Health monitoring

People who are at risk from pesticide exposure require regular health checks to minimize adverse effects.  Those who are vulnerable to exposure include people who:

• handle pesticides
• are involved in the mixing, loading and application
• are involved in cleaning down of equipment
• enter fields soon after spraying for any kind of work

Cholinesterase Tests

Any one who is exposed to organophosphate or carbamate pesticides either directly or indirectly needs to have regular blood screening for cholinesterase levels.  Cholinesterase levels are an indicator of exposure and blood screening tests for cholinesterase should be carried out:

• Pre-Season: At least four weeks prior to exposure to any cholinesterase inhibiting pesticides during the pre-season period, this test is to be done to establish the cholinesterase baseline level for each worker because the normal population range of cholinesterase is wide.

• Mid-Season: This test is done to track the change in the cholinesterase level since the Pre-season testing.  If there is any breakdown or failure of the control system i.e., spillage or leakage of pesticides, the workers involved should return for testing within 24 hours.

• End-Season: At the end of the season this test should be done to check that the levels of cholinesterase have not dropped significantly during the season.

The severity of exposure depends on the quantity and toxicity of the pesticide, the route of pesticide entry and the duration of exposure.  Pesticide exposure may give the following symptoms:-

• Mild exposure: tiredness, weakness, dizziness, nausea and blurred vision
• Moderate exposure: headache, tearing, sweating, drooling, vomiting and tunnel vision
• Severe exposure: abdominal cramps, urinating, diarrhea, muscular tremors, staggering, pinpoint pupils, hypo tension, slow irregular heartbeat and breathing difficulty

Treating Pesticide Exposure

If symptoms of pesticide exposure are exhibited either during or after exposure the operator should:

• stop work immediately
• follow the first aid instructions given on the label
• Seek immediate medical assistance from the local hospital or doctor
• Wash the contaminated area with fresh water and soap; follow the label instructions
• receive follow up medical examinations checking on such things as cholinesterase level in blood.