Biocide lung. a study of fruit growers during the spraying seasons
Lings, S.
Ugeskrift for Laeger 143(19): 1207-1211
1981
ISSN/ISBN: 0041-5782 PMID: 7303180 Document Number: 172619
Only limited literature is available concerning the chronic effects of different biocides in man. Persons involved in cultivation of plants are regularly exposed to these biochemically reactive compounds. The case of a fruit grower with large atypical pulmonary infiltrations and pulmonary fibrosis precipitated investigation of 181 fruit growers during the peak spraying season in 1975. An interview was carried out and Wright's peak flow meter test and radiography of the thorax. Spraying agents (156) representing 92 different active contents were employed; each individual used 3-27 of these. No preparation was more toxic than the others. The effect of paraquat was investigated most thoroughly. This compound was toxic to the lungs and produced fibrosis during acute and chronic poisoning and in animal experiments. Patients (78; 43%) experienced various symptoms in connection with spraying. These consisted most frequently of pulmonary symptoms and headache. Peak flow was reduced in 33 (19%). Relevant radiographic changes were observed in 43 (24%). No statistically significant effect of wearing a protective mask was demonstrated. A few participants were followed up. Biocides may produce pulmonary disease, biocide lung (pneumonia, recognizable radiographically by rounded infiltrates and chronic progressive pulmonary fibrosis).