Assessment of Health Effects Related to Organophosphate Pesticides Exposure Using Blood Cholinesterase Activity as a Biomarker in Agricultural Area at Nakhon Nayok Province, Thailand

Abstract

This study aims to assess health effects caused by organophosphate pesticides exposure among farmers (n=35) and non-farmers (n=35) in Sisa Krabue sub-district, Ongkharak district, Nakhon Nayok province. The research design of this study was a cross-sectional study during pesticide application period from January to March 2013. Questionnaire and Test-mate ChE (Model 400) for blood cholinesterase levels of both blood enzymes erythrocyte cholinesterase (AChE) and plasma cholinesterase (PChE) were used as measurement tools. Participants were consisted of 25 male and 45 female; average age (±SD) was 42.63 (±10.41) years old. The results showed that AChE levels of farmers was likely lower than non-farmers and PChE levels in the farmer group was significantly lower than those in non-farmer group (t-test, p<0.001). The association between AChE levels and PChE levels were likely low negative correlation. Years of using pesticides were significantly associated with PChE levels (Chi- square, p<0.05). The farmers were significantly associated with increase eye symptoms, central nervous system (CNS) symptoms, respiratory system symptoms, and gland symptoms (Chi- square, p<0.05). The AChE level was significantly associated with CNS symptoms (Chi- square, p<0.05) . The PChE level was significantly associated with eye symptoms, CNS symptoms, respiratory system symptoms, and gland symptoms (Chi-square, p<0.05). In conclusion, farmers may be getting higher risk than non-farmers living nearby/around farming area. An appropriated self-prevention from pesticides exposure should be recommended to farmers and non-farmers; particularly, a proper use of personal protective equipment (PPE) should be introduced to farmers.