Endosulfan exposure effects on health of farmers in Sindh Province of Pakistan

Abstract

Endosulfan usage in agriculture sector may be related to the increasing rate of morbidity in exposed population. Many studies earlier reported its toxicity symptoms in the spray workers but the lack of national research and hard data on farmers has hindered efforts to improve their health. Therefore it was aimed to investigate this problem through some epidemiological and biochemical parameters. Farmers (n=158) exclusively working with endosulfan sprays in agriculture sector and volunteer controls (n=150) unexposed to any pesticides were selected and surveyed for protective measures and symptoms after exposure. Blood and urine samples of both groups were investigated and data obtained were statistically analyzed for t-test. Present study revealed that 48.24% farmers adapted "respirator" and "sunglasses" for their protection during spray, while symptoms reported by them were remarkable. Findings of the biochemical analysis were highly significant. Total protein, urea, creatinine and calcium levels in the farmers' serum were different as compared to controls. Whereas in urine; protein, creatinine and sodium were also highly significant while calcium values in urine found different at significant level. That indicates the effects of endosulfan on health of the farmers. This work concludes the farmers at greater risk of health hazards in case of endosulfan exposures. Therefore, further use of this pesticide product may be avoided in either condition very intensive care is suggested.