Hematological, biochemical effects, and self-reported symptoms in pesticide retailers.

Objective: This study evaluates the effects of exposure to pesticides on the health of pesticide retailers.

Methods: The study population comprised 83-male pesticide retailers and 98 controls. Serum butyrylcholinesterase levels and complete blood analysis were performed in a certified laboratory and each subject completed a structured questionnaire.

Results: Butyrylcholinesterase activity and hematological parameters such as hemoglobin and hematocrit were significantly lower in pesticide retailers than in control subjects. In contrast, platelet count as well as hepatic parameters such as glutamic-pyruvate transaminase and gamma-glutamyl transpeptidase activities was higher in pesticide retailers. Furthermore, pesticide retailers experienced burning sensations in the skin more frequently than controls.

Conclusions: These preliminary results suggest the importance of evaluating further toxicological biomarkers in these populations.