Document Detail


Lung function and respiratory symptoms of pesticide sprayers in state farms of Ethiopia.
MedLine Citation:
PMID:  16122117     Owner:  NLM     Status:  MEDLINE    
Abstract/OtherAbstract:
Chemical pesticides are health hazards affecting the livelihood of those who are occupationally engaged in spraying farm fields. The objective of the study was to determine the extent of the hazard of chemical pesticide application by farm workers in selected farms. The major parameters used were measurements of lung function and respiratory symptoms. The design of the study was cross-sectional and was conducted in four state farms. Lung function and respiratory symptoms of 102 pesticide sprayers of state farms of Ethiopia and of 69 non-sprayers were assessed All data were analysed by decade age groups adjusting for smoking habits. The results of lung function and respiratory symptoms of 102 pesticide sprayers and of 69 non-sprayers are presented. The 15-24 years age group of pesticide sprayers had significantly reduced forced expiratory vital capacity (FVC) and forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV1), as compared to that of similar age group non-sprayers. Analysis of variance on FVC and FEV for the five predictors (age, height, weight, chest circumference and FFM) of the non-sprayers was highly significant (F = 4.647, 5.563 & P = 0.001, 0.000 for FVC and FEV1 respectively). 5.9% and 16.7% of the pesticide sprayers had symptoms of cough and breathlessness respectively. Pesticide applications resulted in reduced lung function and evoking respiratory symptoms. Pesticide sprayers need to be sensitised to the hazardous consequences of pesticide applications for human health and the environment and should be encouraged to wear personal protective devices during work on farms.
Authors:
Yalemtsehay Mekonnen; Tadesse Agonafir
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Publication Detail:
Type:  Comparative Study; Journal Article; Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't    
Journal Detail:
Title:  Ethiopian medical journal     Volume:  42     ISSN:  0014-1755     ISO Abbreviation:  Ethiop. Med. J.     Publication Date:  2004 Oct 
Date Detail:
Created Date:  2005-08-26     Completed Date:  2005-10-25     Revised Date:  2006-11-15    
Medline Journal Info:
Nlm Unique ID:  0373223     Medline TA:  Ethiop Med J     Country:  Ethiopia    
Other Details:
Languages:  eng     Pagination:  261-6     Citation Subset:  IM    
Affiliation:
Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, Addis Ababa University, P.O. Box 1176, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.
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MeSH Terms
Descriptor/Qualifier:
Adolescent
Adult
Age Distribution
Agricultural Workers' Diseases / chemically induced,  epidemiology*,  physiopathology
Cross-Sectional Studies
Ethiopia / epidemiology
Humans
Male
Pesticides / toxicity*
Respiration Disorders / chemically induced,  epidemiology*,  physiopathology
Respiratory Function Tests
Rural Health / classification,  statistics & numerical data
Chemical
Reg. No./Substance:
0/Pesticides

From MEDLINE®/PubMed®, a database of the U.S. National Library of Medicine


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