LIVER AND RENAL IMPAIRMENT IN FARMERS EXPOSED TO CHLORPYRIFOS AND DIMETHOATE PESTICIDES IN IDO LOCAL GOVERNMENT AREA, IBADAN

Abstract

Pesticides are widely used in agriculture and their inappropriate application causes impairment in the farmers. Although studies have shown that farmers are constantly prone to occupational risk due to pesticide exposure, understanding the relationship between exposure and corresponding liver and renal impairment will help design health education intervention among this group. This study was therefore conducted to assess the toxicity of dimethoate and chlorpyrifos pesticides on liver and kidney functions of farmers in Ido Government Area (LGA), lbadan. A systematic random sampling procedure was used to select 70 exposed and 70 un-exposed farmers among 320 members of farmers' association in ILGA. A semi-structured questionnaire was used to collect information on socio-demographic characteristics, practices and some health effects of pesticide used. Observation checklist was used to assess safety measures against pesticide application. Blood samples were aseptically obtained from all participants by venipuncture into heparinized bottles. The biomarker of pesticide exposure in blood (reduced acetylcholinesterase), liver function enzymes (Aspartate Amino Transferase (AST), Alanine Amino Transferase (ALT) and Gamma Glutamyl Transferase (GGT) and kidney function indicators (creatinine and urea) were determined using standard methods. The data obtained were compared to International Federation of Clinical Chemists (IFCC) standards. Data were analysed using descriptive statistics, Student's t-test and Pearson's correlation at 5% level of significance. The mean ages of the exposed and un-exposed farmers were 33.9±9.1 years and 33.6±9.2 years respectively. The participants were males and 52.9% Exposed Respondents (ER) and 61.4% Un- exposed Respondents (UR) were married. Majority (71.4%) of the exposed farmers had no formal education while 34.3% of the un-exposed farmers had completed secondary education. More than half (60.0%) of the ER had experienced pesticide spill on their bodies while spraying and 57.1% always experienced blurred vision after spraying based on reported usage in the previous six months. None of the ER neither wore overall nor used face guide during spraying. Acetylcholinesterase levels were significantly lower in the ER (5.9±1.0 i.u/L) than in the UR (7.9±1.4 i.u/L). The AST level in the ER (31.3±7.0 i.u/L) was significantly higher than that in the UR (25.7±6.9 i.u/L). Levels of ALT in the ER (23.5±7.0 i.u/L) and UR (19.4±7,7 i.u/L) were significantly different. The difference in GGT in the ER (31.06±11.26 i.u/L) and UR (25.73±8.44 i.u/L) was significant. There is no significant difference in the creatinine and urea levels of the ER (0.64± 0.20 and 21.06±7.78 mg/dL) and UR (0.69±0.22 and 23.64±8.83 mg/dL). The significant reduction in acetylcholinesterase level and increased liver function enzymes suggests impairment in the farmers. However renal impairment was not demonstrated in this study. The use of personal protective equipment by farmers may reduce their exposure to pesticides.