Neuropsychiatric Syndromes and Occupational Exposure to Zinc Phosphide in Egypt

• Published in: Environmental research Vol. 73; no. 1; p. 200
• Main Authors: Amr, M M, Abbas, E Z, El-Samra, G M, El Batanuoni, M, Osman, A M
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: 03.12.1994
• ISSN: 0013-9351

Zinc phosphide is a rodenticide that is manufactured and used in Egypt. Neurotoxic effects of exposure during manufacture and formulation were evaluated in 86 male workers having mean age and exposure durations of 35.8 and 11.3 years, respectively. At least one neuropsychiatric symptom was evident in most workers, including anxiety, impotence, fatigue, and fear of poisoning. Neuropsychiatric signs were found in approximately half of the exposed group. Electroencephalographs were abnormal in 17.4%. Electromyelograms were performed on 30 workers, and denervation of arm and finger muscles. Exposed workers had high blood levels of cadmium and zinc and low levels of iron, phosphorus, copper, and magnesium. Abnormalities of protein, lipoproteins, triglycerides, phospholipids, and cholesterol indicated that liver, renal, and possibly pancreatic damage were present. Abnormal ventilatory function was found in 70% of subjects. Echocardiogram abnormalities were found in 12.8%.