[The use of acetylcholinesterase inhibitors pesticides in eleven local health institutions, Colombia, 2002-2005].
BACKGROUND
Due to the importance of acetylcholinesterase inhibiting chemicals as pesticides in developing countries, the Instituto Nacional de Salud in Colombia designed the organophosphate and carbamate epidemiological surveillance program for the period 2002-2005.


OBJECTIVE
The acetylcholinesterase activity was determined in study participants with a history of organophosphate and carbamate exposure and the most commonly used pesticides were identified in each study area.


METHODS
The information was compiled from reports sent to the Instituto Nacional de Salud organophosphate and carbamate epidemiological surveillance program from each of 11 provinces in Colombia. The analytical determination of the biomarker was performed by acetylcholinestare activity determined with the Lovibond field equipment.


RESULTS
A total of 28,303 people were designated as having risk of exposure to pesticides. Most were men (81.4%). Abnormal determinations averaged 9.3% (9.9% in men and 7.0% in women). The 18-25 year old age group showed the highest prevalence of abnormal results (12.3%), followed by the group of 0-5 year olds (10.7%). The highest prevalence of abnormal acetylcholinesterase activity was in farm workers (27.0%), followed by general outdoor activities (26.1%). In the province of Meta, 80% of participants showed abnormal values of enzyme activity. The most commonly used pesticides were organophosphates (39.7%) and carbamates (16.6%).


CONCLUSIONS
The increase in the prevalence of abnormal values of acetylcholinesterase activity and the risk of exposure to pesticides in children necessitates a lowering of use and commercialization of high risk pesticides, and a need for developing safer methods for pest management.
Cárdenas
Omayda
O
Grupo Salud Ambiental, Subdirección Red Nacional de Laboratorios, Instituto Nacional de Salud, Bogotá, DC, Colombia.
Silva
Elizabeth
E
Ortiz
Jaime Eduardo
JE
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D002800:Cholinesterase Inhibitors / Q000032:analysis*; D003105:Colombia; D004781:Environmental Exposure / Q000032:analysis*; D005260:Female; D006268:Health Facilities; D006801:Humans; D007223:Infant; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D016273:Occupational Exposure / Q000032:analysis*; D010575:Pesticides / Q000032:analysis*; D055815:Young Adult
D002800:Cholinesterase Inhibitors; D010575:Pesticides