Serum cholinesterase levels of vector control workers in Trinidad, West Indies (1979-1987)

During 1979-1987 studies were carried out in vitro on the serum cholinesterase levels of 46 vector control workers exposed to insecticides on a daily basis but without clinical manifestations of insecticide poisoning. The results were compared with those of a control group of workers who had not been exposed to insecticides at home or at work. Cholinesterase levels of both groups were determined by a standard colorimetric method. Suppressed serum cholinesterase levels were detected in all 46 workers exposed to insecticides, 25 of whom were aged 30-39 years. Four persons from the control group showed suppressed levels of enzyme; one of these had a genetically low level, and the other three were on medication when the low levels were recorded.