%D 2001 %0 ARTICLE %T Evaluation of immune parameters in propanil-exposed farm families . %J Arch . Environ . Contam . Toxicol . %V 41 ( 1 ) %P 104-11 %A McClure GY %A Helm RM %A Stine K %A Burks AW %A Jones SM %A Gandy J %M pub11385596 %X The rice herbicide propanil induces alterations in the mouse immune system , causing significant decreases in T cell-dependent and T cell-independent antibody responses . This postemergent herbicide is used extensively in rice production in the Mississippi River delta region of the southern United States . The aerial application and airborne drift of propanil may pose health concerns to exposed farm families living adjacent to sprayed rice fields . To determine if aerial spraying of propanil increases risks of altered immune responses in families bordering rice fields , immune parameters were assessed during a 2-year study . Families living within 100 yards of rice fields were compared in a case control study to farm families whose homes exceeded 1 mile from any rice field . Blood was analyzed in adults ( n = 56 ) and children ( n = 52 ) at three time intervals : ( 1 ) preseason , prior to propanil application ; ( 2 ) 5-7 days after aerial application of propanil to rice fields ; and ( 3 ) postseason , following harvest Exposed adults and children were compared with controls for a number of immune parameters . Total cell count and the percentage of various lymphocytes ( T cells , B cells , CD4+ helper cells , and CD8+ suppressor cells ) and natural killer ( NK ) cells , mitogen-induced cell proliferation , cytokine ( IL-2+ ) production , and NK cell function were assessed . A comparison of immune function between exposed and nonexposed farm families showed no significant differences , possibly related to propanil exposure . However , some immune test parameters changed as a function of season rather than propanil exposure . The data indicate that individuals living next to rice fields are not at increased risk of altered immune function due to propanil exposure .