Cytogenetic studies of pesticide and herbicide sprayers

Fifty-seven herbicide and pesticide sprayers were studied for the incidence of sister chromatid exchanges (SCEs) in peripheral blood lymphocyte chromosomes. Overall there was no difference between the control group and the sprayers. Five sprayers had an SCE rate three standard deviations outside the mean of the control group. Possible factors contributing to this elevated SCE rate were (1) the failure to use protective clothing and (2) the length of time spraying. Many sprayers failed to take adequate protective measures when mixing and spraying and chemicals were often improperly stored. It is recommended that all persons using herbicides and pesticides take adequate protective measures so that the risk of fatal poisoning and possible long-term genetic hazard be reduced.