Paper Title
Cholinesterase Levels And Adverse Health Effects Among Rice Farmers Using Pesticides In Agricultural Areas, The Central Of Thailand

Abstract
The Organophosphate and Carbamate were primarily used in agricultural areas. They were acting as cholinesterase inhibitors. Therefore, this study aims to assess health effects caused by Organophosphate and Carbamate pesticides exposure among 133 rice farmers in the Central of Thailand This study was a cross-sectional study during pesticide application period. Face to face questionnaire and quantify enzymes erythrocyte cholinesterase (AChE) and plasma cholinesterase (PChE) in blood were used as measurement tools. Participants were consisted of 58 male and 75 female; average age (±SD) was 44.67 (±10.24) years old. The results showed that duration time as farmers were significantly associated with AChE and PChE levels (Chi- square, p<0.05). The rice farmers had many health effects; headache, fatigue, dizziness, stomach cramps and throat irritation. nausea, vomit, blurs vision, shivering, constriction, cramp, contracted pupils of the eyes, excessive sweating and salivation. The prevalence of AChE at risk levels was 26% and 29% of them were at risk level of PChE. In conclusion, rice farmers could be getting risk from pesticide exposure. The further studies should determine the appropriated self-prevention from pesticides exposure, a proper use of personal protective equipment (PPE) should be introduced to rice farmers. Index Terms- Pesticides / Cholinesterase / Health Effects/ Rice farmers