ASSESSMENT OF BIOCHEMICAL ALTERATIONS AND ADVERSE HEALTH EFFECTS AMONG OCCUPATIONAL PESTICIDE SPRAYERS

Vivian Samuel T.*, Smilee Johncy S. and Victor Thomas V.

ABSTRACT

Pesticide usage in developing countries has increased to control vector-borne diseases and build food production. In India, agriculture is the main occupation, and farmers rely on chemical pesticides to support their population. Pesticides can cause adverse physiological, biological, or biochemical effects, affecting various organs. The liver and kidneys are particularly vulnerable to damage from pesticides because they help with detoxification. Despite their growing use, it is still unknown how pesticides affect farmers' health. This study aims to assess the health of farmers who use pesticides and the effects of pesticides on renal and hepatic function. This cross-sectional study involved 100 pesticide spraying farmers aged 30-50 years and 50 unexposed healthy subjects. Subjects with diabetes, hypertension, renal dysfunction, liver dysfunction, cancer, or drug use were excluded. Personal and medical histories were recorded to assess health status. Blood samples were collected for biochemical assays, including liver function tests and kidney function tests. Statistical analysis was done using SPSS version 19, with p values < 0.05 considered statistically significant. The study found normal liver and renal function parameters in both groups, with slight increases in Alkaline phosphatase and serum bilirubin. Common pesticide sprayer symptoms are headache dizziness, fatigue, muscle weakness, pain, with sleeplessness and memory problems. This study helps to assess the impact of pesticide spraying on health of farmers. The findings suggest that educating agricultural workers about pesticide usage and implementing an occupational health program could help reduce toxic hazards.

Keywords: Pesticide sprayers, Chronic exposure, Hepatic functions, Renal functions.