Cholinesterase activity among spray workers in Iran.

In this study whole blood cholinesterase activities of the agriculture and hygiene spray workers exposed to organophosphorus and carbamate compounds from different parts of Tehran Province in Iran were determined. Lovi Bond method was used in three stages including prepare the questionnaires about spray worker body health conditions, taking their blood samples before and after working and their insight to insecticides and prepare the required solutions. Results showed that no any changes were observed in the 50% of the spray worker blood cholinesterase activity after working. In the 32.4% of them, cholinesterase activity has decreased up to extensive poisoning and in the 17.6% of them cholinesterase activity was much decreased at the end of an acute or severe poisoning, whereas in testifier workers less than 5.9% of them cholinesterase activity was decreased and in the 94.1% of testifier workers cholinesterase activity was normal. Analysis of the data demonstrated that no significant relationship between spray worker blood cholinesterase activity, age groups, history of working, knowledge, cigarette smoking, history of toxicity and their responsibilities were observed. The measurement of pre-exposure cholinesterase values is essential for comparison of the values after pesticide application.