Cardiac toxicity in pesticide formulators exposed to organophosphate insecticides
Saiyed, H.N.; Gupta, S.K.; Jani, J.P.; Kashyap, S.K.
Indian Journal of Medical Research 80: 494-498
1984
ISSN/ISBN: 0019-5340 PMID: 6532962 Document Number: 222497
Cardiac toxicity was studied in 155 male pesticide formulators, predominantly exposed to organophosphate insecticides, and also in 60 comparable controls, with special reference to ECG abnormalities and the levels of cholinesterase (ChE) activity in blood. It was found that 24 (15.4%) of the exposed and 4 (6.7%) of the control subjects had abnormal heart rates (bradycardia and tachycardia), while 20 (12.9%) of the exposed subjects had abnormalities in rhythm, conduction, a tall R wave, and of ventricular bigeminy or trigeminy. No association was observed between RBC and plasma (pseudo) ChE activity and the ECG changes. Since ECG changes can occur due to exposure to organophosphate compounds, it is suggested that ECG monitoring be incorporated along with measurements of ChE activity in the health monitoring programs.