MORBIDITY AMONG FARM-WORKERS IN A DESERT COUNTRY IN RELATION TO LONG-TERM EXPOSURE TO PESTICIDES

Objectives Farm workers chronically exposed to low levels of pesticide s seldom show signs and symptoms of clinical significance. This study investigates subclinical. morbidity patterns among male farm workers i n a desert country. Methods Migrant-established farm workers (N=226) w ere compared with referents (N=226) and with new farm workers (N=92) w ho had just entered the country to work on farms. Acetylcholinesterase activity was measured, the aiming test and digit symbol test were app lied, and a morbidity profile was collected with a questionnaire. Resu lts The erythrocyte acetylcholinesterase activity and hemoglobin-adjus ted erythrocyte acetylcholinesterase activity were significantly deple ted in the established farm workers. The results of the aiming and dig it symbol tests were also significantly lower for the established farm workers. For the morbidity profile, irritated conjunctiva (47.3%), wa tery eyes (52.2%), blurred vision (63.3%), dizziness (55.2%), headache (63.7%), muscular pain (61.1 %), and weakness (76.6%) were reported b y established farm workers in statistically significantly higher numbe rs than by the referents and new farm workers. Conclusions Morbidity p atterns, such as the health complaints and objective parameters sugges ted in this study, would be suitable as criteria for identifying farm workers most at risk from pesticide toxicity and as criteria for initi ating measures to control and reduce exposure.