NTL Record

Title Behavioral changes from chronic exposure to pesticides used in aerial application : effects of Phosdrin on the performance of monkeys and pigeons on variable interval reinforcement schedules.
Record ID 39206
Personal Name
Creator
Lewis, Mark F.; Mertens, Henry W.; Steen, Jo Ann
Corporate Creator Civil Aeromedical Institute
Corporate
Contributor
United States. Office of Aviation Medicine
Publisher Civil Aerospace Medical Institute
Publication Date 19720800
Language English
Abstract The need for study of behavioral difficulties resulting from exposure to pesticides is based upon reports of behavioral difficulties in aerial applicators following organophosphate poisoning and is underscored by a recent plane crash of a cropduster pilot in which prior exposure to several organophosphate pesticides was implicated. The present study examines effects on performance of pigeons and squirrel monkeys of Phosdrin (mevinphos), a cholinesterase-inhibiting pesticide not previously studied in the laboratory. Variable interval schedules of reinforcement were used with both food and water as rewards. A dose related decrease in response rate was observed with all animals. Decrements in behavior were observed at doses below which external symptoms of Phosdrin poisoning occurred, indicating the need for further investigation of the behavioral actions of pesticides.
Rosap ID dot:21008
Rosap URL https://rosap.ntl.bts.gov/view/dot/21008
TRT Terms Aerial application; Pesticides; Drug effects; Behavior; Air pilots; Poisons; Esters; Laboratory animals; Monkeys; Birds; Experiments; Laboratory tests
General Subjects Pest control baits--Aerial application; Pesticides; Drugs--Physiological effect; Human behavior; Air pilots; Poisons; Cholinesterase-inhibiting insecticides; Mevinphos; Birds as laboratory animals; Monkeys as laboratory animals
Classification NTL - AVIATION - Aviation Energy and Environment;
NTL - AVIATION - Aviation Safety/Airworthiness;
NTL - SAFETY AND SECURITY - Aviation Safety/Airworthiness
Geographical
Coverage
United States
Report Number FAA-AM-72-29; DOT/FAA/AM-72/29
Resource type Tech Report
URL https://ntlrepository.blob.core.windows.net/lib/39000/39200/39206/AM72-29.pdf
Format PDF
Database NTL Digital Repository