Compromiso neurológico periférico y exposición a plaguicidas en cultivadores de arroz en una zona rural, Colombia.

Abstract

Objectives Using a cross-sectional study to establish the presence of a link between pesticide exposure levels with findings of peripheral neurological compromise in persons occupationally exposed to them.

Results The population sample was 59 workers in the rural area of the municipality of Espinal, Tolima. 52% of the population reported to use organophosphates, 32% carbamates 16% chlorinated hydrocarbons pesticides, and 66% other groups of pesticides. Blood levels of carbamates were detected in 7% of the population, organophosphate and organochlorine in 66% to 100%. 42% of the population had neuropathy suspected from the symptoms and 92% from the signs. Statistically significant association was evident between blood levels of certain chlorinated hydrocarbon pesticides with suspected peripheral neuropathy based on symptoms, the presence of feeling of loss of strength in limbs and abnormalities in tendon reflexes. Conclusions This study identified the pesticides to which the agricultural population is exposed in Espinal and confirms the effect of bioaccumulation and biomagnification of chlorinated hydrocarbons pesticides. Additionally, we detected significant associations between the presence of findings suggestive of peripheral neurologic involvement and certain chlorinated hydrocarbons pesticides. This study is an approach to the relationship between exposure to pesticides in the agricultural population of the Espinal rural area and their neurological sequelae.