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Studies of the occupational exposure of Malaysian plantation workers to paraquat

Chester G, Woollen BH

Br J Ind Med, 1982 Feb;39(1):23-33.
PMID: 7066217

Studies carried out on the occupational exposure to paraquat of plantation workers in Malaysia comprised quantitative estimates of dermal and respiratory exposure of knapsack spray operators, carriers, and rubber tappers operating under their normal working conditions. Spray operators have been shown to be dermally exposed to paraquat by walking through recently sprayed vegetation and into their own spray, regular adjustment and unblocking of spray nozzles and leakage, and overfilling of knapsack spray tanks. Carriers also received measurable dermal exposure from walking through recently sprayed vegetation and accidental spillage when carrying and loading. The infrequent and negligible dermal exposure of tappers resulted from walking through recently sprayed vegetation. Determinations of the total airborne paraquat concentrations in the breathing zone show that spray operators and carriers are exposed to an order of 1% or less of the current TLV for respirable paraquat. No paraquat was detected in the breathing zones of tappers working in simultaneously sprayed blocks. The calculated ranges of dermal and respiratory exposures, when compared with published data on both the exposure to, and the toxicity of, paraquat, indicate that there should be no toxicological risk to any of the three groups studied as a result of using paraquat.

Matched MeSH terms: Paraquat/adverse effects*
Fulltext A study of the health of Malaysian plantation workers with particular reference to paraquat spraymen

Howard JK, Sabapathy NN, Whitehead PA

Br J Ind Med, 1981 May;38(2):110-6.
PMID: 7236534

Tests of pulmonary function (FVC, FEV1, FEV 1%, and single breath CO diffusion), renal function (serum creatinine and BUN), liver function (serum ALT, AST, and ALKP) and a full haematological screen were performed on 27 paraquat spraymen (mean spraying time 5.3 years; mean individual annual quantity of paraquat handled, 67.2 kg as paraquat ion) and on two control groups. One of the control groups consisted of 24 general plantation workers with minimal exposure to paraquat arising from occasional work in recently sprayed areas, and the second consisted of 23 latex factory workers with no known occupational exposure to paraquat. The results showed no significant differences as a consequence of occupational exposure to paraquat. Long-term paraquat spraying at the concentrations used produced to quantifiable harmful effects on health as measured by the indices selected for this study.

Matched MeSH terms: Paraquat/adverse effects*
A clinical survey of paraquat formulation workers

Howard JK

Br J Ind Med, 1979 Aug;36(3):220-3.
PMID: 500781

A group of 18 male Caucasian workers from the United Kingdom and a further group of 18 male mixed race (mainly Malay) workers from Malaysia employed in the formulation of paraquat-based herbicides were examined for evidence of chronic ill health after long-term exposure to paraquat. Clinical records were examined, medical and occupational histories were obtained and a clinical examination, particularly of the skin, was undertaken. Skin rashes, nail damage and epistaxes were encountered by most workers as a result of direct contact of skin and mucous membranes with paraquat. These conditions subsided rapidly and no worker reported any sequelae. There was no clinical evidence of long-term effects on skin, mucous membranes or general health following exposure to paraquat over several years in these workers.

Matched MeSH terms: Paraquat/adverse effects*
Effects of pesticide use on semen quality among farmers in rural areas of Sabah, Malaysia

Hossain F, Ali O, D'Souza UJ, Naing DK

J Occup Health, 2010;52(6):353-60.
PMID: 20924153

OBJECTIVES: To determine the relationship between semen quality and exposure to pesticide residues.
METHODS: A cross-sectional study was conducted among male farmers from 3 different communities in Sabah, Malaysia. A total of 152 farmers participated in this study of whom 62 farmers had been exposed to either paraquat or malathion or both to varying extents. Questionnaires were designed to record a history of pesticides exposure and other potential risk factors among farmers. All semen samples were collected, processed and analyzed by qualified personnel based on WHO guidelines. Volume, pH, sperm concentration, motility, morphology and WBC count were examined and recorded. The association between pesticide exposure and semen parameters was highly significant.
RESULTS: The mean values of volume, pH, sperm concentration, motility, and WBC count were significantly less in the exposed group than in compared with the non-exposed group, with p<0.005. Those who were exposed to pesticides had greater risk of having abnormal semen parameters than those in with the non exposed group, with p values of less than 0.05. The comparison between semen qualities such as lower sperm count, motility and higher percentage of sperm abnormality of those exposed to different types of pesticides (paraquat and malathion) showed no significant differences.
CONCLUSION: The results showed a significant decline in semen quality with a decline in sperm count, motility and higher percent of teratospermia among subjects with pesticide exposure, and those who were exposed to pesticides had significantly 3 to 9 times greater risk of having abnormal semen parameters.

Matched MeSH terms: Paraquat/adverse effects*