Safety practices, neurological symptoms, and pesticide poisoning

J Occup Environ Med. 2003 Oct;45(10):1079-86. doi: 10.1097/01.jom.0000085894.87332.36.

Abstract

Depression, anxiety, inability to concentrate, and spatial disorientation associated with pesticide poisoning may influence farmers' ability to comply with established safety procedures. The purpose of this article is to describe the relationship between safety practices, neurological symptoms, and pesticide poisoning. A survey of farm residents was conducted in an eight-county area in Colorado. Multivariate logistic regression models were used to determine associations between safety practices, neurological symptoms, and previous pesticide poisoning. A number of safety practices were associated with the following neurological symptoms: difficulty concentrating; feeling irritable; relatives noticing memory difficulties; and difficulty understanding reading materials. The associations between safety practices and neurological symptoms were increased in the presence of pesticide poisoning. Factors associated with failure to engage in established safety practices in this study were neurological symptoms.

Publication types

  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, P.H.S.

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Aged
  • Agricultural Workers' Diseases / chemically induced*
  • Agricultural Workers' Diseases / epidemiology
  • Agricultural Workers' Diseases / prevention & control*
  • Agricultural Workers' Diseases / psychology
  • Colorado / epidemiology
  • Female
  • Health Status
  • Humans
  • Logistic Models
  • Male
  • Mental Processes / drug effects*
  • Middle Aged
  • Nervous System Diseases / chemically induced*
  • Nervous System Diseases / epidemiology
  • Nervous System Diseases / prevention & control
  • Nervous System Diseases / psychology
  • Occupational Exposure / adverse effects*
  • Pesticides / poisoning*
  • Protective Clothing / statistics & numerical data*
  • Safety*
  • Smoking

Substances

  • Pesticides