Original article

Scand J Work Environ Health 1982;8(3):222-226    pdf

https://doi.org/10.5271/sjweh.2474 | Issue date: Sep 1982

Effect of exposure to organophosphorus compounds on S-cholinesterase in workers removing poisonous depots.

by Larsen KO, Hanel HK

Biological monitoring and the control of safety precautions against organophosphorus compounds (parathion, malathion, and methylparathion) was performed through the measurement of S-cholinesterase (E.C.3.1.1.8) in personnel removing poisonous depots. Depressions in S-cholinesterase activity where found in a majority of 62 workers in comparison to their preexposure values. After the last exposure the S-cholinesterase activity of the workers returned to the individual preexposure values; a few individuals needed about half a year for their S-cholinesterase activity to reach the preexposure level. As no workers showed either pathological values for the enzyme or poisoning symptoms, it was concluded that the measurement of S-cholinesterase activity is an adequate and sensitive method for monitoring and controlling exposure to organophosphorus compounds.