Genotoxicity from domestic use of organophosphate pesticides

J Occup Environ Med. 1998 Nov;40(11):954-7. doi: 10.1097/00043764-199811000-00003.

Abstract

This report describes the types of chromosome damage in peripheral blood found in patients exposed to domestic application of organophosphate pesticides. These changes serve as a biomarker of cumulative toxic exposure. Susceptible individuals show DNA damage as chromosome alterations. The importance of these findings is that the apparent genotoxic changes occurred from domestic application of two of the commonly used organophosphate pesticides in America and adds one more adverse potential effect from these hazardous chemicals. Peripheral blood from eight patients exposed to the domestic spraying of organophosphate pesticides was cultured and the chromosomes photographed. The types of chromosome alterations seen included chromatid and chromosome breaks, single and double minutes, dicentrics, rings, translocations, exchanges (including sister chromatid), and endoreduplications. Our findings support previous findings that organophosphate pesticides have genotoxic effects even at domestically sprayed levels.

MeSH terms

  • Accidents, Home*
  • Adult
  • Child
  • Chromosome Aberrations
  • Environmental Exposure / adverse effects*
  • Female
  • Genes / drug effects*
  • Humans
  • Insecticides / adverse effects*
  • Male
  • Metaphase / drug effects
  • Middle Aged
  • Organophosphorus Compounds*
  • Sister Chromatid Exchange / drug effects
  • Time Factors

Substances

  • Insecticides
  • Organophosphorus Compounds