International Journal of Medicine and Medical Sciences

International Journal of Medicine and Medical Sciences | Vol. 16, No. 3, March 2026 | pp. 17–24

DOI: 10.46882/2026/IJMMS/160017

Original Research Article

Evaluation of Lung Function Indices and Respiratory Symptoms among Commercial Pesticide Agricultural Spraymen

Festus M. Tetteh¹, Kingsley C. Amadi², Arthur J. Bond¹*

¹Department of Physiology, School of Biomedical Sciences, University of Ghana, Accra, Ghana.

²Department of Medicine, College of Medicine, University of Nigeria, Enugu Campus, Enugu, Nigeria.

Abstract:

Chronic occupational inhalation of organophosphate and carbamate chemical pesticides causes progressive airway hyper-responsiveness and localized parenchymal inflammation. This cross-sectional analytical study evaluated the prevalence of respiratory symptoms and alterations in lung function indices among commercial agricultural spraymen. We matched 140 male spraymen exposed to pesticide mist for at least 3 seasons with 140 unexposed healthy male agricultural workers based on age, height, and body mass index. Symptom profiles were captured using a standardized respiratory questionnaire, and pulmonary function metrics were measured via computerized spirometry. Spraymen demonstrated a significantly higher prevalence of chronic dry cough (42.9% vs. 11.4%, p < 0.01), morning chest tightness (32.9% vs. 7.1%, p < 0.01), and exertional dyspnea (35.7% vs. 8.6%, p < 0.01) compared to the unexposed control group. Spirometric evaluation showed significant reductions in Forced Vital Capacity (FVC) (3.14 ± 0.38 L vs. 3.92 ± 0.42 L, p < 0.01) and Forced Expiratory Volume in 1 second (FEV1) (2.26 ± 0.32 L vs. 3.24 ± 0.28 L, p < 0.01) in the exposed cohort. The FEV1/FVC ratio was also significantly lower in pesticide spraymen (71.97 ± 4.8% vs. 82.65 ± 3.1%, p < 0.05), indicating a mixed pattern of ventilatory obstruction and restriction. Occupational exposure to pesticide mist impairs pulmonary indices and increases respiratory symptoms, emphasizing the need for targeted safety training, regular medical surveillance, and the mandatory use of appropriate chemical cartridge respirators.

Keywords: Pesticide Exposure, Occupational Health, Spirometry, Forced Vital Capacity, Airway Hyper-responsiveness, Respiratory Symptoms

Manuscript Timeline: Received: December 02, 2025; Revised: January 14, 2026; Accepted: February 08, 2026; Published: March 13, 2026.

Citation: Tetteh FM, Amadi KC, Bond AJ. Evaluation of Lung Function Indices and Respiratory Symptoms among Commercial Pesticide Agricultural Spraymen. International Journal of Medicine and Medical Sciences, 2026, 16(3): 17–24. DOI: 10.46882/2026/IJMMS/160017

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