Early season is when orchard workers are most likely to be exposed to cholinesterase-depressing pesticides, judging by Washington State’s cholinesterase-monitoring program, and the pesticide Lorsban (chlorpyrifos) was implicated in the vast majority of cases where depressed cholinesterase was found last year. Under the program, agricultural workers who are exposed to organophosphate or carbamate pesticides are invited to have their blood cholinesterase levels monitored. Growers must track their hours of exposure. Cholinesterase is an enzyme that controls nervous system signals. Dr. Carol Ramsey, pesticide education specialist with Washington State University, said the enzyme acts as an off switch. Certain pesticides can […]