Experience of health status surveillance of pesticide workers in Hungary.
The authors studied potential dermal exposure in 26 men and also conducted epidemiological studies in three southeastern agricultural counties in Hungary covering 189 men working with pesticides in plant protection indoors and in the fields, and in 16 women in contact with these compounds. There were no acute intoxications, nor were there any alterations in routine clinical and laboratory tests. For early detection of hidden damage the authors used examination of the chromosomes: the rate of numerical chromosome aberrations was increased due to increase of hypodiploid cells in the exposed. The probability of chromosome damage was also demonstrated by the tests conducted in the few women tested. In previous studies on the immune functions in some of the men tested the immunological tests proved to be positive. Though changes might be induced also by other factors, the authors believe it is important to frequently screen the exposed population in the manner described.
Dési
I
I
Department of Hygiene and Epidemiology, Albert Szent-Györgyi University Medical School, Szeged, Hungary.
Nehéz
M
M
Palotás
M
M
Tempfli
A
A
Hogye
A
A
Vetró
G
G
D000328:Adult; D000383:Agriculture; D002869:Chromosome Aberrations; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D006814:Hungary; D007621:Karyotyping; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D016273:Occupational Exposure; D009790:Occupations; D010575:Pesticides / Q000633:toxicity*; D013997:Time Factors
D010575:Pesticides