Nerve conduction studies in sprayers occupationally exposed to mixture of pesticides in a mango plantation at Lucknow,North India

In this study, nerve conduction, organochlorine (OC) pesticide residues in blood and cholinesterase activity levels of pesticide sprayers employed in mango plantations at Lucknow, North India, were determined. Fifty-two sprayers from mango plantations who regularly spray mixture of pesticides like organophosphates (OP), OCs, and carbamates were considered as exposed group. Eighteen subjects with similar socio-economic status of exposed group, who do not handle pesticides, were selected as controls. Questionnaire-based interviews related to personal and occupational histories of the study subjects were carried out. Sprayers did not use any personal protective equipment during pesticide handling. The blood-pesticide analyses of sprayers show higher mean values of hexachlorohexane (HCH), γ-HCH, δ-HCH, total HCH, op-DDT compared with the controls. Acetylcholinesterase (AChE) and butyrylcholinesterase (BChE) activites were significantly reduced among sprayers. Risk of motor nerve conduction deficits was observed in sprayers with low AChE activity. Negative correlation of motor and sensory nerve conduction deficits was observed with the duration of exposure and age among sprayers. The study demonstrated that the prolonged exposure to mixture of pesticides, ergonomic factors, decline in cholinesterase activity may lead to nerve conduction dysfunction. The findings suggest the need for controlled use of pesticides in the plantation and indicated the need for training and implementation of hygiene practices like proper usage of personal protective equipments.     

Visual disturbances with cholinesterase depletion due to exposure of agricultural pesticides among farm workers

In this study, risk assessment for visual disturbances among farm workers spraying agricultural pesticides in farms have been assessed. A cross-sectional study for the assessment of visual disturbances was undertaken using questionnaire survey and clinical examination among agricultural workers exposed to pesticides. Two hundred and thirty nine pesticide sprayers participated in the study. The study was compared to 110 controls not occupationally exposed to pesticides with similar socio-economic status. The prevalence of ocular morbidity was found to be 40% among pesticide sprayers which was significantly higher (p?p?相似文献   

Changes of hematological parameters in Prochilodus lineatus (Pisces, Prochilodontidae) exposed to sublethal concentration of cypermethrin

Freshwater fish Prochilodus lineatus were exposed to sublethal concentrations of cypermethrin (0.3 and 0.6 microg/l) for 2, 5 and 8 days. It was observed that with the increase of exposure time total erythrocyte (RBC), hemoglobin (Hb), hematocrit (Ht) and mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration (MCHC) values decreased but mean corpuscular volume (MCV) and mean corpuscular hemoglobin (MCH) values increased. These reports indicate that hematological parameters, may be useful as a diagnostic test for cypermethrin exposure in aquatic organisms.     

Acute hematological toxicity of ivermectin to juvenile Clarias gariepinus

Abstract

Acute behavioral and hematological toxicity of ivermectin to C. gariepinus juveniles were assessed under static conditions at concentrations of 9 to 25?µg L^?1 for up to 4?days. Juveniles were highly sensitive to ivermectin, with an LC50 of 15?µg L^?1, culminating in spasms and paralysis. The hematological responses of packed cell volume, hemoglobin and red blood cell count decreased when compared to the control while the white blood cell count showed a biphasic trend. The mean corpuscular volume and mean corpuscular hemoglobin showed a mixed trend, while mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration increased with increase in the concentration of the drug. Lymphocytes and neutrophils were also significantly (p?<?.05) increased. Ivermectin did not elicit any significant changes in monocytes, basophils and eosinophils. The observed changes confirm that ivermectin negatively affected the health of the fish. Therefore, real-time monitoring for early warning is recommended.     

Determination of oxidative stress markers and serum cholinesterase among pesticide sprayers in southern Brazil

Small farmers generally spray pesticides manually and often do not use complete protective equipment. The standard test to detect pesticide exposure, which may be associated with toxicity, is the determination of serum cholinesterase, but in chronic exposure to low doses, this test is less sensitive. In this study, in a group sampled among pesticide sprayers without signs of intoxication, cholinesterase, thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS), catalase (Cat), and superoxide dismutase (Sod) activities were analyzed. Cholinesterase activity was only slightly lower in the farmer group in relation to the control group. However, TBARS and Cat activities were 3-fold increased in the farmers in comparison to the controls. Sod activity was similar in both groups. The group of pesticide sprayers that did not use the complete protective equipment presented a significantly higher level of TBARS than the group that used the complete protective equipment. Therefore, the determination of TBARS and catalase can be useful to identify individuals that are chronically exposed to low doses of pesticides.     

Characteristics and risk assessment of organochlorine pesticide residues in surface sediments collected at the Qingshitan Reservoir

ABSTRACT

An ultrasonic extraction – gas chromatography – electron capture detector analytical method was used to measure the concentration and types of organochlorine (OC) pesticides in sediment to obtain a better understanding of the characteristics and hidden ecological risks associated with OC pesticide exposure in surface sediment of the Qingshitan Reservoir. Fifteen types of OC pesticides were detected in the sediment, and the sum concentration of these chemicals was in the 149.32–490.19 ng/g range (mean value: 319.39 ng/g). The concentrations of detected OC pesticides occurred in the following order: hexachlorohexanes (HCHs) (mean value: 200.17 ng/g) > DDTs (mean value: 36.92 ng/g) > heptachlors (mean value: 32.74 ng/g) > methoxychlor (mean value: 24.13 ng/g). There was a 100% detection rate for HCH isomers, and their concentrations occurred in the following order: β-HCH > δ-HCH > γ-HCH > α-HCH. β-HCH was the main component of HCHs. Ratios between α-HCH/γ-HCH and β-/(α+γ)-HCH were used to investigate the sources of pollution. Most of the surveyed areas were polluted by lindane, which originated from past pesticide residue usage, and no new inputs of HCHs were found. DDT was the major component of the DDTs, and accounted for 52%–87% of the DDTs. The ratios of (DDE+DDD)/DDT at all sample collection points were less than 1, indicating that degradation rate of DDTs in sediment was low and there was a new input of DDTs in these surveyed areas. The ratio of DDD/DDE was less than 1 at most of the sample collection points, indicating that the degradation of DDT in the sediments primarily took place under aerobic conditions. Comparison of OC pesticide residual levels in the underwater sediment collected at the Qingshitan Reservoir to other states and countries showed the pollution level of these chemicals of the Qingshitan Reservoir was relatively high. The ecological risk was assessed based on guideline values of effects range-low (ERL) and effects range-medium (ERM). The results showed that DDD, DDE, DDTs and endrin residues in the sediment posed a moderate ecological risk, but DDT and γ-HCH showed high ecological risk. These OC pesticides might adversely affect biological systems, and need to be addressed.     

Changes in hematological profile of male albino rats after acephate administration

The present study was designed to evaluate the possible adverse effects of acephate, an organophosphate insecticide, on hematological parameters in male albino rats. Acephate was administered orally to rats at either 25, 50, or 75 mg/kg bwt/day for 30 days. Data showed a significant decrease in total erythrocyte count, hemoglobin concentration, and hematocrit value; however, an increase in total leukocyte count was noted. The levels of blood sugar and blood urea were significantly elevated when administered by acephate. There were no significant changes in mean corpuscular hemoglobin, mean corpuscular volume, and mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration for all doses. Thus, obtained results collectively revealed that acephate administration produced significant alterations in hematological parameters in dose-dependent manner.     

Organochlorine pesticide and polychlorinated biphenyl residues in human milk from Tabriz,Iran

Human breast milk samples, collected during April 2007 in Tabriz, Iran, were analyzed for organochlorine (OC) pesticides, such as dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane (DDT) and its metabolites, hexachlorobenzene (HCB), α, β, and γ-hexachlorocycloexane (HCH) isomers and six polychlorinated biphenyls (PCB) congeners (IUPAC Nos. 28, 52, 101, 138, 153, and 180). Organochlorine pesticides and OCB were both prevalent in the samples of human breast milk. Average concentrations of HCB, DDT, HCH, and PCB were 1020, 1930, 1660, and 690 ng g^?1 lipid weight, respectively. A positive correlation was observed between concentration of OC in human breast milk and mothers age with primiparae. Women having higher OC concentrations than multiparae women suggests that these parameters influence the OC burden in lactating women. The estimated tolerable daily intakes (TDIs) of HCH, HCB and PCB solely from human breast milk were 100, 46, and 43% of samples, respectively, exceeding guideline thresholds given as TDI proposed by Health Canada. Although high daily intakes may raise concerns for possible adverse effects of OC, women in Tabriz are recommended to breastfeed due to the numerous advantages for mother and child.     

Level of organochlorine pesticide residues in dry fruit nuts

The use of pesticides on cash crops and exportable food commodities had always been a serious concern. Fruits form one of the important constituents of human diet, in that they give one third of the requirement of calories, vitamins, and minerals. This study has been carried out to determine the level of organochlorine pesticides namely HCH, DDT and Endosulfan in raw fruit nuts. Nuts have proteins and high level of fat content. These properties of nuts attract organochlorine pesticides to accumulate. The analysis of organochlorine pesticide residues in commonly used dry fruits like Cashewnut, Walnut, Coconut, Chilgoza, Chironji, Makhana, Resins, Apricot, Almonds, Date palm, Pistachio nut collected from local market of Lucknow India has indicated presence of very low level of HCH (0.007-1.328 mg kg(-1)), DDT(ND-0.140 mg kg(-1)) and Endosulfan (ND-0.091 mg kg(-1)). There are no MRL values established for nuts in the country. This finding is based on a smaller number of samples, which however suggest that the presence of low level of DDT, HCH and Endosulfan might be due to environmental rather than direct exposure.     

Polychlorinated biphenyls and organochlorine pesticides in amniotic fluids of pregnant women in south-central Turkey†

The concentrations of organochlorine pesticides (OCPs) and polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) were determined in amniotic fluid of 200 pregnant women from the Cukurova region of Turkey. The concentrations of OCPs [hexachlorocyclohexane (HCH), hexachlorobenzene (HCB), dichlorodiphenyl trichloroethane (p,p′-DDT), and various metabolites], and different PCB congeners (28, 52, 101, 118, 138, 153, 180) were determined by gas chromatography with electron capture detection as follows: HCB 6.6 ± 4.7, ΣHCH 21.6 ± 14.2, ΣDDT 12.5 ± 7.5, and ΣPCBs 74.0 ± 54 ng mL^?1. Correlations of maternal or gestational age and levels of OCPs and PCBs were not significant. The levels of these organochlorine compounds (OCs) were below detection limit for 5% of the samples, 80% contained more than one OC. This study illustrates that prenatal exposure of a fetus to OCs is prevalent in the Cukurova region.     

Hematological responses of broiler chickens exposed to simulated crude petroleum emissions

Hematological responses of broiler chicken exposed to simulated crude petroleum emissions at varying distances over a period of 16 h daily were evaluated for 56 days in a poultry house. The burning of crude petroleum was simulated with a specially designed burner. The measured distances were 4, 8, or 12 m from the flame point. Control birds were located in a separate poultry building without the flame treatment. Gaseous emissions from the burning crude oil were monitored. Proprietory broiler starter and finisher diets were fed ad libitum. Blood samples were taken at the fourth and eighth weeks for hematological assay from each treatment. The hematological parameters assayed were hemoglobin (Hb), packed cell volume (PCV), white blood cells (WBC), neutrophils, and lymphocytes. Results indicated that the treatment did not significantly affect the Hb, PCV, and WBC constituents. Neutrophils significantly decreased while lymphocytes increased. The age of birds significantly increased Hb, PCV, and WBC levels in the blood.     

Protective influence of antioxidant vitamins on hematological indices of rabbits fed crude-oil-contaminated diet

The effects of chronic exposure to petroleum on hematological parameters as well as the possible protective role of vitamins E and C were studied. The hematological parameters assessed were red blood cell (RBC) counts, hematocrit, hemoglobin concentration, and white blood cell (WBC) counts. The RBC and hemoglobin concentration were significantly decreased in the blood of petroleum-fed rabbits. However, there was a significant increase in WBC in rabbits exposed to crude-oil-contaminated feed. Pretreatment with the antioxidant vitamins E and C restored these parameters to normal.     

Relationships between exposure to polyhalogenated aromatic hydrocarbons and organochlorine pesticides and the risk for developing type 2 diabetes: a systematic review and a meta-analysis of exposures to 2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin (TCDD)

A systematic review was performed to evaluate the association between environmental exposures to polyhalogenated aromatic hydrocarbons (PHAHs) and organochlorine (OC) pesticides and the risk for type 2 diabetes (T2D). Searches of EMbase, Google Scholar, Medline, and Scopus were performed. Reports were included if they were original human studies whose design included a control group and if the sample size was larger than 10 participants per group. The articles were excluded if the type of diabetes was unknown or Type 1. Odds ratios (OR), 95% confidence intervals (CI), and modified Naranjo scores for the effects of environmental contaminants were determined for each study. Of the 35 eligible studies, six were included in the meta-analysis; these focused specifically on 2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin (TCDD). Meta-analysis of these studies showed no significant increased OR for the development of T2D from exposure to TCDD. However, subgroup analysis showed significant elevated OR for the development of T2D if exposure is repeated and accompanied by exposure to other persistent pesticides (OR?=?1.48; 1.10–1.90) but a decreased odds for T2D with exposure resulting from accidental exposure (OR?=?0.46; 0.39–0.52). Our results suggest that there are significant risks of developing T2D in populations with recurring exposures to TCDD in concert with other persistent chlorinated pesticides. A mean Naranjo score of 2.0 was determined for all 35 articles; this score was 2.5 when examining only TCDD studies and 2.1 when examining studies that looked only at T2D. Each of these Naranjo scores suggests a possible association between the prevalence of T2D and exposure to PHAHs or OC pesticides.     

Concentration of organochlorines in Ganges River dolphins from Patna,Bihar

Concentrations of DDT, HCH, aldrin and endosulfan were determined in river dolphins from the River Ganges, Patna. Among the organochlorines studied in the dolphins, DDT concentration was highest followed by HCH. This shows exposure of dolphins to these organochlorine pesticides. Presences of organochlorines to higher degree in tissues suggest that the river dolphins be at greater risk due to pesticidal contamination of the river system.     

Accumulation of organochlorine insecticides in the blood of the general population of Nigeria

Gas Chromatographic determination of blood levels of organochlorine pesticides in people of Southern Nigeria is described. Among the compounds detected and quantified were the HCH‐isomers, DDT and its metabolites and dieldrin, the major pollutants being DDT, DDE and the HCH‐isomers. Delta‐HCH, HCB and Endrin were also detected in a few samples. Total DDT (DDT + DDE + DDD) ranged from 0.04–7.24 ppm, total HCH (alpha + beta + gamma) 0.08–5.64 ppm, and dieldrin 0.03–0.28 ppm.     

Haematological responses to exposure to sublethal concentration of cadmium in air breathing fish, Channa punctatus (Bloch)

The effect of sublethal concentration (29 mg/l) of cadmium on haematological parameters of Channa punctatus after the exposure periods of 7, 15 and 30 days were studied. In treated groups of cadmium exposed fish have been found to significantly decreased in total erythrocyte count, haemoglobin content, packed cell volume, mean corpuscular haemoglobin concentration and oxygen carrying capacity of blood, and at the same time the white blood cell count, mean cell volume and mean corpuscular haemoglobin were found to significantly increased. Both increasing and decreasing of the above mentioned haematological characteristics of blood cells of cadmium intoxicant are mainly with time dependent effects. With regard to the pathological characteristics of blood cells of cadmium intoxicant fish shows fragility and rupture of erythrocytic membrane and leads to haemolysis, which are very severe on 30 day of exposure group.     

Health monitoring of farm labourers engaged in MIPC 50 WP field sprays

Investigations were undertaken to monitor the health status of farm labourers engaged in field sprays of MIPC 50 WP (Hexamicin, Mipcin), a carbamate insecticide on cotton crop, as per the protocol approved by the Central Insecticide Board The insecticide sprays (0.1%) were undertaken for six hr on three consecutive days on 1.2 hectares of cotton crop per day, using Aspee napsak sprayers. The spray personnel (mixers, loaders and sprayers) with protective clothing did not reveal any alteration in clinical, hematological and blood bio-chemical profile during exposure and post exposure periods. The spray personnel without protective clothing showed only a marginal reduction in their blood cholinesterase activity during the exposure period.     

Evaluation of hematological changes in population exposed to fluoride

Absorption of fluorine compounds produces chronic toxicity and the hematological changes appear earlier in blood than other organs. A study was undertaken to determine the status of hematological changes in the individual residing in fluoride-contaminated area. Two hundred and fifty nine and 233 subjects from the contaminated area and an unaffected area, respectively, were selected for hematological investigations. Total erythrocytes (red blood corpuscles (RBC)), total leucocytes (white blood corpuscles (WBC)), and hemoglobin (Hb) concentrations were determined in these populations. Results revealed that Hb values were significantly lower among all age groups in the exposed population compared to control subjects. There was a quantitative rise in WBC counts in study subjects compared to controls. The RBC counts showed reduction among exposed population.     

Chemical analysis of tobacco cigarette for organochlorine insecticides and heavy metal composition

The effects of cigarette smoking on smokers and the environment were investigated by analyzing some cigarette brands available to Nigerian smokers for the presence of some of the widely used organochlorine (OC) pesticides and heavy metals. OC pesticide residues were extracted from tobacco smoke, separated and identified using column chromatographic and thin layer chromatographic techniques respectively, while ashed and unashed commercial cigarettes were analyzed for heavy metals – Cr, Mn, Ni, Pb, Zn, Cd, Cu, and Co using atomic absorption spectrometry. TLC data indicated that dieldrin and p,p′-DDD were present in some of the cigarette brands. The results of heavy metal analysis showed that the levels of some toxic heavy metals and pollution index were higher in unashed cigarettes than corresponding ashes. Evidence suggests that significant amounts of these toxic metals are inhaled by the smoker and/or released into the environment in the process of cigarette smoking, thus confirming that cigarette smoking is harmful to the environment and human health.     

Spatial variability and temporal trends of HCH and DDT in soils around Beijing Guanting Reservoir,China

Spatial variability and temporal trends in concentrations of the organochlorine pesticides (OCPs), hexachlorocyclohexane (HCH) and dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane (DDT), in surface soils around Beijing Guanting Reservoir (GTR) were studied in 2003 and 2007. Concentrations of the two OCPs in soils around GTR were generally less than reference values set by the Chinese government for the protection of agricultural production and human health. Among the OCPs, β-HCH and p, p′-DDE were the two predominant compounds. This result indicates that the HCH and DDT residues in soils were primarily from historical use. Based on kriging, a spatial distribution of HCH and DDT around the GTR was observed. Spatial variability indicated how HCH and DDT had been applied and been distributed in the past. Between 2003 and 2007, concentrations of HCH and DDT decreased more rapidly in orchard soils than those in fallow soils.