Effect of Organophosphorus on Biochemical Parameters on Agricultural Workers of Mango Orchards

Male agricultural workers in the age group of 20-57 years employed in manual pesticide mixing, formulation and spraying at mango orchards at Malihabad and Mal, the mango belt in the vicinity of Lucknow were studied for occupational health risks. A control group belonging to similar socio-economic status and never involved either in agricultural operations or pesticide handling (reference group n = 50) was taken randomly from the same area for comparison purpose. Our findings revealed a high morbidity (76.6%) among the exposed population in contrast to (20%) observed in the reference group. The chief morbidity pertained to neuro symptoms and gastrointestinal problems as a result of occupational exposure to pesticides. Biochemical studies revealed that the acetyl-cholinesterase (AChE) activity in the blood was significantly lowered in the sprayers compared to the levels found in controls (p