Health risk assessment of dermal exposure to chlorpyrifos among applicators on rice farms in Ghana

Abstract

Generally, there is limited information on pesticide absorbed dose levels and health risk attributable to the dermal route of exposure among applicators. The objective of this study was to evaluate the absorbed dose levels and consequent health risk from dermal exposure to chlorpyrifos among applicators on rice farms in Ghana. The whole-body dosimetry technique was used to capture chlorpyrifos residues penetrating the applicators' clothing and reaching their skin, as well as residues reaching uncovered body areas of the applicators. Acute (ADD) and chronic (LADD) absorbed dose levels of chlorpyrifos were estimated from the residues and plotted as cumulative probability distributions. Health risk from chlorpyrifos exposure was characterized using the Hazard Quotient (HQ) technique. Three of the four acute exposure guideline values used in the study indicated that applicators, represented by the median-exposed (ADD, 15 μg/kg/day) and the 5% - highly exposed (ADD, 27 μg/kg/day) groups were at high risk of acute adverse health effects due to chlorpyrifos exposure, with HQ values ranging from 1.5 to 5 and 2.7 to 9, respectively. Regarding chronic adverse health effects, none of the guideline values suggested risk among the median-exposed group (LADD, 0.3 μg/kg/day), with HQ values ranging from 0.03 to 1. However, two of the chronic exposure guideline values suggested that the 5%- highly exposed group (LADD, 0.6 μg/kg/day) may be adversely affected, with HQ values ranging from 1.2 to 2. These findings highlight the importance of the dermal route as a major pesticide exposure pathway and suggest possible exposure minimization strategies.

Subjective Symptoms of Male Workers Linked to Occupational Pesticide Exposure on Coffee Plantations in the Jarabacoa Region, Dominican Republic

“…Exposure to pesticides poses one of the most important occupational risks to farmers in countries in the Global South (e.g., [ 1 , 2 , 3 , 4 , 5 ]), being associated with a wide range of symptoms and disorders including respiratory problems, metabolic disorders, neurodegenerative diseases or cancer (e.g., [ 6 , 7 , 8 , 9 ]) aside from several biomarker changes (e.g., [ 10 , 11 , 12 ]). Identification of the hazards of pesticide use and the establishment of safe methods of pesticide handling is a challenge for occupational health and safety (see [ 13 ] for regulations or [ 14 ] for safety training).…”

Characterization of Personal Clothing Worn by Pesticide Sprayers in Foumbot Agricultural Area (Cameroon)

“…Liver failure, alteration of entry routes (skin, respiratory tract and eyes) have been so far reported in neighboring villages with similar agricultural practices by Sonchieu et al [4]. The hygienic variation of body care challenge after spraying generally affects the heath of operators: the more the bathing period extends the longer the contact time and the more toxicants penetrate the body [1]. Pesticides enumerated by Sonchieu et al (2018) [8] are also used here and are mostly involved in symptoms and signs mentioned in the study which is on the same line with the study carried-out by Mejía et al [15].…”

“…Health problems related to the use of pesticides have been reported worldwide, but in developing countries, the misuse of pesticides is regularly reported mainly in areas where vegetables and industrial crops are cultivated. This poor application, generally, if prolonged, will be induced, it will induce chronic health effects such as developmental and neurobehavioral anomalies, Farmers with Chronic Kidney Disease [1] [2]. Commonly, exposure to pesticides occurs mainly through three main routes: skin, nostrils and mouth [1], Atabila et al [1] reported that, with agricultural applicators, the dermal route is usually the most prominent exposure route.…”

When skin’s defence against pollution fails

“…The team measured how much pesticide residue passed through the workers' clothing to contact their skin. From those data, they calculated that many of the workers absorbed a dose of the pesticide that was several times higher than the dose known to increase risk of developing acute adverse health effects such as confusion and intestinal distress 5 . Pesticides have long been linked to a variety of skin conditions, including contact dermatitis, acne and even melanoma.…”