Effect of organophosphorus on biochemical parameters on agricultural workers of mango orchards.
Haque Q. S., Farrukh Jamal, Rastogi S. K.
Author Affiliation: Department of Biochemistry, Dr.R.M.L. Avadh University, Faizabad - 224 001, U.P., India.
Asian Journal of Biochemistry 7 : 37-45
Abstract : Male agricultural workers in the age group of 20-57 years employed in manual pesticide mixing, formulation and spraying at mango orchards at Malihabad and Mal, the mango belt in the vicinity of Lucknow were studied for occupational health risks. A control group belonging to similar socio-economic status and never involved either in agricultural operations or pesticide handling (reference group n=50) was taken randomly from the same area for comparison purpose. Our findings revealed a high morbidity (76.6%) among the exposed population in contrast to (20%) observed in the reference group. The chief morbidity pertained to neuro symptoms and gastrointestinal problems as a result of occupational exposure to pesticides. Biochemical studies revealed that the acetyl-cholinesterase (AChE) activity in the blood was significantly lowered in the sprayers compared to the levels found in controls (p0.01). Also, malondialdehyde level was significantly elevated among the sprayers (p0.01) thereby indicating oxidative stress among the sprayers.