Chronic subclinical intake of dietary anticholinesterase agents during the spraying season.
The dietary intake of anticholinesterase (anti-ChE) agents was estimated in 331 schoolteachers during the spraying season. Summer plasma-cholinesterase (ChE) activity was compared with the baseline value obtained during winter. Intraindividual plasma-ChE activity varied independently of factors such as drugs, non-malignant diseases, alcohol and smoking. A depressed mean plasma-ChE, indicating an intake of anti-ChE agents (P = 0.04), was observed in individuals who consumed exclusively agriculturally-grown fruits and vegetables without an additional intake of unsprayed, home-grown products. It remains to be determined whether a subclinical but chronic intake of anti-ChE agents in the diet can be hazardous to humans.
Lander
F
F
Department of Occupational Medicine, Odense University Hospital, Denmark.
Brock
A
A
Pike
E
E
Hinke
K
K
D002800:Cholinesterase Inhibitors / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D002802:Cholinesterases / Q000097:blood*; D004032:Diet; D005260:Female; D005506:Food Contamination; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D012621:Seasons
D002800:Cholinesterase Inhibitors; D002802:Cholinesterases