Objective:To assess the degree of poisoning in farmers using the erythrocyte acetylcholinesterase (AChE) test before and after the exposure to pesticides in townships in central Benin (Glazoué and Savè) and to identify the associated risk factors.Methods:Using a cross-sectional study design, we recruited 264 farm pesticide sprayers, who have been working for at least 5 years. They completed a questionnaire and underwent the AChE test using the Test-mate Model 400 device (EQM Research Inc.) with a photometric sensor, based on the works of Ellman.Results:Organophosphate/pyrethroids were the most common pesticides used by at least 72.96% of the farmworkers. We observed an inhibition of AChE between pre-exposure and post-exposure (P = .002) for 60.61% of the farmworkers. Among them, 11.88% displayed more than 20% AChE inhibition.Conclusions:Pesticide poisoning is a reality, and AChE monitoring is urgently needed for farmworker surveillance.

IntroductionThe use of pesticides saved millions of lives by killing the insects which are known to be potential vectors of disease, however, those pesticides have harmful effects on human health and on the environment public health and environmental problems caused using pesticides outweigh the benefits. The objective of this study is to assess the level of poisoning with the AChE test due to cotton producer’s pesticide exposure in the biggest cotton production townships of northern Benin (Banikoara and Kandi), and to identifying the risk factors.MethodThrough a cross sectional study, we recruited 190 pesticides sprayers for at least 5 years. They were submitted to a questionnaire and to acetylcholinesterase (AChE) test using the Test Mate model 400 devices (EQM Research Inc) with main component of the device: photometric sensor and principle based on the works by Ellman. By a non-probabilistic sampling, we recruited 190 farmers from the two townships fulfilling all the inclusion criteria and available to participate to all stages of the study.ResultsThe studied population is essentially young: 83.16% were under 45 years old, with 75% illiterates. 70.3% of the farmers have more than 10 years of spraying experience. We noted that 2.06% of the farmers still used domestic containers to prepare the pesticides. As precautions to prevent poisoning after spraying, 10.31% of the surveyed farmers drink milk. There was a significant AChE decrease between pre-exposure (AChE 3.08±2.3 UI/ml) and post-exposure (AChE 2.65±0.52 IU/ml); p=0.009. 73.1% of the famers were concerned by that inhibition. Those who could read the pictograms faced less inhibition of AChE (p<0.05). The age variables, level of education and experience of pulverisation do not have any influence on AChE inhibition.ConclusionAChE monitoring is needed for the surveillance of farmers.