Occupational exposure to pesticides among farmers

Abstract

Objective: Agricultural workers are at risk of exposure to occupational hazardous such as pesticides. Exposure to pesticides may result in some health problems. Aim of this study was evaluation of pesticides effect on hematological parameters among farm workers of Southwest Iran. Methodology: In this case control study, 54 male farmers exposed to pesticides and 54 healthy male were enrolled. Blood parameters (Hemoglobin, Hematocrit, MCV, MCH, MCHC, and ESR), cell counts (Erythrocyte, Leukocyte, and Platelet) and coagulation factors (PT, PTT) were measured among case and control groups. Results: Subjects were in the age between of 17 - 65 years of age (35 +/- 8).Data showed that all the hematological parameters which assayed were in normal range. The values of Hb, Hct, RBC, Platelet and PT in case group were more than control. Conclusion: In this study, hematological indexes were changed in case group but these were not meaningful compared to. normal range (p>0.005). It was concluded that RBC, Hb, platelet and PT are useful indexes as warning signals for quick diagnosis of poisoning due to pesticides.