Assessment of Awareness, Biochemical and Hematological

Abstract
Pesticides sellers are exposed to multiple pesticides such as insecticides, herbicides and
fungicides. An exploratory awareness and health study was conducted to assess
awareness, biochemical and hematological parameters among pesticides' sellers in
Gaza Governorate.A cross section of 26 pesticides sellers were asked to fill in a
questionnaire on knowledge, attitudes, practice towards pesticide handling, and work
and health aspects. Biochemical and hematological parameters of 14 pesticides sellers
and 14 controls with no history of pesticides exposure were also examined. T-test and
one-way ANOVA test were applied. The mean age of pesticides’ sellers was 34.3±9.7
years. Fifteen (57.7%) of them were owners and 11 (42.3%) were employees. The
shops were well ventilated, and 18 (69.2%) of the sellers admitted that they have no
special place for eating and drinking in the shop. All sellers have knowledge about the
types and ways of pesticides use, and adverse health effects. Half of them had
knowledge on alternatives of pest control. Twenty five (96.1%), 24 (92.3%) and 23
(88.5%) knew that pesticides exposure through oral, inhalation and skin, respectively.
Attitude toward pesticides use and effectiveness of protective gear particularly gloves
and mask was positive.
Half of the sellers throw the empty pesticide containers in the garbage site or in the
street. Protective measures in use was generally poor except for gloves 19 (73.1%) and
masks 18 (69.2%). Pesticide sellers who wore gloves and masks had more knowledge
on route of pesticides exposure through inhalation, skin and oral than those who did
(P<0.05). Serum alanine aminotransferase and aspartate aminotransferase were
significantly increased in cases compared to controls. Urea and creatinine were also
higher.
Such increase was statistically significant for urea (P=0.007). White blood cell count
was higher in cases (p=0.047). In contrast, blood platelets and red blood cells were
significantly lower in cases (p=0.002 and p=0.027, respectively). In parallel,
hemoglobin and hematocrit showed no significant decrease in cases. Mean corpuscular
volume, mean corpuscular hemoglobin and mean corpuscular hemoglobin
concentration exhibited no significant changes (P>0.05). ALT, AST, urea and
creatinine showed successive increase with increase work duration, whereas blood
V
platelets exhibited successive decrease. Conducting of educational awareness programs
on pesticides alternatives and training courses related to extension and health impact of
pesticides are recommended.