ASSESSMENT OF PERIPHERAL-NERVE FUNCTION IN AN ECUADORIAN RURAL-POPULATION EXPOSED TO PESTICIDES

Citation
Dc. Cole et al., ASSESSMENT OF PERIPHERAL-NERVE FUNCTION IN AN ECUADORIAN RURAL-POPULATION EXPOSED TO PESTICIDES, Journal of toxicology and environmental health. Part A, 55(2), 1998, pp. 77-91
Citations number
47
Categorie Soggetti
Toxicology,"Environmental Sciences","Public, Environmental & Occupation Heath
ISSN journal
15287394
Volume
55
Issue
2
Year of publication
1998
Pages
77 - 91
Database
ISI
SICI code
1528-7394(1998)55:2<77:AOPFIA>2.0.ZU;2-T
Abstract
To explore the peripheral nervous system effects of regular agricultur al pesticide use, a cross-sectional survey was conducted in highland E cuador. Participants were 144 occupationally exposed farm members, 30 female farm members with little direct exposure, and 72 unexposed loca l town residents, frequency matched to the exposed people on age, sex, and education. Organophosphorus and carbamate insecticides and dithio carbamate fungicides accounted for the majority of pesticide applicati ons, with leaking backpack sprayers, minimal use of personal protectiv e equipment, and frequent dermal contact being the norm. In polytomous logistic regression analyses, applicators had significantly greater o dds for more current peripheral nerve symptoms (odds ratio OR = 3.1), signs of poor coordination (OR = 4.3), abnormal deep tendon reflexes ( OR = 2.9), and reduced power (OR = 2.1) compared to controls. Mean toe vibration threshold scores, on a logarithmic scale, were significantl y higher among applicators (beta = 0.035) and those reporting previous pesticide poisonings (beta = 0.024). Such indicators of peripheral ne rvous system effects may be due to a variety of factors, including hig h pesticide exposure conditions.