Hazards From Aerial Spraying in Cotton Culture Area of the Nile River

Abstract

Groups of unprotected persons selected because of their exposures to low-volume pesticide sprays resulting from their occupations or from their residing in treated areas were studied for evidence of poisoning. From survey of blood cholinesterase activity and urinary p-nitrophenol excretion, it was quite obvious that in spite of safety violations no critical poisoning occurred in working groups or residents. Only the groups with the highest potential exposure to pesticide mixture (mixing-plant personnel and ground applicators) showed a definite decrease in cholinesterase level during exposure. Results indicate that hazard from the agricultural use of the low-volume application of pesticide mixture by inexperienced persons under the conditions described is relatively low. However, these findings do not exclude the possibility that more toxic organic phosphorus compounds would constitute a danger if used under the same circumstances.