A behavioral evaluation of pest control workers with short‐term, low‐level exposure to the organophosphate diazinon

Authors:
  • CWCarol Weisskopf
    Carol Weisskopf
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Abstract
Neurobehavioral effects of short‐term, low‐level exposure to diazinon were investigated among 99 pest control workers tested before and after their work shift with a computer‐assisted neurobehavioral test battery. Each subject completed a brief neurological screening examination, a symptom questionnaire, and tests of concentration, eye‐hand coordination, pattern recognition, visual memory, and finger tapping. The diazinon metabolite diethylthiophosphate (DETP) was measured in pre‐ and post‐shift urine samples collected from 46 diazinon applicators applying granulated diazinon onto residential properties with lawn spreaders, and 56 non‐applicators. Post‐shift median DETP for applicators and non‐applicators was 24 and 3 ppb, respectively. Full shift, whole body exposure to diazinon was quantitated for 19 subjects using personal air monitoring and passive badges. Median diazinon exposure for applicators and non‐applicators was 2.1 and 0.03 mg, respectively. Mean duration of pesticide application was 39 days (SD = 12 days) before testing.No adverse DETP‐related changes in pre‐ or post‐shift neurobehavioral function were found with multiple linear regression models after adjusting for age, sex, education, and ethanol intake, although Symbol‐Digit pairing speed was slower among the applicators as a group. The prevalence of 18 symptoms possibly related to diazinon exposure was not elevated among applicators. The study failed to demonstrate diverse behavioral effects of short‐term, low‐level diazinon exposure in a pest control program which emphasized personal protective equipment and direct supervision.

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