Introduction.

Prolonged exposures to various pesticides can alter the health of individuals by altering the functionality of the cholinesterase enzyme.

Objective.

To determine the clinical symptoms by probable effects of inhibition of the cholinesterase enzymes in a group of fumigators of the informal sector of the economy.

Materials and methods.

Analytical, prospective design. To each of the 256 fumigators without other conditions susceptible to affect the enzyme, a 10mL sample of peripheral venous blood was taken every six months; until completing 4 measurements. Aach blood sample was divided into two heparinized tubes, preserved in cold (2-8°C) up to 10 hours-maximum. The normality range used as a reference was the figures found for Colombia by Carmona-Fonseca in adults not exposed using the EQM® technique, the same one that has been used in this study.

Results.

The age of initiation in the fumigation was 14 to 16 years (73%), 100% remained labor-active, in labor contact with organophosphorus insecticides and various herbicidal active compounds during exposure time between 8 and 28 years (67%). The average of the four measurements of erythrocyte cholinesterase in sprayers ranged between 33.8 and 27.6, with progressive decreases of the initial value (67%) in the successive measurements; there are 37.2% of symptomatic for chronic intoxication.

Conclusions.

The continuous exposure to pesticides reflects alterations in the erythrocyte cholinesterase among the informal fumigators.

Discussion.

Similar findings with Abou-Hatab in relation to results and age, among symptomatic exposed chronic poisoning are evidenced.

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