Open AccessLiver Damage among Environmental Disinfestation Workers
Author(s) -
Tomei Francesco,
Biagi Marco,
Baccolo Tiziana Paola,
Tomao Enrico,
Giuntoli Paola,
Rosati Maria Valeria
Publication year - 1998
Publication title -
journal of occupational health
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.664
H-Index - 59
ISSN - 1348-9585
DOI - 10.1539/joh.40.193
Subject(s) - liver function tests , medicine , liver damage , liver function , bilirubin , toxicity , pesticide , alkaline phosphatase , occupational medicine , physiology , liver injury , occupational exposure , toxicology , environmental health , biology , biochemistry , agronomy , enzyme
Liver Damage among Environmental Disinfestation Workers: Francesco T omei , et al . Occupational Medicine Dept., “La Sapienza” University, Rome —It has been reported that exposure to high doses of insecticides can damage the liver. It is now becoming apparent that even exposure to low doses may affect the liver and blood. Studies on the effects on the health of disinfestation workers are scant. This study investigated 37 males doing environmental disinfestation work. They all employed the same types and amounts of pesticides. They were compared with 60 controls not exposed to hepatotoxic substances. In the presence of a physician, all subjects completed a clinical‐history questionnaire. They all underwent a general clinical examination and specific blood chemistry tests were done. In the exposed group we found liver test values to be higher than controls (p<0.001), including AST (pcO.025), alkaline phosphatase (p<0.001), and total bilirubin (p<0.001). We found no abnormal hematological changes. The findings indicate that the use of pesticides in environmental disinfestation alters liver function and that this screening protocol is valid for identifying subjects at risk for hepatotoxicity.