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BOOK OF
PROCEEDINGS
IX International Scientific Agriculture Symposium
“AGROSYM 2018”
Jahorina, October 04 - 07, 2018
Impressum
IX International Scientific Agriculture Symposium „AGROSYM 2018“
Book of Proceedings Published by
University of East Sarajevo, Faculty of Agriculture, Republic of Srpska, Bosnia
University of Belgrade, Faculty of Agriculture, Serbia
Mediterranean Agronomic Institute of Bari (CIHEAM - IAMB) Italy
International Society of Environment and Rural Development, Japan
Balkan Environmental Association (B.EN.A), Greece
Centre for Development Research, University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences (BOKU), Austria
Perm State Agro-Technological University, Russia
Voronezh State Agricultural University named after Peter The Great, Russia
Aleksandras Stulginskis University, Kaunas, Lithuania
Selçuk University, Turkey
University of Agronomic Sciences and Veterinary Medicine of Bucharest, Romania
University of Valencia, Spain
Faculty of Agriculture, Cairo University, Egypt
Tarbiat Modares University, Iran
Chapingo Autonomous University, Mexico
Department of Agricultural, Food and Environmental Sciences, University of Perugia, Italy
Higher Institute of Agronomy, Chott Mariem-Sousse, Tunisia
Watershed Management Society of Iran
Institute of Animal Science- Kostinbrod, Bulgaria
Faculty of Economics Brcko, University of East Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina
Biotechnical Faculty, University of Montenegro, Montenegro
Institute of Field and Vegetable Crops, Serbia
Institute of Lowland Forestry and Environment, Serbia
Institute for Science Application in Agriculture, Serbia
Agricultural Institute of Republic of Srpska - Banja Luka, Bosnia and Herzegovina
Maize Research Institute “Zemun Polje”, Serbia
Faculty of Agriculture, University of Novi Sad, Serbia
Institute for Animal Science, Ss. Cyril and Methodius University in Skopje, Macedonia
Academy of Engineering Sciences of Serbia, Serbia
Balkan Scientific Association of Agricultural Economics, Serbia
Institute of Agricultural Economics, Serbia
Editor in Chief
Dusan Kovacevic
Tehnical editors
Sinisa Berjan
Milan Jugovic
Noureddin Driouech
Rosanna Quagliariello
Website:
http://agrosym.ues.rs.ba
CIP - Каталогизација у публикацији
Народна и универзитетска библиотека
Републике Српске, Бања Лука
631(082)
INTERNATIONAL Scientific Agricultural Symposium "Agrosym
2018" (9 ; Jahorina)
Book of Proceedings [Elektronski izvor] / IX International
Scientific Agriculture Symposium "Agrosym 2018", Jahorina,
October 04 - 07, 2018 ; [editor in chief Dušan Kovačević]. - East
Sarajevo =Istočno Sarajevo : Faculty of Agriculture =Poljoprivredni
fakultet, 2018
Način pristupa (URL):
http://agrosym.ues.rs.ba/index.php/en/archive. - Bibliografija uz
radove. - Registar.
ISBN 978-99976-718-8-2
COBISS.RS-ID 7815448
Proceedings of the IX International Agricultural Symposium “Agrosym 2018”
1034
CONSEQUENCES OF EXPOSURE TO ORGANOPHOSPHATE PESTICIDES
Sandra MILETAKOVIC*1, Sladjan STANKOVIC2, Radomir JOVANOVIC1
1Agricultural Service Krusevac, Krusevac, Serbia
2Institute for Science Application in Agriculture, Belgrade, Serbia
*Corresponding author:sandramiletakovic@gmail.com
Abstract
The greatest challenge for the world in the upcoming period will be to feed itself without
ruining its environment. An increased use of pesticides and mineral fertilizers has resulted in a
large production of diverse agricultural crops and thousands of new products, which have
enabled the regular supply of the market and good nutrition of the population. Due to great
competition and demand, many farmers tend to use organophosphate pesticides excessively in
order to increase yields. However, when spraying, farmers should, must to adhere but do not
adhere to the instructions for the safe use of pesticides, i.e. they do not use appropriate
personal and protective gear, which enables pesticides to enter the blood stream through
inhalation and dermal exposure, negatively affecting their health. In this paper, the authors
compared the relationship between the length of exposure to organophosphate pesticides and
signs of disease caused by direct exposure to pesticides during spraying. In the Rasina
District, the Republic of Serbia, 80 farmers were interviewed by using pre-designed
questionnaires over the course of 16 months. The farmers who had been exposed to pesticide
spraying reported acute signs and symptoms resulting from that exposure, such as blurred
vision, burning eyes, redness and skin itching, difficulty in breathing, excessive sweating, dry
throat and burning in the nose. The duration of the symptoms depended on the length of the
exposure. It was concluded that there was need for raising awareness among farm sprayers on
the safe use of pesticides and use of personal and protective gear while handling pesticides.
Keywords: Organophosphate pesticides, exposure, pesticide spraying, farmers, protective
gear.
Introduction
Occupational exposures to Plant Protection Products (PPP) occur during the production,
transportation, preparation and application of pesticides in the workplace (Ye et al., 2013).
Exposure to pesticides is one of the most important occupational risks among farmers in
developing countries (Coronado et al., 2004). Occupational exposure to pesticides is of great
interest in order to identify the hazards of pesticide use and the establishment of safe methods
of pesticide handling. Pesticides exposures both occupationally and environmentally cause a
range of human health problems. A series of studies have documented that the easy
availability of pesticides in farming households makes it a preferred means of self-harm. It
has been estimated that there are 250 000 deaths annually from pesticide self-poisoning
worldwide, accounting for 30% of the suicides globally (Gunnell et al., 2007).
Acute toxicity is normally the result of a single exposure and the symptoms are seen within a
comparatively short time of exposure, usually within hours or days. Acute health effects may
include irritation of skin or eyes or respiratory irritation. Long-term exposure to
organophosphate pesticides can cause various health problems. Organophosphates are
associated with well-known acute health problems such as nausea, dizziness, vomiting,
headaches, abdominal pain, and skin and eye problems (MacFarlane et al., 2013; Reifenrath,
2007). A vast majority of the population in Serbia is engaged in agriculture and is therefore
exposed to the pesticides used in agriculture.
Proceedings of the IX International Agricultural Symposium “Agrosym 2018”
1035
In developing countries including Serbia, farmers who are engaged in the occupation of
spraying pesticides in crops and plantings get the direct exposure of pesticides due to unsafe
and non-preventive work practices. They do not use the Personal Protective Equipments like
safety masks, gloves etc. during the aerial spraying of pesticides resulting in the entry of
pesticides in the blood stream via respiratory tract through inhalation which can adversely
affect respiratory system (Fareed et al., 2013). Respiratory symptoms, such as coughing,
wheezing and airway inflammation, are commonly observed among people exposed to
pesticides (Ye et al., 2013). Pesticides being used in agricultural tracts are released into the
environment and come into human contact directly or indirectly. Humans are exposed to
pesticides found in environmental media (soil, water, air and food) by different routes of
exposure such as inhalation, ingestion and dermal contact. Exposure to pesticides results in
acute and chronic health problems. These range from temporary acute effects like irritation of
eyes, excessive salivation to chronic diseases like cancer, reproductive and developmental
disorders etc (Yassi et al., 2001). The results of the study indicate the possibility that
organophosphate pesticides play a role in genetic tissue damage, in the production of free
radicals, in neuro-psychological disorders, and in diabetes (Jamal et al., 2016, Narayan, et al.,
2013; Taghavian et al., 2016 ).
Organophosphates is common name for phosphorous thioesters and esters acid. In health and
agriculture Organophosphates refers to a group of insecticides or nerves Agents that inhibit
acetylcholinesterase, an enzyme that catalyzes the neurotransmitter hydrolysis
acetylcholine in cholinergic synapses in the central and peripheral nervous system.
Organophosphate pesticides are a class of chemicals defined as esters, amides, or thiol
derivatives of veosfor, phosphonic, and phosphorothiocidic acid (Kavvalakis and Tsatsakis,
2012; Mangas, et al., 2016). It is necessary to emphasize that most organophosphate
pesticides due to rapid degradation do not stay in the body for more than a few days
(Kavvalakis and Tsatsakis, 2012). On the other hand, the highly reactive nature of
organophosphate pesticides can lead to toxic effects.
Material and Methods
This paper is based on the results of the questionnaire survey on agricultural holdings in the
Rasina District, the Republic of Serbia, which is famous for fruit and wine production. The
study was conducted on apple-growing farms. According to the data from the Census of
Agriculture (RIS, 2012), apple tree is grown in the Rasina District on an area of 1142 ha. The
research was conducted in the period from May 2016 to August 2017, when Apple plantations
are sprayed with organophosphate pesticides for control of pest Codling moth, Cydia
pomonella . Usually spraying duration was from 07:00a.m. to 10:00a.m., then from
04:00p.m. to 07:00 p.m., two days per week. The farmers were examined during working
days after the pesticide spraying. The organophosphate pesticide used in this study is
chlorpyrifos. Respondents were exposed for six to sixteen months for this research.
Interview questionnaire
The questionnaire was designed to outline the details of land ownership, plantation where the
farmers is currently working, exposure to organophosphate pesticide the use of pesticides,
precautions taken, signs and symptoms related to pesticide exposure etc. Farmers who
sprayed chlorpyrifos were asked if they experienced symptoms (blurred vision, itching eyes,
skin infections / itching, excessive sweating, dry throat, difficulty breathing / coughing,
burning nose) during or immediately after pesticide spraying. Some of these signs (blurred
vision, excessive sweating and itching) were observed at the time of interview. Symptom
details were collected as reports done by the farmers. The questionnaire provided information
about the type of sprinklers used by the farmers for spraying, such as tractor sprayers and
sprinklers. During the research, none of the respondents took precautions or used personal and
Proceedings of the IX International Agricultural Symposium “Agrosym 2018”
1036
protective gear that include: protective suit, adequate protective gloves, respiratory protection
masks, eye protection glasses and boots.
Data collection
The survey was conducted on a total number of 80 farmers, who were males and ranged
between 20-65 years of age, belonging to same socioeconomic status. Farmers who
participated in the survey were randomly selected on the basis of the initial questionnaire
filled out, the fruit cultivation they grow, as well as on active engagement (full-time) for the
preparation, storage and spraying of the pesticides on apples for at least six months. Analysis
was done on four groups of subjects based on the duration of organophosphate exposure (i.e
15 subjects with 6 months of exposure, 20 subjects with 12 months exposure and 25 subjects
with 16 months exposure). The study was compared with 20 healthy males having no
previous or current occupational exposure to pesticides which were taken as control group
from near by areas with same socioeconomic status. Questionnaires were asked to be filled
by the all four groups of subjects. The questionnaire provided detailed information regarding
the socioeconomic status, family history and personal habits which were recorded for each
respondent. The purpose of the academic research was explained to all the participants and
their consent is obtained.
Results and Discussion
On the basis of the questionnaire it was found that the subjects exposed to organophosphate
pesticide via spraying the pesticides in their farms from 12 months and 16 months showed
more prevalence in general health symptoms immediately after the spraying. The symptoms
were of general nature like blurred vision, skin redness, white patches, excessive sweating,
shortness of breath etc.(Table 1). An interesting aspect of this research was the prevalence of
ophthalmological problems arising due to organophosphate pesticide spraying being dose and
duration dependent. In the 6 months exposure period only 6.66% respondents complained of
blurred vision whereas in 12 months it was 10% and in 16 months it was 36% being the
highest. In the control group of same age and same social status it was only one respondents
who complained of a blurred vision in 16 months of exposure, that may be because of age or
environment. Burning of eyes was highly prevalent among pesticides sprayers. In 12 months
of exposure duration 15% respondents complained of this symptom, and in 16 months 20%
farm sprayers complained itching in their eyes which was quite significant. It was observed
that there were no symptoms in the control group who were of the same age and
socioeconomic status. With regard to the skin related problems in the 6 months of exposure
duration only 13.33% respondents complained of skin rashes, whereas in the 12 months 20%,
and in 16 months 60% of respondents complained of skin patches, redness and irritation
which was also found to be highest in the longer exposure duration period. In the control
group it was observed that there were no skin symptoms found in the non exposed workers.
Similarly in present research respiratory related problems like excessive sweating, dry / sore
throat, running / burning nose and shortness of breath / cough were found quite common in
the farm pesticides sprayers exposed to organophosphate pesticides from 6 months, 12 months
and 16 months. Table 1 shows that in the 6 months exposed sprayers 13.33% subjects
showed excessive sweating and shortness of breath during the pesticide spraying as compared
to their well matched controls. While in 12 months exposed sprayers the prevalence of
symptoms were found higher, 30% sprayers complained the problem of excessive sweating,
15% sprayers reported dry throat, 25% reported burning nose, and 25% farm sprayers
reported shortness of breath. Whereas in controls only one subject reported shortness breath.
In the 16 months of exposure, 52% sprayers complained of excessive sweating, 32% reported
dry throat, 44% reported burning nose, and 48% reported shortness of breath and cough.
Proceedings of the IX International Agricultural Symposium “Agrosym 2018”
1037
While from the control group only one subject showed excessive sweating and
coughing.(Table1)
Table 1. Showing the effects of organophosphate pesticides for 6, 12 and 16 months of
exposure on the general parameters of eyes, skin and respiratory related symptoms in the four
groups examines .
Exposure
Duration
Symptoms
→
Groups of
Subjects↓
Burning/
Stinging /
Itching eyes
Blurred
vision
Skin
redness/white
patches on skin/
skin scaling
Excessive
sweating
Dry/
Sore
throat
Runny/
Burning
nose
Shortness
of
breath/
cough
6 Months
Group -1
(15 )
0
1s-
6.66%
2s-13.33%
2s-13.33%
0
0
2s-13.33%
Control-1
(5 )
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
12 Months
Group -2
(20)
3s -15%
2s-10%
4s-20%
6 s-30%
3s-
15%
5s-25%
5s-25%
Control-2
(7)
0
0
0
0
0
0
1s-14.28%
16 Months
Group-3
(25)
5s-20%
9s-36%
15s-60%
13s-52%
8s-
32%
11s-
44%
12s-48%
Control-3
(8)
0
1s-
12.5%
0
1 s-12.5%
0
0
1s-12.5%
*Source: Author’s elaboration based on the questionnaire survey results.
*Note: s- subjects
From the findings of this research it can be seen that the signs and symptoms are significantly
related to the duration of the exposure. Therefore, the research clearly shows that subjects
who have been exposed to organophosphate pesticides for prolonged periods through spraying
show a greater number of symptoms. The research showed that exposure to pesticides was
mainly due to inhalation, dermal route and swallowing, since no farmer used a protective suit,
adequate protective gloves, respiratory protection masks, eye protection and boots, which is
mandatory prescribed in the instructions for use pesticides. It is important to note that during
the interviews of the participants it was established that the farmers did not shower regularly.
Most farmers in this study were not familiar with the health hazards caused by inadequate
handling of organophosphates. Entrants reported two or more of the above symptoms within
24 hours of spraying and are thought to have suffered acute pesticide poisoning.
It was found that physiological changes caused by organophosphate pesticides in the above
mentioned groups included ophthalmic changes, dermatological and respiratory disorders. In
this regard, it is mentioned that continuous and direct exposure to pesticide eyes leads to
complications such as blurred vision and eye pain (Mishra et al., 1985). Exposure to
unprotected eyes by pesticides led to absorption in the eye tissues causing potential toxicity
(Jaga and Dharmani, 2006). Visual problems (itching / burning eyes, blurred vision) can be
related to the direct contact of pesticides with eyes due to non-compliance and non-change of
eye protection measures such as protective glasses, so these findings are corroborated by this
research (Singh & Kaur , 2012). The effects of organophosphate on the skin also depended on
exposure time (Kishi et al., 1995). It was observed that the skin is the primary way of
exposure to pesticides for farmers who handle sprays. Excluding acute poisoning, contact
dermatitis is considered to be the most common health effect of pesticides, either through
irritating or allergic mechanisms (Spiewak, 2000). All this confirms the previously stated
assumption that the negative effects of the use of organophosphate pesticides can be
minimized by the adequate application of protective equipment. The results of this study have
shown similarity to some earlier toxicological tests done elsewhere. In Canada, a cross-
section study of pesticide-related use and effects on the respiratory system of farmers was
Proceedings of the IX International Agricultural Symposium “Agrosym 2018”
1038
carried out and the use of pesticides is associated with isolated asthma and a change in lung
function (Senthilselvan et al., 1992). A worker cross – section study at the pesticide packaging
also showed that, compared with the controls, pesticide-producing workers have a
significantly higher risk of developing respiratory symptoms, including chronic coughing for
women, nose and throat irritation for men and women (Zuskin et al 2008). These observations
are in line with this research , where it has been found that most of the symptoms relate to
skin and respiratory problems for farmers who have been exposed to pesticides for a long
time. Conclusion
This paper provides information related to the short-term effects of organophosphate
pesticides on agricultural producers in the Rasina District, the Republic of Serbia, who
worked in the most unfavorable environment without any protective gear . From the
foregoing, three conclusions can be drawn. Firstly, it is necessary to continually educate
farmers on the adequate use of protective gear in the handling of organophosphate pesticides,
since the negative effects of organophosphate pesticides can be minimized by the adequate
application of protective gear. Secondly, it is important that future research determines the
correlation between the length of exposure to organophosphate pesticides, the dose of
organophosphate pesticides and health problems. Thirdly, it is necessary to inform the farmers
who are exposed to organophosphate pesticides about the importance of regular medical
examinations.
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