Sources of exposure to and public health implications of organophosphate pesticides

Abstract

Organophosphate pesticides continue to pose a risk to human health in the United States. Biological monitoring should be used to strictly regulate occupational exposures to organophosphates and thus protect the health and safety of workers. Among the public there should be an increased awareness of environmental exposure to organophosphates as well as of the threat of chemical warfare or terrorism.

Morphogenetic Activities of Bendiocarb as Cholinesterase Inhibitor on Development of the Chick Embryo

“…In rats, a single high exposure to an OP can cause long lasting behavioural effects and the same has been reported from several human studies (Bjørling-Poulsen et al, 2008). WHO estimates that each year there are 3 million cases of acute pesticide poisoning, and it ends with 220 000 deaths (Jaga & Dharmani, 2003).…”

Acute Toxicity and Cholinesterase Inhibition in Chicks Dosed Orally with Organophosphate Insecticides

“…Organophosphate (OP) insecticides are widely used in public health, veterinary practice and agriculture (1,2). They are common in the Middle East, including Iraq.…”

Chemical Biomarker Study of Negative Physiological Effects of Insecticides on Pakistani Farm Workers Health in the Central Punjab

“…51,52,53 Another study also pointed out that the incidence of pesticide exposure increased among workers who had not followed instructions / guidelines for proper handling of pesticides. 15,54,3 Significantly altered biochemical responses in the populations under investigation with more number of years (< 10) and particularly that BChE levels (Table 4) support the idea that the toxicity of insecticide increases with the passage of time. These findings are in agreement with the previously undertaken study on agricultural workers in Kenya, where cholinesterase inhibition was recorded due to prolonged exposure of the workers to pesticides.…”

“…Miss handling of pesticides while transfers may also cause human exposure to pesticides. 15 For determining health risks during farming practices in underdeveloped countries, dermal exposure to pesticides is of particular interest and it is primarily due to the lack of work -related hygiene policies. 16 Farm workers that have poor information regarding safety practices and protective measures are more at risk to pesticide exposure.…”