This study was designed to determine pesticide residues in blood and
establish their correlation with biochemical markers for the assessment
of adverse health effects on farmers and market- and spray-workers. The
level of awareness or knowledge about precautionary measures for
pesticides safety was also assessed. The field survey indicated that 40.0,
6.7 and 12.0% of farmers, market-workers and spray-workers,
respectively, did not wear protective clothing. However, most of them
(83.3, 93.3 and 88.0%) had knowledge about safety precautions to be
taken during pesticide formulation and application. Significant decrease
in hemoglobin level and platelet count was detected in spray-workers,
but significant increase in white blood cell count was noticed in marketand
spray-workers. No significant changes were observed in liver
function, but significant inhibition in acetylcholine esterase activity and
significant increase in prothrombin time were noticed in all pesticideexposed
subjects. A significant rise in urea concentration was observed in
pesticide-spray workers, but no significant differences in creatinine level
were seen. The residue analysis revealed that 76.7, 92.5 and 100.0% of
farmers and market- and spray-workers, respectively, had insecticide
residues in their blood. Also, most of the study subjects had multiple
residues above the acceptable daily intake. Therefore, creating the
awareness among pesticide users to improve and encourage safe use and
handling of pesticides through education, proper guidance and forewarning
about the risks involved in misuse of poisonous materials are
required.