Abstract:
Background. The quest to enhance agricultural productivity and crop yields has led to increased use of agrochemicals on a global
scale. Long-term use of these agrochemicals may be associated with adverse health implications. Objective. To assess haema-
tological indices, renal function, heavy metal bioaccumulation in farmers and sprayers, and their use of personal protective
equipment (PPE). Materials and Methods. This community-based case-control study was conducted from January 2018 to June
2018 in the Assin South District, Central Region, Ghana. A total of 144 participants were conveniently sampled: 83 agricultural
workers (cases) and 61 indigenes with no direct exposure to agrochemicals (controls). Structured questionnaire was used to obtain
demographic data as well as agricultural work practices followed by cases. Venous blood samples were drawn from participants
and used for estimating full blood count and renal function (serum creatinine (CRE), blood-urea nitrogen (BUN), BUN : CRE
ratio, and estimated GFR (eGFR)). Serum lead, arsenic, and cadmium levels were estimated using the Varian AA 240FS atomic
spectrometer in an acetylene-air flame. Results. The median RBC (4.49 vs. 4.92 × 1012/L), haemoglobin (12.50 vs. 13.70 g/dL), and
platelet (220.00 vs. 268.00) counts were significantly lower in cases. A significantly higher proportion of cases were classified as
anaemic or having microcytic cells compared to controls. Also, serum urea (4.08 vs. 3.41; p � 0.0009), creatinine (108.10 vs. 101.10;
p � 0.0286), and BUN : CRE ratio (19.75 vs. 17.84) were significantly higher in cases. Additionally, 18.1% of cases were classified as
having moderately reduced renal function compared to only 6.6% of controls. Moreover, a significantly higher proportion of cases
had detectable serum lead (55.6% vs. 16.4%) and arsenic (53.1% vs. 9.8%) levels compared to controls. However, on average, 80%
of agricultural workers did not use personal protective equipment (PPE) when applying agrochemicals; 84.3% of used agro-
chemical containments were discarded near the river/canal. Conclusion. Neglect of the use of PPE may be predisposing the
agrochemical workers and community to lead and arsenic bioaccumulation with a consequent reduced haematological and
renal function.
