Impact of - IDL-BNC @ IDRC - International Development Research ...

carbons (e.g., DDT) suggests that neuropsychiatric changes and liver damage
(detected by ultrasonography or biochemical parameters) in the rural group
of workers might be due to this group of pesticides.
Contact dermatitis and allergic sensitization have been observed frequently
in pesticide workers after exposure to a variety of pesticides (Adams 1983).
Photoallergic reactions have been reported as well (WHO 1989). The number
of cases in exposed workers in this study differed significantly from the control
group, but the numbers were small.
It was difficult to determine the degree or duration of exposure to specific
pesticides. Workers were shifted from department to department as vacancies
occurred, and formulation of pesticides in both establishments depended on
market factors. However, the overall results demonstrated the existence of
hazardous working conditions in the two plants.
Signs and symptoms of acute and chronic pesticide exposure were prominent,
particularly for organophosphate and carbamate insecticides and for the
exposed group of rural workers, for whom a reduction in AChE activity of
more than 50% was recorded in 62% of workers. Liver dysfunction was
observed in 90% of exposed workers, but the significance of this in terms of
acute and chronic toxicity effects remains unclear because of the endemicity
of bilharzia. There was good evidence of significant chronic toxicity in the
form of neurologic disorders.
The results of this study indicate the need to improve safety in the working
environment and to train workers in the safe handling of pesticides.
Acknowledgment- This work was supported by a grant from the International
Development Research Centre, Canada.
Adams, R.M. 1983. Occupational skin diseases. Grun and Stratton, New York, NY,
USA.
Alber, G.V. 1976. Zbravookhkirg, 2, 38.
Amr, M.M.; El-Batanouni, M.M.; El-Gendy, M.; Gaafer, T. 1984a. Some cardiorespiratory
and haematological manifestations due to exposure to zinc phosphide
(ZnPO4). Egyptian Journal of Occupational Medicine, 8(2), 131-141.
Amr, M.M.; Abbas, E.Z.; El Samra, G.H.; Ayed, FA. 1984b. Clinical and biochemical
evaluation of hazards in workers occupationally exposed to zinc phosphide
pesticide. Medical Journal of Cairo University, 52(2).
Amr, M.M.; et al. 1984c. Some metabolic studies among workers exposed to zinc
phosphide (ZnPO4) during its preparation in Egypt. Journal of Occupational
Medicine, 8(2), 211-222.
128