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[Exposure to organophosphate insecticides among greenhouse workers in the Basque Country]
E Alvarez1, J J Aurrekoetxea, L Santa Marina
1Unidad de Epidemiología, Dirección de Salud Pública, Gobierno Vasco, San Sebastián.
Background:
This study was conducted with the aim of evaluating the impact on health produced by the use of organophosphorus pesticides in greenhouses.
Methods:
A representative sample of workers with high exposure to organophosphorus pesticides was taken in Vizcaya and Guipúzcoa, provinces where cultures under plastic are very extended. Forty four workers were interviewed to collect information about symptoms and signs related to past exposures. Blood samples were taken from 36 of these workers to measure the level of cholinesterase activity, before and after exposure to these pesticides.
Results:
Fifty two per cent referred some signs and symptoms after use of pesticides. Nevertheless, no significant decrease in cholinesterase activity was observed, nor could any significant relationship between cholinesterase activity and the way to apply the pesticides.
Conclusions:
The exposure to organophosphorus pesticides, at the range studied in this group of workers, does not constitute today an important health risk.