Recognized biochemical effects produced by certain pesticides

Effect
Enzyme induction

Mechanism and causative agent (s)

The induction of microsomal enzymes (mixed-function oxidases)
in the liver is well known in experimental animals and in people
treated with certain drugs or exposed to organochlorine pesticides.
Occupational exposure increases the drug metabolizing ability

Enzyme inhibition

The inhibition of mixed- function oxidases of liver microsomes,

e.g., aldehyde oxidase, by dithiocarbamates. Inhibitor of blood
cholinesterase by organophosphorus and carbamate insecticides is
commonly detected, not only in cases of poisoning but also in
workers exposed to the more toxic compounds of this group.
Acute clinical poisoning is likely to appear when the
cholinesterase activity is inhibited by 50% or more and 30%
inhibition has been proposed as a hazard level (WHO, 1982a).
Cumulative cholinesterase inhibition can occur following exposure
to doses that do not produce clinical signs or symptoms; this
depression lowers the threshold dose likely to produce clinical
poisoning

Recognized skin effects of pesticides

Effect

Causative agent

Contact dermatitis

paraquat, captafol, 2,4-D, and mancozeb

barban, benomyl, DDT, lindane, zineb,
malathion

Photoallergic reactions

HCB, benomyl, zineb

Chloracne

organochlorine pesticides such as

hexachlorobenzene, pentachlorophenol,and
2,4,5-T, probably as a result of
contamination with chlorinated dioxins
and/or dibenzofurans

Acquired toxic porphyria severe cutanea tarda

bulbae formation, deep scarring, permanent
loss of hair, and skin atrophy

manifestations, including photosensitivity,

Recognized neurological effects of pesticides

Effect
Delay neurotoxicity
Behaviour changes

Causative agent
certain organophosphorus compounds, e.g
leptophos
certain organophosphorus insecticides

Lesions of the central nervous system

organochlorine and organophosphorus

insecticides and organomercury fungicides

Peripheral neuritis

chlorophenoxy herbicides, pyrethroids and

certain organophosphorus insecticides

Signs and symptoms

Irritating to skin, mucous membranes
vomiting, headache, diarrhea, confusion
Bizarre or aggressive behavior Muscle
weakness in occupationally exposed
individuals
Irritating to skin, eyes, respiratory tract
Irritating to skin, eyes, respiratory tract,
Abdominal pain, diarrhea, vomiting, eye
irritation, irritation of mucous membranes,
skin reactions
Irritation to skin, eyes, respiratory tract,
loss of appetite (anorexia), vomiting,
muscle weakness, slowed heart rate,
shortness of breath, central nervous system
effects
Irritating to skin, eyes, respiration tract
Irritating to skin, mucous membranes,
vomiting, headache, diarrhea, confusion,
bizarre or aggressive behavior, Muscle
weakness in occupationally exposed
individuals
Irritating to skin, eyes
Burning in mouth, throat, chest, upper
abdomen, Diarrhea, Giddiness, headache,
fever, lethargy, dry, cracked hands,
ulceration skin
Irritating to skin, eyes, respiratory tract
Irritating to skin, eyes, respiratory tract

Signs and symptoms

Headache excessive salivation and tearing, muscle twitching, nausea, diarrhea, respiratory
depression, selzures , loss of consclousness, pinpoint pupils
Malaise, muscle weakness, dizziness, sweating, headache, salivation, nausea, vomiting,
abdominal pain, diarrhea, nervous system depression, pulmonary edema in serious cases
Malaise, muscle weakness, dizziness, sweating, headache, salivation, nausea, vomiting,
abdominal pain, diarrhea, nervous system depression, pulmonary edema in serious cases
Headache, excessive salivation and tearing, muscle twitching, nausea, diarrhea, respiratory
depression, seizures , loss of consclousness pinpoint pupils
Itching, burning, tingling of skin,headache, dizziness, nausea, vomiting, lack of coordination,
tremor, mental confusion , selzures, respiratory depression, coma
Headache, excessive salivation and tearing, muscle twitching, nausea, diarrhea, respiratory
depression, seizures , loss of consclousness pinpoint pupils
Headache, excessive salivation and tearing, muscle twitching, nausea, diarrhea, respiratory
depression, seizures , loss of consclousness pinpoint pupils
Headache, excessive salivation and tearing, muscle twitching, nausea, diarrhea, respiratory
depression, seizures , loss of consclousness pinpoint pupils
Irritating to skin and upper respiratory tract , contact dermatitis and allergic reactions asthma
Abnormal facial sensation, dizziness, salivation, headache, fatingue, vomiting, diarrhea, seizures,
numbness