Long-Term Exposure of Factory Workers

In the course of the production and processing of a dichlorvos (DDVP)-releasing product, a number of male and female factory workers were exposed to an average DDVP concentration of approximately 0.7 mg/cu m of air. They were observed carefully to detect any adverse effect at the earliest moment. Extensive laboratory tests carried out on these persons in the course of a one-year period of exposure showed moderate to slight inhibition of the cholinesterases (ChE and AChE) only. The results of other tests and of thorough medical examinations conducted at regular Intervals were entirely normal. It was concluded that the inhibition of the cho- linesterases did not correspond with any untoward effect, and that no hazard to the health of the personnel existed.