Adverse Impact of Insecticides on the Health of Palestinian Farm Workers in the Gaza Strip: A Hematologic Biomarker Study

Abstract

To evaluate the health impact of insecticides on Palestinian farm workers in the Gaza Strip, the study assessed biomarkers in farm workers who used organophosphorus insecticides. Serum cholinesterase and complete blood count were determined before and after spraying of organophosphorus insecticides. Burning sensations in eyes/face (62.5%), itching/skin irritation (37.5%), and chest symptoms (29.2%) were reported. Serum butyrylcholinesterase (SBuChE) was significantly decreased at the end of the work day. Burning sensations in eyes/face and skin rash were significantly associated with inhibition of SBuChE activity (p < 0.05). Younger workers were more affected. Leukocyte and platelet counts were increased and hemoglobin decreased significantly, reflecting acute poisoning. Monitoring of SBuChE and hematologic parameters of farm workers could be useful to predict and prevent health hazards of pesticides.

Keywords:

• Gaza Strip
• farm workers
• hematologic biomarker
• serum butyrylcholinesterase (SBuChE)
• organophosphorus insecticides
• toxicity symptoms