Cholinerase tests are used to determine overexposure to which types of pesticides?

Cholinesterase tests are specifically designed to assess exposure to cholinesterase-inhibiting pesticides, with the primary categories being carbamates and organophosphates. These pesticides affect the nervous system by inhibiting the enzyme acetylcholinesterase, which is crucial for the proper functioning of nerve impulses. When this enzyme is inhibited, it can lead to an accumulation of acetylcholine, resulting in a range of toxic symptoms.

Carbamates and organophosphates are well-known for their capacity to disrupt cholinergic transmission in the nervous system, making cholinesterase testing a critical monitoring tool for individuals who handle these chemicals. The tests help ensure that applicators and workers are not overexposed to these hazardous substances, promoting safety in agricultural and residential pest control practices.

Other types of pesticides, such as herbicides and fungicides, do not typically affect cholinesterase levels, thus making them unsuitable for cholinesterase testing. Pyrethroids and neonicotinoids also do not inhibit cholinesterase, further establishing that only carbamates and organophosphates are relevant in this context.