Rapid multimethod for verification and determination of toxic pesticides in whole blood by means of capillary GC-MS.
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A rapid and single multimethod was developed to determine substances of different pesticide classes in whole blood in the event of acute human intoxications, as required by EU Commission Directive 96/46. The method was validated by an in-house and an independent laboratory validation. Whole blood is hemolyzed and then deproteinized. After extraction of the supernatant, blood levels are determined by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry. The method, which can be performed within 120 min, covers 15 active substances (8 organophosphate pesticides, 2 carbamates, 3 pyrethroids, 1 azole, and 1 organochlorine pesticide) classified as toxic or very toxic. These compounds can be identified down to concentrations between 100 and 1000 ng/mL by comparison of their mass spectra to those in a commercial pesticide mass spectra library. Using the standard addition method, they can be quantitated down to concentrations between 30 and 200 ng/mL. These limits of quantitation are considered to be sufficient in comparison to respective LD50 values. (+info)
Risk of pancreatic cancer and occupational exposures in Spain. PANKRAS II Study Group.
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The objective of the study was to analyse the relationship between occupational exposures and risk of pancreatic cancer. Incident cases of pancreatic cancer and hospital controls were prospectively identified and interviewed during the hospital stay. Occupational history was obtained by direct interview with the patient, and was available for 164 (89%) of 185 pancreatic cancer cases, and 238 (90%) of 264 controls. Two industrial hygienists evaluated exposures to 22 suspected carcinogens previously associated with pancreatic cancer. Occupational exposures were also assessed using the Finnish job-exposure matrix (FINJEM). For each type of pesticide group, moderately increased odds ratios (OR) were apparent in the high-intensity category, highest for arsenical pesticides (OR=3.4; 95% CI 0.9-12.0), and 'other pesticides' (OR=3.17; 95% CI 1.1-9.2). ORs for aniline derivatives, and dyes and organic pigments, were also higher for high-intensity exposure, and increased when lagged and restricted to long duration of exposure. ORs above 3 were observed for the following agents evaluated by FINJEM: pesticides, benzo[a]pyrene, lead, volatile sulphur compounds, and sedentary work. Whilst generally negative, results lend moderate support to the hypothesis of an association between exposure to some pesticides and pancreatic cancer. Larger studies could address the potential for these compounds to modify the carcinogenic risk of other environmental exposures. Suggestive increases in risk from aniline derivatives, dyes and organic pigments, and benzo[a]pyrene may also deserve further attention. (+info)
Potential exposure of amateurs (consumers) through painting wood preservative and antifoulant preparations.
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Data are presented for work patterns, inhalation and potential dermal exposure for amateurs painting wood preservatives to garden structures, and antifoulants to leisure boats. The results are quoted as rates of in-use product deposition or time-weighted inhaled product concentrations. Quoting data in this general and normalized form enables predictive risk assessment. The product densities were assumed to be 1.0 gml(-1). Inhalation exposure was detected in about 40% of the surveys, being about 100 times higher for wood preservatives than for antifoulants. The maximum airborne wood preservative concentration was 8.03 mg m(-3), measured over the period of painting (that is not an 8h time-weighted average value). Regarding potential dermal exposure, the processes are only broadly comparable. Most of the data appear to fall into relatively narrow distributions, with median values around 5 mg min(-1) (for preservatives) and around 16 mg min(-1) (for antifoulants). About half of the deposit on clothing was found to occur below the waist. The data comparing gloved and bare hand working indicate that even simple gloves offer a degree of protection for skin. (+info)
Farmworkers and pesticides: community-based research.
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In this paper we summarize the results of a workshop conducted to disseminate information about community-based research on the environmental health risks of exposure of farmworkers to pesticides. Community-based research is an approach that is advocated for addressing issues of environmental justice such as exposure of farmworkers to pesticides. This workshop brought together scientists, community organization members, and agency representatives to review and discuss the research methods and organizational relationships that have been successful in conducting past community research so these principles can be applied to new situations. The objectives of this workshop were to a) be a forum in which those conducting community-based research with farmworkers could share what they had learned; b) delineate the successes and barriers across different projects to further develop models and methods for conducting community-based research; and c) determine future directions and needs of farmworker community-based research for environmental justice. (+info)
Agricultural work and the risk of Parkinson's disease in Denmark, 1981-1993.
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OBJECTIVES: This study examined the possible association between agricultural and horticultural work and the subsequent morbidity of Parkinson's disease. METHODS: Fixed cohorts of 2,273,872 men and women aged 20-59 years on 1 January 1981 and identified in the Central Population Register of Denmark were followed, and all first-time hospitalizations with Parkinson's disease as the principal diagnosis during the 13 years until 31 December 1993 were recorded. Standardized hospitalization ratios (SHR) were calculated using all gainfully employed persons as the standard and by multiplying the ratio by 100. Ninety-five percent confidence intervals (95% CI) were calculated on the assumption of a Poisson distribution. RESULTS: A high risk of Parkinson's disease was found for the men and women in agriculture and horticulture (134 cases, SHR 132, 95% CI 111-156). Statistically significantly high risks were found for farmers (79 cases, SHR 130, 95% CI 103-163) and for all men in agriculture and horticulture (109 cases, SHR 134, 95% CI 109-162). CONCLUSIONS: A consistent pattern of high Parkinson's disease morbidity was found among occupational groups employed in agriculture and horticulture. (+info)
A new crop of concerns: Congress investigates pesticide safety.
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A March 2000 report by the General Accounting Office, Pesticides: Improvements Needed to Ensure the Safety of Farmworkers and Their Children, states that much remains unknown about the risks faced by children in agriculture, and that enforcement of pesticide protection standards for farmworkers is patchy and unsystematic. Many cases of farmworkers' pesticide-related illnesses go unreported, leaving health workers with an inadequate basis for tracking patterns and fine-tuning pesticide standards, says the report. In addition, children are known to be more vulnerable to the effects of pesticides, but there is a lack of data regarding children's exposures and the precise effects of pesticides on children's health. (+info)
The effect of pesticide on the activity of serum cholinesterase and current perception threshold on the paddy farmers in the Muda agricultural development area, MADA, Kedah, Malaysia.
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BACKGROUND: The aim of this study was to find out the indicator as a marker of person who are exposed to pesticides (organophospate). Up to now the serum cholinesterase is used as a marker. This new method will not taking blood vein since this be the obstacle in conducting research in a rural area. METHODS: A cross sectional study was conducted to investigate the effect of pesticide exposure on the activity of serum cholinesterase (ChE) and current perception threshold (CPT). The samples are 60 paddy farmers (exposed group) and control group taken from the office of Muda agricultural area of Kedah in 19 do not expose to pesticide. The CPT values measured using a portable constant current electric nerve stimulator, Neurometer CPT/Eagle (Neurotron Incorporated, Baltimore, USA). Assessments carried out by one examiner on the index finger (median digital nerve) and the great toe (peroneal digital nerve). The current used are 3 neuroselective frequency range 2000 Hz, 250 Hz, and 5 Hz. The serum cholinesterase activity measured spectrophotometrically using cholinesterase inhibition test kit CHE MHE 1,144729. RESULT: It was significantly evident that the serum cholinesterase activity noted reduced among the paddy farmers (p = 0.014). The CPT values were significantly elevated for the 2000 Hz frequency range for both the measurement sites (index finger p < 0.0001 and great toe p < 0.0001). For the 250 Hz frequency range CPT values were significant only for the index finger (p = 0.012). However there was no significant difference for the 5 Hz frequency range. There was also a significant correlation (negative) between CPT values and serum cholinesterase activity more for the 2000 Hz frequency range (index finger r = 0.672, p < 0.0001 & for great toe r = 0.736, p < 0.0001). The results were suggestive of subclinical impairment of distal axonopathy considering the fact only 25% of the farmer showed clinical manifestation of numbness. CONCLUSION: The selective involvement of the large diameter sensory fibres (250 Hz and 2000 Hz) were reflective of toxic peripheral neuropathy. Neurometer CPT/Eagle used as indicator for detecting the effect of pesticide instead of using cholinesterase enzyme activity. (+info)
Environmental medicine, part 4: pesticides - biologically persistent and ubiquitous toxins.
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Although the use of pesticides has doubled every ten years since 1945, pest damage to crops is more prevalent now than it was then. Many pests are now pesticide resistant due to the ubiquitous presence of pesticides in our environment. Chlorinated pesticide residues are present in the air, soil, and water, with a concomitant presence in humans. Organophosphate and carbamate pesticides - the compounds comprising the bulk of current pesticide use - are carried around the globe on air currents. Municipalities, schools, churches, business offices, apartment buildings, grocery stores, and homeowners use pesticides on a regular basis. Pesticides are neurotoxins that can cause acute symptoms as well as chronic effects from repeated low-dose exposure. These compounds can also adversely affect the immune system, causing cell-mediated immune deficiency, allergy, and autoimmune states. Certain cancers are also associated with pesticide exposure. Multiple endocrine effects, which can alter reproduction and stress-handling capacity, can also be found. Limited testing is available to assess the toxic overload of these compounds, including serum pesticide levels and immune system parameters. Treatment for acute or chronic effects of these toxins includes avoidance, supplementation, and possibly cleansing. (+info)