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Organophosphate poisoning in office workers
Journal of Occupational Medicine. : Official Publication of the Industrial Medical Association
|June 1, 1986
Summary
Organophosphate pesticide exposure caused illness in office workers. Recovery of cholinesterase levels followed an unexpected slow release pattern, suggesting prolonged internal pesticide redistribution.
Area of Science:
- Toxicology
- Occupational Health
Background:
- Organophosphate pesticides like chlorpyrifos are widely used.
- Organophosphate intoxication can cause significant health issues.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the recovery pattern of erythrocyte cholinesterase levels after organophosphate exposure.
- To understand the toxicokinetics of chlorpyrifos in humans.
Main Methods:
- Case study of five office workers with organophosphate intoxication.
- Monitoring of erythrocyte cholinesterase levels over three months post-exposure.
Main Results:
- Symptoms consistent with organophosphate intoxication were observed.
- Cholinesterase recovery followed an exponential distribution, not a constant rate.
- This pattern indicates a slow release of chlorpyrifos from a secondary body compartment.
Conclusions:
- The recovery kinetics of cholinesterase suggest a complex toxicokinetic model for organophosphates.
- Redistribution and slow release from body stores may prolong organophosphate toxicity.
- This finding has implications for monitoring and treatment of organophosphate poisoning.