Editing Pesticide (section)

==== Pesticide poisoning ====
[[File:Cholinergic synapse-de.svg|thumb|The cholinergic synapse and the breakdown of [[acetylcholine]] into choline and acetate by acetylcholinesterase]]
Pesticides may exhibit toxic effects on [[Environmental impact of pesticides#Humans|humans]] and other non-target species, the severity of which depends on the frequency and magnitude of exposure. Toxicity also depends on the rate of absorption, distribution within the body, metabolism, and elimination of compounds from the body. Commonly used pesticides like organophosphates and carbamates act by inhibiting [[acetylcholinesterase]] activity, which prevents the breakdown of [[acetylcholine]] at the neural [[synapse]]. Excess acetylcholine can lead to [[Organophosphate poisoning#Signs and symptoms|symptoms]] like muscle cramps or tremors, confusion, dizziness and nausea. Studies show that farm workers in Ethiopia, Kenya, and Zimbabwe have decreased concentrations of plasma acetylcholinesterase, the enzyme responsible for breaking down acetylcholine acting on synapses throughout the [[nervous system]].<ref name=":13">{{Cite journal |last1=Mekonnen |first1=Yalemtsehay |last2=Ejigu |first2=D. |date=September 2005 |title=Plasma cholinesterase level of Ethiopian farm workers exposed to chemical pesticide |journal=Occupational Medicine (Oxford, England) |volume=55 |issue=6 |pages=504–505 |doi=10.1093/occmed/kqi088 |issn=0962-7480 |pmid=16140842 |doi-access=free}}</ref><ref name=":33">{{Cite journal|vauthors=Ohayo-Mitoko GJ, Kromhout H, Simwa JM, Boleij JS, Heederik D |date=2000 |title=Self reported symptoms and inhibition of acetylcholinesterase activity among Kenyan agricultural workers |journal=Occupational and Environmental Medicine |volume=57 |issue=3 |pages=195–200 |doi=10.1136/oem.57.3.195 |issn=1351-0711 |pmc=1739922 |pmid=10810102}}</ref><ref name=":23">{{Cite journal |last1=Magauzi |first1=Regis |last2=Mabaera |first2=Bigboy |last3=Rusakaniko |first3=Simbarashe |last4=Chimusoro |first4=Anderson |last5=Ndlovu |first5=Nqobile |last6=Tshimanga |first6=Mufuta |last7=Shambira |first7=Gerald |last8=Chadambuka |first8=Addmore |last9=Gombe |first9=Notion |date=2011-07-11 |title=Health effects of agrochemicals among farm workers in commercial farms of Kwekwe district, Zimbabwe |journal=The Pan African Medical Journal |volume=9 |issue=1 |page=26 |doi=10.4314/pamj.v9i1.71201 |issn=1937-8688 |pmc=3215548 |pmid=22145061}}</ref> Other studies in Ethiopia have observed reduced respiratory function among farm workers who spray crops with pesticides.<ref>{{Cite journal |last1=Mekonnen |first1=Yalemtsehay |last2=Agonafir |first2=Tadesse |date=2004 |title=Lung function and respiratory symptoms of pesticide sprayers in state farms of Ethiopia |journal=Ethiopian Medical Journal |volume=42 |issue=4 |pages=261–266 |issn=0014-1755 |pmid=16122117}}</ref> Numerous exposure pathways for farm workers increase the risk of pesticide poisoning, including dermal absorption walking through fields and applying products, as well as inhalation exposure.