Clinical effects and cholinesterase activity changes in workers exposed to Phorate (Thimet).
Phorate (Thimet), an aliphatic derivative of phosphorus is a highly toxic insecticide. In order to implement the safety measures, the clinical manifestations and cholinesterase (ChE) activity were evaluated before and after 2 weeks of exposure to this insecticide in 40 male formulators. The 2 week's exposure reveal signs and symptoms of toxicity in 60% of the formulators. Gastrointestinal symptoms and lowering of heart rate (bradycardia) were more prominent as compared to the neurological symptoms. A significant depression in plasma ChE activity was observed at the end of 1st week (55%) and 2nd week (71%) as compared to the respective pre-exposure values. A recovery up to 79% of the pre-exposure activity of this enzyme was noticed 10 days after cessation of the above exposure.
D000328:Adult; D002802:Cholinesterases / Q000097:blood*; D004912:Erythrocytes / Q000201:enzymology; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007306:Insecticides / Q000633:toxicity*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009784:Occupational Diseases / Q000139:chemically induced / Q000201:enzymology; D010702:Phorate / Q000633:toxicity*; D013997:Time Factors
D007306:Insecticides; D010702:Phorate; D002802:Cholinesterases