[Human neurotoxicity of ethylene-bis-dithiocarbamates (EBDC)]

Ethylene-bis-dithiocarbamates (EBDC) (maneb, mancozeb,...) are fungicides which rarely cause acute toxicity reactions, but may have a severe long-term toxic effect. Twelve cases reported to the Bordeaux Anti-Poison Center over a 10-year period generally exhibited short-term neurological symptoms of variable severity. Cases of acute intoxication reported in the literature have involved various neurological signs including headache, dizziness and confusion, and a few cases of seizures, all of which were rapidly reversible. Long-term exposure has been associated with parkinsonism and epidemiological studies have found an increased risk of neurocognitive impairment associated with long-term exposure to pesticides in general and to EBDC specifically. Experimentally, EBDC increases the neurotoxicity of MPTP and paraquat. Their metabolite, ethylene thiourea (ETU), is neurotoxic in utero. There are indications that EBDC and/or ETU may increase sensitivity to genetic and environmental risk factors for cell death and apoptosis. Occupational or accidental exposure to EBDC and its possible long-term consequences require adequate studies concerning their mechanism, surveillance and prevention.