Organochlorine Pesticides: Health Risks and Safety
Organochlorine Pesticides: Health Risks and Safety Measures
Pathological Action
Chlorinated hydrocarbon pesticides act preferentially on the Central Nervous System (CNS). These compounds are relatively resistant to metabolic degradation, are soluble in lipids, and accumulate in large amounts in this tissue.
Clinical Picture
Acute Poisoning
The speed of onset of symptoms depends on the dose and the route of entry of the poison (the dermal route is the most significant in terms of absorption). Intense effects can be observed after 20 to 30 minutes. However, if 12 or more hours have passed since absorption and no clinical signs or symptoms are present, acute intoxication is very unlikely.
Acute poisoning is characterized by:
- Mild headache
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Dizziness
- Balance disorders
- Anxiety
- Apprehension
- Paresthesia (tingling sensation) in the tongue, lips, face, and hands
In severe poisoning, serious signs of neurological damage are added:
- Tremors
- Muscle twitching
- Seizures
- Epileptiform convulsions
- Coma
- Death from central respiratory depression
Chronic Poisoning
Chronic poisoning occurs after long and continuous exposure to doses that do not trigger an acute process. It is characterized by:
- Anorexia
- Weakness (lack or loss of strength)
- Weight loss
- Abnormal behavior disturbances
- Temporary deafness
- Impaired liver and kidney function
Hygienic Control
Due to the high toxicity of organochlorine pesticides, extreme environmental and personal measures are necessary to protect worker health.
Environmental Measures
- Manufacture, Formulation, and Packaging: Tasks must be enclosed or isolated and equipped with a ventilation system and air purification devices to prevent air pollution.
- Preventive measures should be taken to avoid spills or leaks throughout the entire process (formulation, packaging, storage, etc.).
- Storage and Warehouse: Specific provisions for storage in warehouses are required. Absolute prohibition of storage with food.
- Transport: Specific provisions for vehicles with separate compartments not connected to the driver’s cab are required. Absolute prohibition of transporting pesticides together with food, animals, or people.
- Spraying and Pest Control: Manual or mechanical spraying should be done downwind. On windy days, aerial application is not permitted.
- Pesticide application should be carried out in the early morning and late afternoon, especially in hot weather.
- Do not allow outsiders access to the operation area during pesticide application and for 3 to 7 days after application, depending on the dose, toxicity, etc.
Personal Measures
- Proper selection of personnel.
- Appropriate training for staff who manufacture, package, repackage, dispense, transport, and apply pesticides.
- Prohibition of smoking, eating, or drinking during working hours without prior strict cleaning.
- Personal Protective Equipment:
- Capes, gloves, and plastic face shields (including their use, cleaning, and replacement).
- Masks with filters appropriate for the specific pesticide (including filter replacement).