Effects of occupational exposure to pesticides and consumption of alcoholic beverages on liver functions

Various pesticides are applied in agriculture for crop protection. They could have toxic effects on nervous system, liver, kidneys and the other organs. The aim of the study was to investigate effects of occupational exposure to pesticides and consumption of alcoholic beverages on liver functions in agricultural workers. The study included sample of 117 male agricultural workers involved as tractor drivers in pesticide application at the workplace and the control group of 60 tractor drivers who do not applied pesticides. We collected data concerning age, use of alcohol and duration of exposure to pesticides. Parameters of liver functions in serum were determined in both groups of workers. In agricultural workers exposed to pesticides, activities of enzymes gamma-glutamyl transpeptidase, alanine and aspartate aminotransferases were higher comparing to the control group, but these differences were not statistically significant. Consumption of alcohol statistically significantly increased activity of gamma-glutamyl transpeptidase in both groups of workers. The most important measures concerning health protection of agricultural workers exposed to pesticides are continuous implementation of the safety measures at work, health promotion at workplace and regular health surveillance in occupational health services for the purpose of early detection of worker's health disorders.