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Pesticides and childhood cancers.

To evaluate the possible association between pesticides and the risk of childhood cancers, epidemiologic studies published between 1970 and 1996 were critically reviewed. Thirty-one studies investigated whether occupational or residential exposure to pesticides by either parents or children was related to increased risk of childhood cancer. In general, the reported relative risk estimates were modest. Risk estimates appeared to be stronger when pesticide exposure was measured in more detail. Frequent occupational exposure to pesticides or home pesticide use was more strongly associated with both childhood leukemia and brain cancer than either professional exterminations or the use of garden pesticides. Occupational pesticide exposure was also associated with increased risk of Wilms' tumor, Ewing's sarcoma, and germ cell tumors. Residence on a farm, a proxy for pesticide exposure, was associated with increased risk of a number of childhood cancers. Although increased risk of some childhood cancers in association with pesticide exposure is suggested by multiple studies, methodological limitations common to many studies restrict conclusions; these include indirect exposure classification, small sample size, and potential biases in control selection. Opportunities for methodologic improvement in future studies of pesticides and childhood cancers are described.

Brain Neoplasms↗

Factors associated with self-reported, pesticide-related visits to health care providers in the agricultural health study.

To investigate factors associated with pesticide-related visits to health care providers (i.e., doctor or hospital visits), responses to self-administered questionnaires received from 35,879 licensed restricted-use pesticide applicators participating in the Agricultural Health Study were analyzed. (In Iowa, applicators are actually certified, whereas in North Carolina they are licensed; for ease of reference, the term license will be used for both states in this paper.) The cohort reported a total of more than 10.9 million pesticide-application days. These applications were associated with one or more pesticide-related health care visits by 2,214 applicators (7.0% of the applicator cohort for whom health care visit data were available). The odds of a pesticide-related health care visit were increased for commercial applicators compared to private applicators [odds ratio (OR = 1.77; 95% confidence interval (CI), 1.52-2.06) and for applicators who used insecticides 70 times or more in their lifetime compared to those who used insecticides less frequently (OR = 1.43; CI, 1.26-1.63). After adjusting for the number of applications in a logistic regression model, significantly higher odds of health care visits were observed among North Carolina applicators compared to Iowa applicators (OR = 1.35; CI, 1.17-1.52), among applicators who mixed their own pesticides (OR = 1.65; CI, 1. 22-2.23), and among applicators who personally repaired their pesticide application equipment at least once per year (OR = 1.12; CI, 1.06-1.25). Significantly lower odds were found among female versus male applicators (OR = 0.68; CI, 0.46-0.99) and among applicators who graduated from high school versus those who did not (OR = 0.82; CI, 0.71-0.94 for high school graduates and OR = 0.79; CI, 0.68-0.91 for those with at least some college). Several methods of pesticide application to crops, seed, or stored grain were also associated with significantly elevated odds ratios of health care visits. These observations suggest that several steps can be taken to reduce the number of health care visits resulting from occupational exposure to pesticides. The implications of this pattern of pesticide-related health care visits may have etiologic implications for cancer and other chronic diseases.

Adult↗

[Rural work and pesticide poisoning].

Pesticide use is intensive in Brazilian agriculture. Population-based studies on the characteristics of pesticide use and pesticide poisoning are scarce. This study describes the profile of occupational exposure and pesticide poisoning incidence. Farm characteristics and pesticide occupational exposure were evaluated using a cross-sectional design. Among 1,379 farmers/farm workers, annual incidence of pesticide poisoning was 2.2 episodes per 100 exposed. Based on Poisson regression, applying pesticide, reentering crop fields after spraying, and working with pesticides on more than one farm were the types of exposure that presented a positive correlation with pesticide poisoning. The results may be useful for planning activities aimed at reducing occupational pesticide poisoning among rural workers.

Adolescent↗

[Acute poisoning from pesticides: human and economic costs].

The use of pesticides has produced great agricultural benefits and, at the same time, serious public health problems that need to be solved. According to studies performed in the 1980s and 1990s, every year about half a million to one and a half million cases of acute pesticide poisoning are notified, together with 3,000 to 28,000 deaths. The purpose of this study was to draw attention to the incidence of acute pesticide poisoning and to the social and economic costs that are attributable to pesticides in different parts of the world. We present data on the economic importance of the pesticide industry and describe the situation of acute poisonings from exposure to pesticides and consumption of contaminated foods. Such data show that pesticide poisonings are more frequent in developing countries than in industrialized countries, even though developing countries consume less pesticides. We also estimate the economic costs of pesticide poisonings and examine certain other aspects of the situation, underscoring the need to reduce pesticide use.

Global Health↗

Transport and fate of nitrate and pesticides: hydrogeology and riparian zone processes.

There is continuing concern over potential impacts of widespread application of nutrients and pesticides on ground- and surface-water quality. Transport and fate of nitrate and pesticides were investigated in a shallow aquifer and adjacent stream, Cow Castle Creek, in Orangeburg County, South Carolina. Pesticide and pesticide degradate concentrations were detected in ground water with greatest frequency and largest concentrations directly beneath and downgradient from the corn (Zea mays L.) field where they were applied. In almost all samples in which they were detected, concentrations of pesticide degradates greatly exceeded those of parent compounds, and were still present in ground waters that were recharged during the previous 18 yr. The absence of both parent and degradate compounds in samples collected from deeper in the aquifer suggests that this persistence is limited or that the ground water had recharged before use of the pesticide. Concentrations of NO(-)(3) in ground water decreased with increasing depth and age, but denitrification was not a dominant controlling factor. Hydrologic and chemical data indicated that ground water discharges to the creek and chemical exchange takes place within the upper 0.7 m of the streambed. Ground water had its greatest influence on surface-water chemistry during low-flow periods, causing a decrease in concentrations of Cl(-), NO(-)(3), pesticides, and pesticide degradates. Conversely, shallow subsurface drainage dominates stream chemistry during high-flow periods, increasing stream concentrations of Cl(-), NO(-)(3), pesticides, and pesticide degradates. These results point out the importance of understanding the hydrogeologic setting when investigating transport and fate of contaminants in ground water and surface water.

Chemistry, Physical↗

Estimates of acute pesticide poisoning in agricultural workers in less developed countries.

The benefits of crop protection products have to be balanced against the risks to farmers and other agricultural workers handling and applying them. The extent of acute pesticide poisoning in these workers, particularly in less developed countries, has often been based on inadequate information. A number of approaches have been taken by researchers to acquire information on pesticide poisoning. These have resulted in worldwide (global) estimates and regional, localised or field assessments. The methods include descriptive epidemiology, cross-sectional and case studies. Attempts to estimate global pesticide poisonings have often been based upon extrapolations and assumptions from chemical-related fatalities in a small number of countries; such estimates do not provide reliable data. Epidemiological studies, relying mainly on hospital and poison centre data, have been biased towards the more severe poisonings, whereas field studies indicate that occupational pesticide poisoning is associated with less severe and minor effects. Many reports do not adequately distinguish between intentional, accidental and occupational pesticide poisoning statistics or are dominated by cases of intentional (suicidal) poisoning which, by their nature, result in severe or fatal results. The majority of reports do not adequately describe whether individual cases are minor, moderate or severe poisonings. In order to assess information on acute pesticide poisoning in agricultural workers in less developed countries and to draw conclusions on the extent and severity of occupational poisoning, the most recent (post-1990) literature was reviewed. Data were also derived from the World Health Organization (WHO), United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) and the International Labour Office (ILO). The collected information was analysed to assess the extent and severity of occupational acute pesticide poisoning in less developed countries. Occupational acute pesticide poisonings in these countries are a small proportion of overall reported poisoning and are associated with the more minor effects of pesticides. They are a small proportion (<1-4%) of the several million cases of occupational injuries and ill health in agricultural workers worldwide. However, improvements are required for the collection of acute pesticide poisoning data in less developed countries and in the verification of the circumstances of poisonings and their relative severity. There is the need to move away from further attempts to estimate global data and concentrate instead on obtaining reliable data from realistic crop protection activities.

Acute Disease↗

Pesticide use, alternatives and workers' health in Cuba.

Cuba provides a unique example of a country that is actively implementing a program to reduce its dependence on pesticides. This paper addresses Cuba's current efforts to develop and implement alternatives to pesticides and legislation to limit exposure and protect workers in the interim. In 1980 Cuba embarked on a national program to utilize alternatives to chemical pest control. This three-part program includes expansion of knowledge of Cuban agro-ecology in order to implement cultural control practices; research and implementation on biological control of pests; and research on plant resistance and development of resistant crop varieties. To date, the program has enabled Cuba to reduce pesticide usage in sugar cane, citrus, tobacco, corn, and vegetable crops, among others. While alternatives to chemical pest control are being developed, the Cubans are paying special attention to regulating pesticide use and the safety of workers and members of the public exposed to toxic chemicals. In addition to the Resolution on Health and Safety (1967) and the Safety and Health Law (1978) which cover all workers, including Cuba's 250,000 agricultural workers, the Ministry of Public Health promulgated Resolution 335 in 1967. This resolution addresses requirements and administration of structural pest control, production, importation, transport and storage of pesticides, as well as requirements for worker contact with pesticides, pesticides for domestic use, aerial application of pesticides, and violations of the regulations. The paper concludes with a description of how the system works on the provincial level, as exemplified by Villa Clara, and the steps that have been taken to eliminate worker exposure to pesticides, to utilize pesticides which pose less of a hazard to workers, and to assure early detection of ill effects.

Agricultural Workers' Diseases↗

Pesticide use among farmers in the Amazon basin of Ecuador.

Pesticide use is one of the most significant occupational exposures for agricultural workers in the Amazon basin of Ecuador. A structured questionnaire was developed focusing on sociodemographic characteristics, knowledge and experience of adverse health effects related to pesticide use, details of work practices, and an inventory of pesticides used on the farm. Of the 112 farmers interviewed, 111 (99.1%) used pesticides. Paraquat was most commonly used (77.4%), followed by glyphosate (65.7%). Respondents had good knowledge about the acute health effects of pesticides and their exposure routes. Risk behaviors were identified as frequent pesticide use, washing pesticide equipment in water sources used by humans, inadequate disposal of empty pesticide containers, eating and drinking during pesticide application, and using inadequate protective clothing. Training and educational campaigns on pesticide use should be encouraged for this cohort, along with suggestions for alternative methods of pest control.

Adolescent↗

[Effects of organonitrogen, carbamate pesticides and others on beta-hexosaminidase release from rat basophilic leukemia cells (RBL-2H3)].

There have been very few reports of the effect of pesticides on immediate allergy. In the previous report, the effect of pyrethroid pesticides and organophosphorus pesticides on immediate allergic reaction was investigated. Subsequently, 12 organonitrogen pesticides, 14 carbamate pesticides and 4 other pesticides were investigated for their effects on the enzyme activity of beta-hexosaminidase as an index of chemical mediator release from rat basophilic leukemia cells (RBL-2H3). Two organonitrogen pesticides, bitertanol and pyridaben, and two organotin pesticides, cyhexatin and fenbutatin oxide, were found to promote beta-hexosaminidase release. Bitertanol non-specifically caused the promotion of chemical mediator release, while the release-promotive action of pyridaben was related to IgE antibody and those of cyhexatin and fenbutatin oxide to cell injury. On the other hand, two organonitrogen pesticides, propiconazole and triadimenol, and imazalil showed release-inhibitory action. These data suggested that some pesticides can affect immediate allergy.

Animals↗

The effect of pesticide exposure on time to pregnancy.

The Ontario Farm Family Health Study provided data for examination of the effects of pesticide exposure on time to pregnancy. In this retrospective cohort study of farm couples in Ontario, Canada, the farm operator, husband, and wife completed questionnaires during 1991-1992. We asked about pesticides used on the farm and pesticide activities of the husband and wife for each month of trying to conceive. After exclusions, 2,012 planned pregnancies remained for analysis. We used an analog of the Cox proportional hazards model to calculate conditional fecundability ratios (conditional on pregnancy). There was no strong or consistent pattern of associations of pesticide exposure with time to pregnancy. During exposure intervals in which women participated in pesticide activities (during most of which the men also participated), however, 6 of 13 pesticide exposure categories were associated with a decrease in fecundability (conditional fecundability ratio range = 0.51-0.80). For exposure intervals in which only the men participated in pesticide activities or in which neither men nor women participated in pesticide activities but pesticides had been used on the farm, conditional fecundability ratios ranged from 0.75 to 1.50, with no apparent consistency among pesticide classes, chemical families, or active ingredients.

Agriculture↗

Pesticide neurotoxicity in Europe: real risks and perceived risks.

The same classes of pesticides are used all over the world, but conditions of use vary widely, and public perceptions of risk vary more widely still. Within Western Europe pesticide residues in commercially traded foodstuffs are subject to international standards and are closely monitored. Hence risks to consumers from such foods are negligible. The major hazards are poisoning associated with high acute/chronic operator exposures due to occasional pesticide misuse. In addition pesticides provide a convenient means of attempting suicide in agricultural areas. In contrast, public perception of risks from pesticides centres on low level exposures, and is heightened by several factors. These are: poisonings associated with pesticide misuse; the indirect nature of the benefit to the consumer (cf. medicines or public health uses); and commercially motivated marketing of pesticide-free produce. In press reports pyrethroid insecticides have been linked to "Multiple Chemical Sensitivity" in Germany, and organophosphates to "Chronic Fatigue Syndrome" in the UK. A number of pressure groups are actively campaigning to ban all uses of organophosphorus pesticides. Unfortunately evaluation of the real risks of pesticide exposure is rendered less certain by the lack of any very useful retrospective exposure measures with which biological effects of uncertain aetiology might be correlated. This means that although we can be sure that pesticides pose no gross threat to health in the general population, subtle effects on more highly exposed sub-populations are, as yet, more difficult to rule out.

Attitude↗

Environmental medicine, part 4: pesticides - biologically persistent and ubiquitous toxins.

Although the use of pesticides has doubled every ten years since 1945, pest damage to crops is more prevalent now than it was then. Many pests are now pesticide resistant due to the ubiquitous presence of pesticides in our environment. Chlorinated pesticide residues are present in the air, soil, and water, with a concomitant presence in humans. Organophosphate and carbamate pesticides - the compounds comprising the bulk of current pesticide use - are carried around the globe on air currents. Municipalities, schools, churches, business offices, apartment buildings, grocery stores, and homeowners use pesticides on a regular basis. Pesticides are neurotoxins that can cause acute symptoms as well as chronic effects from repeated low-dose exposure. These compounds can also adversely affect the immune system, causing cell-mediated immune deficiency, allergy, and autoimmune states. Certain cancers are also associated with pesticide exposure. Multiple endocrine effects, which can alter reproduction and stress-handling capacity, can also be found. Limited testing is available to assess the toxic overload of these compounds, including serum pesticide levels and immune system parameters. Treatment for acute or chronic effects of these toxins includes avoidance, supplementation, and possibly cleansing.

Adipose Tissue↗

The effects of pesticide exposure on serum total sialic acid levels.

Pesticides used to increase agricultural production have hazard effects for human being health. The present study reports the serum levels of total sialic acid (TSA) in the pesticide applicators in the agriculture areas of the Kahramanmaras, Turkiye. This study included a total of 79 volunteer individuals. Pesticide group included 47 men who were working as pesticide applicators. Control group comprised healthy males (n=32), nonsmokers and nondrinkers and also nonexposured to pesticide and other chemicals chronically. Serum TSA level was measured with the Warren method modified by Pönniö et al. The TSA concentrations were significantly higher in the pesticide groups (p < 0.001) than those of control subjects. We can conclude from the results obtained that serum TSA was affected by pesticide exposure. This finding may be an indication of harmful effects of pesticides. Increased serum TSA levels in pesticide exposure might be related to various diseases e.g. various cancers, which are also often associated with elevated serum TSA levels. However further studies are necessary to evaluate the concentrations of serum TSA in pesticide exposure.

Adult↗

GC/MIP/AED method for pesticide residue determination in fruits and vegetables.

This research describes the results of a gas chromatography/microwave induced plasma/atomic emission detection (GC/MIP/AED) method performed on a Hewlett-Packard 5921A system for pesticide residue analysis in fruits and vegetables. A total of 6 experiments were conducted: (1) sensitivity and linearity studies for elements S, P, Cl, and N by analyzing dursban; (2) a study of instrument response to Cl concentration in pesticide molecules; (3) organochlorinated pesticide recoveries; (4) organophosphate pesticide recoveries; (5) carbamate pesticide recoveries; and (6) investigation of metallic pesticides with plictran and vendex as standards. The rank according to sensitivity and linearity was found to be as follows: S-181 greater than P-178 greater than Cl-479 greater than N-174. Instrument response to the concentration of chlorine atoms in the pesticide molecule was linear, with a correlation coefficient of 0.89. Recoveries of organochlorinated pesticides were 91.7-109.3%, with the exception of citrus, whose recovery was affected by coeluting interferences. Organophosphate recoveries were 73.2% or higher, except for the cygon oxygen analog, which degraded in the GC system under all circumstances. Carbamate recoveries were inconsistent quantitatively; however, the information generated from elements N and S were useful for qualitative confirmation of other methods, such as LC postcolumn derivatization analysis. Overall, the GC/MIP/AED method is powerful for qualitative confirmation in pesticide residue analysis. The instrument's capability of acquiring multi-elements (Cl and P) selectively and accurately is an alternative method for organochlorinated and organophosphate pesticide residue analyses. In addition, the GC/MIP/AED system is easy to use, simple to maintain, and its chromatograms can be interpreted by any chromatography analyst without much prior training.

Carbamates↗

Extraction and gas chromatographic screening of 14 chlorinated pesticides in crayfish (Procambarus clarkii) hepatopancreas.

A multiresidue isolation technique using matrix solid-phase dispersion (MSPD) and gas chromatography/electron capture detection is applied to crayfish (Procambarus clarkii) hepatopancreas for the extraction and determination of 14 chlorinated pesticides (alpha-BHC, beta-BHC, lindane, heptachlor, aldrin, heptachlor epoxide, p,p'-DDE, dieldrin, endrin, 4,4'-DDD, endrin aldehyde, p,p'-DDT, endosulfan sulfate, and methoxychlor). Pureed crayfish hepatopancreata (0.5 g aliquot) are fortified with the 14 pesticides and with delta-BHC as an internal standard before blending with 2 g C18 (octadecylsilyl)-derivatized silica. The C18-hepatopancreas matrix blend and 2 g activated Florisil comprise an extraction column from which the pesticides are eluted by adding 8 mL acetonitrile. Two microliters of the eluate is directly analyzed by gas chromatography with electron capture detection. Unfortified blank controls are treated similarly. The eluate contained all the pesticide analytes and was free of interfering coextractants at most fortification levels. Correlation coefficients for the 14 extracted pesticide standard curves (linear regression analysis) ranged from 0.9685 to 0.9985. Average relative percent recoveries (recoveries for all pesticides ranged from 55 +/- 10.4% to 118 +/- 45.2%, n = 15 for each pesticide) over the range of concentrations examined, interassay variability (7.1 +/- 5.7% to 16.0 +/- 5.6%, n = 15 for each pesticide), and intra-assay variability (0.0-26.2%, n = 5 for each pesticide) indicated that the MSPD methodology allowed for the successful extraction and determination of the 14 chlorinated pesticides at 125-2000 ng/g levels in crayfish hepatopancreas.

Animals↗

Starch as a renewable finish to improve the pesticide-protective properties of conventional workclothes.

Because many pesticide handlers persist in wearing and reusing conventional workclothes, a renewable functional finish that enhances the pesticide-protective qualities of fabrics would be useful. This study investigated the ability of starch to act as a pesticide trap, preventing transfer and increasing removal by laundering, and the effect of carboxymethyl cellulose on release of pesticide in laundry. The retention and distribution of methyl parathion (MeP) on 65% polyester/35% cotton fabric was studied with four finishes: starch and carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC) as nondurable finishes; durable press resin (DP) and durable press/carboxymethyl cellulose (DP/CMC) as durable finishes. Starching with an add-on of 8% (w/w) effectively reduced the area of contamination and enhanced the removal of methyl parathion from polyester/cotton fabrics. Residual pesticide values for CMC, DP, and DP/CMC finishes were similar to that of the unfinished fabric. While distribution profiles of methyl parathion throughout the yarn and fiber structures were similar for all the finishes, lower concentrations of pesticide were observed on the cotton fibers from the starched fabric. Starch reduced the pesticide transferring by rubbing from both 100% cotton and 65% polyester/cotton fabrics. These studies support the intriguing theory that starch can act as a pesticide trap on the fabric surface to decrease pesticide transfer and to enhance pesticide removal. Extensive penetration studies, field studies, and additional investigation of fiber, yarn, and fabric parameters are needed to further quantify the effects of starch.

Carboxymethylcellulose Sodium↗

Fungal utilization of organophosphate pesticides and their degradation by Aspergillus flavus and A. sydowii in soil.

Fungal species were isolated which utilize organophosphate pesticides, viz. phosphorothioic (pirimiphos-methyl and pyrazophos), phosphorodithioic (dimethoate and malathion), phosphonic (lancer) and phosphoric (profenfos) acid derivatives. Pesticide degradation was studied in vitro and in vivo (soil). Aspergillus flavus, A. fumigatus, A. niger, A. sydowii, A. terreus, Emericella nidulans, Fusarium oxysporum and Penicillium chrysogenum were isolated from pesticide-treated wheat straw. The number of A. sydowii colonies was significantly promoted by 1 mmol/L pirimiphos-methyl, pyrazophos, lancer, dimethoate and malathion when used as phosphorus sources and by pirimiphos-methyl and pyrazophos when used as carbon sources. The number of A. flavus colonies increased with 0.5 mmol/L lancer and malathion used as the only carbon sources. A. sydowii, A. niger, A. flavus, E. nidulans and F. oxysporum grew on, and utilized, 5 pesticides as phosphorus source and showed more than 50% mass growth. A. sydowii, A. flavus and F. oxysporum phosphatase hydrolyzed the pesticides suggesting that these species are important pesticide degraders. A. sydowii produced higher amounts of the phosphatase than A. flavus and F. oxysporum. The enzyme was highly active against pyrazophos, lancer and malathion used as the only sources of organic phosphate. A. flavus and A. sydowii phosphatases efficiently hydrolyzed pesticides at 300 ppm in soil, the degradation at 1000 ppm was lower. Mineralization of 1000 ppm pesticides in soil amended with wheat straw was higher than in nonamended soil. All added pesticides except profenfos were degraded within 3 weeks. Lyophilized adapted biomass of A. flavus and A. sydowii could thus be used for field biodegradation of these pesticides.

Aspergillus↗

Assessment of organophosphorous pesticide exposures in the diets of preschool children in Washington State.

Twenty-four hour duplicate diet sampling was employed to investigate dietary pesticide exposures of children aged 2 to 5 years. Duplicate diets were collected from seven children living in the Seattle metropolitan area and six children living in Chelan and Douglas counties in Central Washington. Diet samples were collected from each child in the summer and again in the fall, and total daily diets were divided into four food categories: fresh fruits and vegetables, beverages, processed foods, and dairy products. A total of 88 individual food category samples were collected and analyzed for 15 organophosphorous (OP) pesticides. Three of the 13 children had no detectable OP pesticides in either of their diet samples, and 14 of the 26 duplicate diets did not contain detectable levels of OP pesticides. Sixteen individual food category samples contained detectable levels of at least one OP pesticide and two of these samples contained detectable levels of two OP pesticides. Of the 15 targeted pesticides, 6 were detected: azinphosmethyl, chlorpyrifos, malathion, methidathion, methyl parathion, and phosmet. Azinphosmethyl was detected most frequently (10% of all samples), particularly in samples containing apples or apple juice. The fresh fruits and vegetable category had the most frequent pesticide determinations, followed by beverages. OP pesticides were not present at detectable levels in any of the dairy samples. Malathion was the only OP pesticide detected in processed food samples, appearing in 4 of the 26 samples (15%). No detections were above the legal tolerances for residues on produce, however the acute population-adjusted reference dose (aPAD) for chlorpyrifos exposure of 1.7 microg/kg/day was exceeded by one subject during one sampling event. This subject's cumulative daily dose of chlorpyrifos equivalents was estimated to be 2.5 microg/kg/day.

Biomarkers↗