title: [Exposure to organophosphate insecticides among greenhouse workers in the Basque Country].
abstract: BACKGROUND
  This study was conducted with the aim of evaluating the impact on health produced by the use of organophosphorus pesticides in greenhouses.
  
  
  METHODS
  A representative sample of workers with high exposure to organophosphorus pesticides was taken in Vizcaya and Guipúzcoa, provinces where cultures under plastic are very extended. Forty four workers were interviewed to collect information about symptoms and signs related to past exposures. Blood samples were taken from 36 of these workers to measure the level of cholinesterase activity, before and after exposure to these pesticides.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Fifty two per cent referred some signs and symptoms after use of pesticides. Nevertheless, no significant decrease in cholinesterase activity was observed, nor could any significant relationship between cholinesterase activity and the way to apply the pesticides.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The exposure to organophosphorus pesticides, at the range studied in this group of workers, does not constitute today an important health risk.
authors.affiliation: Unidad de Epidemiología, Dirección de Salud Pública, Gobierno Vasco, San Sebastián.
authors.forename: E
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Alvarez
authors.forename: J J
authors.initials: JJ
authors.lastname: Aurrekoetxea
authors.forename: L
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Santa Marina
authors.forename: I
authors.initials: I
authors.lastname: Marzana
mesh_terms: D000382:Agricultural Workers' Diseases / Q000139:chemically induced* / Q000201:enzymology; D002802:Cholinesterases / Q000097:blood; D006801:Humans; D007306:Insecticides / Q000009:adverse effects*; D016273:Occupational Exposure; D009943:Organophosphorus Compounds; D013030:Spain
chemical_list: D007306:Insecticides; D009943:Organophosphorus Compounds; D002802:Cholinesterases
vernacular_title: Exposición a plaguicidas organofosforados en trabajadores de invernaderos del País Vasco.