Respiratory Dysfunctions Related to Insecticide Exposure Among Farmers in Sindh, Pakistan

The insecticide effect on lung physiology is well reported. Data on respiratory dysfunction after insecticide exposure to farmers are scanty in Pakistan. Present study was designed to determine the frequency and reported respiratory symptoms among two groups of farmers. One group comprised of ‘insecticide spray-workers’ (n=324) and other group was of non users of agrochemical substances, i.e. the comparison group (n=209). Male farmers between the ages of 25 to 45 years, and who were non smokers were enrolled in the study from various areas of Sindh province (Pakistan) during agriculture crop season 2006-07. The farmers were introduced a questionnaire gleaning information on farming characteristics and respiratory symptoms. Spirometry was carried out to assess lung functions. Computer software Minitab 8.0 version was used to analyze data. A greater proportion of insecticide spray workers reported respiratory symptoms; dyspnea, bronchitis, asthma and rhinitis as compared to farmers who did not handle insecticides. Comparative values of FEV1 and FEV1/FVC ratio were also significantly low in insecticide spray workers. The results suggest that obstructive and restrictive lung functions are more prevalent in the farmers who were exposed to insecticides than non user comparison group. These differences were statistically significant