clinical and biochemical parameters of children and adolescents applying pesticides

background: the primary agricultural product in egypt is the cotton crop. children and adolescents work seasonally in the cotton fields applying pesticides. objectives: to examine the effect of pesticide exposure on clinical and biochemical parameters in children and adolescents applying pesticides. methods: male children currently applying pesticides and aged between 9 and 19 years (n = 50) were recruited for this study. they were asked to complete work, health, and exposure questionnaires; examined for any medical and neurological problems with particular attention to sensory and motor functions including cranial nerves, sensory and motor system, and reflexes. from each participant, a blood sample was taken to measure acetylcholinesterase activity, and liver and kidney functions. children who have never worked in agriculture (n = 50), matched on age, education, and socioeconomic status were also studied and served as controls. results: more neuromuscular disorders were identified in pesticide applicators than controls. a significant lower level of acetylcholinesterase was found in the applicator group compared to the controls. there was also a significant difference in hematological, renal and hepatic indices in the exposed children compared to the control children. working more days in the current season and also working more years as a pesticide applicator were both associated with an increase in the prevalence of neuromuscular abnormalities and significant changes in the laboratory tests. conclusion: children and adolescent pesticide applicators working in farms of egypt are at risk of developing serious health problems similar to those of adults.