Persistence of symptoms after mild to moderate acute organophosphate poisoning among 19 farm field workers.

Exposure to 2 organophosphate pesticides occurred when entry into a cauliflower field was permitted 4 h after application of highly toxic chemicals. It resulted in acute illness of mild to moderate degree in 19 farm workers, including 3 children and 1 pregnant woman. There were no fatalities. Two to three months were required for recovery from major symptoms and return to normal acetylcholinesterase levels. An exception was the persistence of eye symptoms in the majority 4 mo after the day of exposure.