Acute Toxicity Among Greenhouse Farmers In Gaza Strip

Greenhouse technology intensively increased in Gaza Strip and used large amounts of insecticides and fungicides for pest control. This created toxicity symptoms among farmers. This study characterized the acute toxicity of applied pesticides among farmers working in greenhouses. The study based on data collection from 57 greenhouse farmers, blood collection for acetylcholine esterase determination, and health records investigation of the acute cases. It appeared that about 139 farmers were working in greenhouses for tomato and cucumber production and spraying pesticides several times during the week. Results documented nine insecticides and five fungicides applied for insect and fungal control. Farmers revealed that they did not comply with pesticide safety measures during work. The following cholinergic symptoms such as convulsions, tremors. dizziness, headache, nozai, and diarrhea were associated with severe reduction on ACHE activity. Serum blood analysis indicated sever inhibition of acetylcholine esterase activities (ACHE) and elevated levels of ALT, AST and uric acid. Clinical investigation showed pin point pupil's, sweaty and salivation associated with sever ACHE inhibition. Treatments showed that gastric lavage, good ventilation and atropine application provide good management with some cases. It is recommended to comply with pesticides safely measures of pesticide application in greenhouse to avoid intoxication.