title: Effect of exposure to organophosphorus compounds on S-cholinesterase in workers removing poisonous depots.
abstract: Biological monitoring and the control of safety precautions against organophosphorus compounds (parathion, malathion, and methylparathion) was performed through the measurement of S-cholinesterase (E.C.3.1.1.8) in personnel removing poisonous depots. Depressions in S-cholinesterase activity where found in a majority of 62 workers in comparison to their preexposure values. After the last exposure the S-cholinesterase activity of the workers returned to the individual preexposure values; a few individuals needed about half a year for their S-cholinesterase activity to reach the preexposure level. As no workers showed either pathological values for the enzyme or poisoning symptoms, it was concluded that the measurement of S-cholinesterase activity is an adequate and sensitive method for monitoring and controlling exposure to organophosphorus compounds.
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D002802:Cholinesterases / Q000378:metabolism*; D003666:Decontamination; D004781:Environmental Exposure; D006801:Humans; D008294:Malathion / Q000494:pharmacology; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009787:Occupational Medicine; D009943:Organophosphorus Compounds / Q000494:pharmacology*; D010278:Parathion / Q000494:pharmacology*; D012449:Safety
chemical_list: D009943:Organophosphorus Compounds; D010278:Parathion; D002802:Cholinesterases; D008294:Malathion