Chronic exposures to cholinesterase-inhibiting pesticides adversely affects the health of agricultural workers in India

• Published in: Environmental research 2024-07, Vol.252 (Pt 2), p.118961, Article 118961
• Main Authors: Kumar, Dileshwar, Sinha, Sukesh Narayan
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Acetylcholinesterase; Dialkyle phosphate metabolites; Health risk assessment; Organophosphate pesticides
• ISSN: 0013-9351; 1096-0953; 1096-0953
• DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2024.118961

Biomonitoring of pesticide exposure has become a public concern because of its potential health effects. The present study investigated the acetylcholinesterase (AChE) inhibitory levels and their associated health effects in agricultural areas in Telangana, India. This cross-sectional included 341 exposed participants and 152 control participants from agricultural areas. A structured questionnaire was completed and blood and urine samples were collected to measure pesticides, dialkyle phosphate (DAP) metabolites, and AChE activity using liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry and reversed-phase high-performance liquid chromatography. twenty-eight pesticides were detected in blood samples at concentrations ranging 0.42-45.77 ng/mL. Six DAP metabolites were also measured in urine, and all DAP metabolites were significantly higher in the exposed group. AChE activity is significantly reduced in individuals exposed for >10 years, raising concerns regarding possible neurological disorders. These results emphasise the urgent need to investigate the health effects of pesticides exposure, especially in agriculture. [Display omitted] •28 pesticides found in blood: 19 insecticides, 3 fungicides, 6 herbicides.•Pesticide levels show notable fluctuations, highlighting the impact of exposure.•Decreased acetylcholinesterase levels after a decade of pesticides exposure.•Lower AChE linked to neurological risks, raising worries Alzheimer's, Parkinson's.