Poisoning occupational by organophosphates – the importance of the cholinesterase dosage

Abstract

The organophosphates insecticides inhibit the cholinesterase. The use of these agents in the world and mainly in countries in development, as Brazil, it is very intense. This fact, associated with the low instruction of the majority of agriculturists and the lack of the equipment use of individual protection, results in innumerable poisonings, which can be acute or chronic, light, moderate, severe or deadly. The instruction to the users, aligned with measures of prevention, protection and continuous monitory, mainly with laboratories examinations (in this case, what deserves prominence, is the dosage of the cholinesterase level) in the exposed workers directly or indirectly are relevant to prevent chronic poisonings and the detention of the acute poisonings caused by these insecticides.