Kentucky Injury Prevention
and Research Center Publications

Exposure to Endosulfan in Farmers: Two Case Studies

Victoria A Brandt, BS, RN, Sam Moon, MD, MPH, Janet Ehlers, RN, MSN, Mark M Methner, PhD, Tim Struttmann, MSPH

American Journal of Industrial Medicine 2001; pp 643-649.

Background Endosulfan is a general use organochlorine insecticide that does not require user certification. In 1993, one confirmed case and one possible case of endosulfan poisoning in agricultural workers occurred in two southeastern states.

Methods Two cases of endosulfan poisoning were investigated utilizing record reviews, site visits, clothing analysis, and blood samples.

Results Case 1 was fatal; Case 2 resulted in permanent neurological impairment. Additionally, Case 1 mixed and applied two less toxic pesticides: acephate and maleic hydrazide to tobacco plants. Both farm owners had ample opportunity for respiratory and dermal exposure while mixing concentrated endosulfan with water and applying the solution

Conclusions Estimates of the absorbed dose of endosulfan were not available because methods to determine actual personal exposure that would be found in fat or tissue samples were not used. Health and safety issues associated with endosulfan require a closer examination. A cooperative multi-disciplinary approach to providing timely accurate education is needed to prevent pesticide poisonings.

Keywords: endosulfan, dermal absorption, pesticide, poisoning, agriculture, protective equipment, public health, chemical


Comments to Mark Schneider, Last Modified: October 3, 2001
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