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Ranjit Hazarika ¹

Affiliations
1 Department of Zoology, M. C. College, Barpeta-781 315, Assam, IN

Abstract

Background-Indiscriminate use of pesticides in the agricultural field is a matter of concern. This study was conducted in Sorbhug area of Barpeta district, Assam on 14 villages on the work practice, different types of pesticides used, and sign and symptoms of the illness of the agriculture workers who are directly exposed to pesticides. To assess the magnitude and intensity of occupational intoxication, the study was conducted on 150 volunteer farmers covering interview and clinical examination. Out of 150 farmers, 100 farmers were selected directly from the agricultural field and taken as exposed group, and 50 were selected as control group. Control group was engaged in agricultural activity other than spraying of pesticides. All the data were subjected to statistical analysis, and chi square test was performed for proportions and relative risk. P-value less than 0.05 was considered statistically significant. More than 60% of farmers used highly hazardous pesticides and 35% farmers used moderately hazardous pesticides. 5 % farmers used mild exposure of pesticide. They obtained pesticide related information from pesticide retail shop owner. They were reported to have the sign and symptoms of pesticide intoxication like high blood pressure (2%, RR=.41), asthma (20%, RR=.95), depression (73%, RR=1.5), running nose (30%, RR= 1.6), watery itchy eyes (60%, RR=1.5), dizziness (90%, RR=.68), loss of appetite (72%, RR=1.6), and feeling excessively angry (87%, RR= 1.2). The studies showed that the pesticide intoxications were common among the spray man of the agricultural workers. Pesticides pose probably one of the largest toxicological problems in the third world countries especially in India. Combined action of local authorities, society and international bodies may limit the pesticide related health hazards in these countries.

Keywords

Occupational Exposure, Agricultural Fields, Pesticide Intoxication, Health Hazard.

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Ranjit Hazarika ¹, Purbajyoti Deka ¹

Affiliations
1 Genotoxicology Laboratory, M. C. College, Barpeta, Assam-781 301, IN

Abstract

In agricultural fields, pesticides are used to protect the crops, but they pose a potential hazard to the farmers and the environment. The aim of the present study is to investigate the relationship between the occupational exposure of different kinds of pesticides and DNA damage of an individual due to directly spraying the pesticides in the agricultural field. Blood samples of 70 exposed workers (after a day long spraying) and 70 control subjects belonging to Kolgochia Area of Barpeta district of Assam, were evaluated using the comet assay. Significant differences were found in the DNA damage among freshly exposed workers and controls group. The two groups had similar mean ages and smoking habits. Mean comet tail length was used to measure the DNA damage. Length of duration of pesticide exposure on the workers had significantly large tail length (62.75±21.97, 63.48±20.15, P=0.05). There was a significant increase in the comet parameters, viz., mean comet length and frequency of cells showing migration in exposed workers as compared to the control (20.73±20.23 vs. 63.48±20.15, P=0.054641 and 31,07±23.81 vs. 62.75±21.97 P=0.043). Confiding factors during pesticide exposure, such as age, smoking, drinking and dietary habit were expected to modulate the damage. The evidence of genetic hazard related to exposure, resulting from the exposure of pesticides, is the matter of concern. There is a need for educational programs in agriculture to reduce the use of such chemicals.

Keywords

Agricultural Workers, Comet Assay, DNA Damage, Genotoxicity, Pesticides.

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