Effect of chronic mixed pesticide exposure on peripheral and autonomic nerve function

Arch Environ Health. 1994 May-Jun;49(3):188-95. doi: 10.1080/00039896.1994.9940381.

Abstract

In a cross-sectional study involving 131 flower bulb farmers (mean age = 43 y) and 67 well-matched controls, peripheral and autonomic nerve functions were examined. The study group had been exposed during a period of 20 y (standard deviation = 7) and applied a similar pesticide package. Lifetime cumulative exposure was estimated based on exposure levels for specific application methods and duration of exposure. Exposure-related decreased conduction velocities were found in the motor fibers of the median (-1.1 m/s) and peroneal (fast fibers: -1.2 m/s, slow fibers: -1.3 m/s) nerves, and in the sensory fibers of the median (-1.4 m/s) and sural (-0.9 m/s) nerves. In addition, the refractory period was determined and found to be increased in the sural and peroneal nerves. With regard to the autonomic nerve function, a decrease was found in resting sinus arrhythmia (-10%).

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Agricultural Workers' Diseases / chemically induced*
  • Agricultural Workers' Diseases / epidemiology
  • Agrochemicals / adverse effects
  • Autonomic Nervous System / drug effects
  • Autonomic Nervous System / physiology
  • Cross-Sectional Studies
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Maneb / adverse effects
  • Middle Aged
  • Neural Conduction / drug effects
  • Occupational Exposure / adverse effects*
  • Occupational Exposure / analysis
  • Peripheral Nervous System / drug effects*
  • Peripheral Nervous System / physiology
  • Peripheral Nervous System Diseases / chemically induced
  • Peripheral Nervous System Diseases / epidemiology
  • Pesticides / adverse effects*
  • Zineb / adverse effects

Substances

  • Agrochemicals
  • Pesticides
  • Maneb
  • Zineb