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Related Experiment Videos

Neurologic function among termiticide applicators exposed to chlorpyrifos.

K Steenland1, R B Dick, R J Howell

  • 1National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, Cincinnati, OH 45226, USA. kns1@cdc.gov

Environmental Health Perspectives
|April 7, 2000
PubMed
Summary

This study found limited neurotoxic effects in pesticide applicators exposed to chlorpyrifos, though self-reported symptoms and prior poisoning cases warrant further investigation into organophosphate health risks.

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Area of Science:

  • Environmental Health
  • Neurotoxicology
  • Occupational Health

Background:

  • Chlorpyrifos is a widely used organophosphate pesticide with moderate toxicity.
  • Widespread exposure in the U.S. population is indicated by detectable metabolite levels.
  • Limited epidemiologic data exist on chlorpyrifos-specific neurotoxicity.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the neurotoxic effects of chlorpyrifos exposure in termiticide applicators.
  • To compare neurologic function between exposed workers and nonexposed controls.

Main Methods:

  • Study included 191 current/former termiticide applicators and 189 controls.
  • Evaluated neurologic function using clinical exams, nerve conduction, tremor, sensory, visual, and neurobehavioral tests.

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  • Measured urinary metabolite levels (3,5, 6-trichloro-2-pyridinol; TCP) to assess exposure.

    • Main Results:

    • Exposed applicators had significantly higher urinary TCP levels than the general population.
    • No significant differences were observed in most clinical examinations and quantitative neurobehavioral tests.
    • Exposed group showed poorer performance in pegboard and postural sway tests, and reported more symptoms (memory, fatigue, emotional states).
    • Eight men with prior chlorpyrifos poisoning showed patterns consistent with chronic organophosphate effects.

    Conclusions:

    • Clinical examination results for chlorpyrifos-exposed workers were largely reassuring.
    • Self-reported symptoms and performance deficits in previously poisoned individuals raise concerns.
    • Generalizability of findings may be limited due to specific study population characteristics.