Exposure to endosulfan in farmers: two case studies.
Authors
Brandt-VA; Moon-S; Ehlers-J; Methner-MM; Struttmann-T
Source
Am J Ind Med 2001 Jun; 39(6):643-649
Abstract
Endosulfan is not a restricted use organochlorine insecticide and is currently under re-registration review. In 1993, one confirmed case and one possible case of endosulfan poisoning in agricultural workers occurred in two southeastern states. Two cases of suspected endosulfan poisoning were investigated utilizing record reviews, blood samples, a site visit, and clothing analysis. Case 1 was fatal; Case 2 resulted in permanent neurological impairment. Additionally, Case 1 mixed and applied two less toxic pesticides, acephate and maleic hydrazide to tobacco plants. Both farm owners had ample opportunity for endosulfan exposure while mixing concentrated endosulfan with water and applying the solution to tobacco with boom sprayers pulled by tractors. Estimates of the absorbed dose of endosulfan were not available because methods to determine actual personal exposure that would be found in fat or tissue samples were not used. Health and safety issues associated with endosulfan require a closer examination. A cooperative multi-disciplinary approach to providing timely accurate education is needed to prevent pesticide poisonings.
Keywords
Pesticides; Pesticides-and-agricultural-chemicals; Poisons; Occupational-exposure; Organo-chlorine-compounds; Agricultural-workers; Farmers; Neurological-reactions; Blood-sampling; Clothing; Personal-protective-equipment; Neurotoxins; Convulsions; Respiratory-system-disorders; Tobacco;
Author Keywords: endosulfan; pesticide; poisoning; agriculture; protective equipment; public health
Contact
Victoria A. Brandt, BS, RN, Community Partners for Healthy Farming Project, 745 Shaker Mill Road, Bowling Green, Kentucky 42103
CAS No.
115-29-7; 30560-19-1; 123-33-1
Document Type
Journal Article
Funding Type
Cooperative Agreement
Identifying No.
Cooperative-Agreement-Number-U60-CCU-412957
Source Name
American Journal of Industrial Medicine
Performing Organization
Kentucky Injury Prevention and Research Center, University of Kentucky, Lexington, Kentucky
