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59 workers exposed to different chemicals during the manufacture of quinalphos, an organophosphate pesticide (OP) and 17 control subjects were studied. Despite similar blood acetylcholinestarase (AChE) levels in both the exposed and control subjects, a significant number of exposed subjects had altered plantar and ankle reflexes. Higher nervous functions such as memory, learning and vigilance were also found to be affected in these subjects. These findings were attributed to chronic low dose combined exposure to different chemicals used/formed in the manufacture of quinalphos. The study raises the doubt that monitoring of AChE alone among subjects engaged in the manufacture of OP pesticides may not be an adequate safeguard as regards to their health.

Twenty-six farm workers handling about 4 kg of commercial grade hexachlorocyclohexane (HCH)/y for 2-5 y and 21 control subjects were studied for chronic effects in clinical, hematological and cardiac variables. No clinically apparent morbidity was detected, but changes in hemoglobin and electrocardiograms were early effects of HCH exposure.

We examined the serum levels of thyroxine and thyroid stimulating hormone in 103 rural subjects with respect to blood levels of organochlorine pesticide and occupation. We found that 24.3% of study subjects had depleted thyroxine levels in association with significantly lower organochlorine pesticide residues in blood. Sex, nutritional status, thyromegaly, or handling of pesticides in the course of work were not found to be factors contributing to depleted thyroxine levels.