The cholinesterase-monitoring program was mandated by the Washington State Supreme Court in 2002 as a system to warn handlers and employers about pesticide exposure before handlers become ill. Presently, only the cholinesterase-inhibiting pesticides (organophosphates and carbamates) offer a window on early exposure through a simple blood test. This test identifies handlers who may not be adequately protected in the workplace. Relative to previous years, this past year had the lowest proportion of handlers with inhibited cholinesterase that triggered a worksite evaluation, with 7 percent, or a work removal, which was less than 1 percent. Speculated causes of exposure The Washington […]