Hotton A.J., Barminas J.T., Osemeahon S.A., Aboki T.
National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control, P.M.B 1018, Jalingo, Taraba State, Nigeria; Department of Chemistry, Federal University of Technology, P.M.B 2076, Yola, Adamawa, State, Nigeria; Department of Pediatric, Federal Medical Centre
Hotton, A.J., National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control, P.M.B 1018, Jalingo, Taraba State, Nigeria; Barminas, J.T., Department of Chemistry, Federal University of Technology, P.M.B 2076, Yola, Adamawa, State, Nigeria; Osemeahon, S.A., Department of Chemistry, Federal University of Technology, P.M.B 2076, Yola, Adamawa, State, Nigeria; Aboki, T., Department of Pediatric, Federal Medical Centre, P.M. B1052, Jalingo, Taraba State, Nigeria
We asses cholinesterase level on retailers of pesticide in Northeastern Nigeria, evaluated the prevalence of symptoms and relate levels of inhibition to reported symptoms. Medical evaluation questionnaires were administered to 100 exposed retailers and control. Extracted information included name, sex, age, duration of trade, hygienic behavior, protective clothing and educational levels. The acetycholinesterase activity was measured for both categories at low and high exposure period. 68% of the exposed had poor hygienic behavior with low education and 8% use of overall. 84% of the exposed retailers had change in acetycholinesterase inhibition (≥30%). The grouping on year of involvement in trade shows high inhibition in the exposed, 1-3 years (36.2%) and 3-6 years (40.4%). Symptom prevalence was higher during high exposure, respiratory (18.4%), Central nervous system (16%), eye (15.2%) and cardiovascular (15%) with a significant change in the control. The increase symptom prevalence was found at acetylcholinesterase activities considered to be no adverse compared to WHO threshold of 70% baseline red blood cell. In conclusion, retailers of pesticide in Northeastern Nigeria may have been occupationally exposed due to the sales and handling of pesticide; and the exposure at times is of such magnitude as to be hazardous to retailers. © EuroJournals Publishing, Inc. 2010.