For which class(es) of pesticides might cholinesterase monitoring be appropriate?

• A. Organophosphate & carbamate insecticides
• B. Pyrethroids
• C. Phenoxy herbicides, such as 2,4-D
• D. Glyphosate

Answer: (A)

Cholinesterase monitoring is appropriate for pesticides that inhibit acetylcholinesterase, which are organophosphates and carbamates. When these insecticides enter the body, they block acetylcholinesterase, causing acetylcholine to build up and trigger a range of symptoms. Measuring cholinesterase activity in the blood can help detect exposure early, guide medical intervention, and track recovery after exposure stops, provided baseline levels are established for each worker. The other pesticides listed do not primarily affect acetylcholinesterase—pyrethroids act on nerve cell sodium channels, phenoxy herbicides like 2,4-D have different toxic action in humans, and glyphosate targets plant-specific enzymes—so cholinesterase monitoring would not be appropriate for them.