Background: Pesticide intoxication is a public health problem in many developing countries. Approximately 18.2
per 100 000 agricultural workers worldwide have occupational-related pesticide acute and chronic toxicity
symptoms.
Objective: This study aimed to investigate the toxic symptoms in pesticide-exposed agricultural workers.
Patients and Method: A cross sectional study was conducted on 390 agricultural workers using an interview
questionnaire that consists of socio-demographic and exposure data, safety practices and self-reported toxicity
symptoms. Physical examination and investigations were done.
Results: Among the self-reported toxicity symptoms, cough was the most common acute symptom (59%) while
skin problems were the most reported chronic symptoms (11.5%). There was a statistically significant difference
regarding age between those with & without blurring of vision [(median, 50 and 39 years respectively) P < .001],
muscle spasm [(median, 49 and 40 years respectively) P < .001] and skin problems [(median, 48 & 41 years
respectively) P < 0.007]. Regarding duration of exposure, there was a statistical significant difference between those
with & without blurring of vision [(median, 10 and 50 years respectively) P < .001], muscle spasm [(median, 10
and 6 years respectively) P < .001] and skin problems [(median, 12 and 6 years respectively) P < .001]. There was
statistical significant negative correlation between serum cholinesterase level and age, duration of pesticides
exposure and body mass index.
Conclusions: The most self-reported pesticides toxicity symptom was cough (59%) while walking problems were
the least reported one (5.9%). Age and duration of pesticides exposure are significant risk factors for pesticides
toxicity |
