Abstract

AGUIRRE-BUITRAGO, Juan Camilo; NARVAEZ-GONZALEZ, Sandra Carolina; BERNAL-VERA, María Elena  and  CASTANO-RAMIREZ, Elmer. CONTAMINATION OF WORKERS WITH CHLORPYRIFOS, DUE TO "BANANA (Musa sp.) BAGGING TECHNIQUE" IN URABÁ (ANTIOQUIA, COLOMBIA). Luna Azul [online]. 2014, n.38, pp.191-217. ISSN 1909-2474.

Introduction: Considering the potential harm to human health that is generated in the Urabá region (Antioquia, Colombia) through the use of agro-toxic chemicals with emphasis in chlorpyrifos, this research was conducted in order to assess levels of contamination of workers exposed to insecticide contents in field bags used in banana crops. Methodology: This descriptive study was conducted obtaining blood samples from workers in selected farms. Erythrocyte cholinesterase levels and the prevalence of symptoms associated with exposure to organophosphate pesticides with emphasis on organophosphorous were recorded. Demographic, socioeconomic and employment information was obtained and individual and environmental exposure was characterized. Results: It was determined that it is a young population (between twenty and forty) with gaps in their protection systems through a work dress that leaves areas exposed; 80% of the baggers of one of the farms have presented alterations in their cholinesterase level compared to the other analyzed, which would require special environmental and process supervision. Occupational overexposures to agro-toxic chemicals (average 11 years of exposure) due to the specialization of workers who handle other products with other toxicological categories demand comprehensive epidemiological surveillance of these workers and their activity. There are numerous people involved in the toxic route followed by bags impregnated with chlorpyrifos without having had the minimal health monitoring checkups.

Keywords : Cholinesterase; poisoning; pesticides.

        · abstract in Spanish     · text in Spanish     · Spanish ( pdf )