample was drawn for plasma and red blood cell cholinesterases, complete bloo d count, and liver and renal function tests. 4 Exposure of workers to a combination of pesticides resulted in 37% of the workers showing tox ic signs and symptoms. The main toxic effects observed were a high inc idence of spontaneous abortion, depression, and certain neurologic dis orders like headache, tremor and paraesthesia. 5 The major analytical change was a decrease of the mean corpuscular haemoglobin concentratio n in 38% of the cases. However, no significant decrease in both serum and erythrocyte cholinesterase activities was observed. 6 The sprayers were not usually aware of the potential hazards of pesticides and did not try their best to maintain personal hygiene.