Blood Cholinesterase Levels of Cotton Farmers in Sukhothai Province in Thailand

Abstract

The blood cholinesterase levels of cotton farmers was monitored during the 1983 growing season in the cotton growing area of Sisamrong District of Sukhothai Province in Thailand. Blood samples for analyses were taken on four occasions from each of 23 farmers during the growing season, at the commencement of the planting season, twice during the growing season and the growing season. The results clearly demonstrated that cotton farmers in teh growing area had a much lower cholinesterase level than the generally accepted level for the popoulation even at the beginning of the growing season; as the season progressd, the cholinesterase level showed a consistent decline with progressive increased insecticide use.