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Wu WT, Chen JM, Chang YY, Lin SD, Chen ST, Hung YT. Assessing the effectiveness of mitigating pesticide-related disease risk among pesticide-spraying drone operators in Taiwan. Am J Ind Med 2024; 67:110-118. [PMID: 37982326 DOI: 10.1002/ajim.23551] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/02/2023] [Revised: 11/03/2023] [Accepted: 11/06/2023] [Indexed: 11/21/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES The purpose of this study was to evaluate the risk of pesticide poisoning, liver and renal failure, dermatitis, respiratory problems, hypersensitivity pneumonitis, keratitis, and epilepsy among pesticide-spraying personnel and to assess the effectiveness of a new method of aerial pesticide application in reducing this risk. METHODS A total of 2268 pesticide spraying operators (1651 ground-based field crop operators and 617 aerial pesticide spraying drone operators) who passed the national certification examination between 2010 and 2020 in Taiwan were included. Ground-based operators served as the positive control group, while 2463 farmer controls were matched from the Farmers' Health Insurance database as the negative control group. Data from the National Health Insurance Research Database were used to track possible pesticide-related disease cases. Logistic regression was employed to calculate odds ratios and 95% confidence intervals (95% CI). RESULTS Drone operators had significantly reduced risks of dermatitis, asthma and chronic bronchitis compared to ground-based operators. This was observed in allergic contact dermatitis (OR = 0.40, 95% CI: 0.24-0.68), unspecified contact dermatitis (OR = 0.58, 95% CI: 0.35-0.97), asthma (OR = 0.27, 95% CI: 0.12-0.60), and chronic bronchitis (OR = 0.24, 95% CI: 0.06-0.93), after adjusting for age, sex, working areas, and licensing years. However, no significant differences were found when comparing drone operators to matching farmers. CONCLUSIONS Aerial pesticide spraying using drones may contribute to a decreased risk of dermatitis, asthma and chronic bronchitis, suggesting potential health benefits for operators. Further field pesticide exposure surveys are recommended to validate these findings and assess health risk indicators.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wei-Te Wu
- National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, National Health Research Institutes, Miaoli, Taiwan
- Institute of Environmental and Occupational Health Sciences, National Yang-Ming Chiao Tung University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Jyun-Ming Chen
- National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, National Health Research Institutes, Miaoli, Taiwan
| | - Yu-Yin Chang
- National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, National Health Research Institutes, Miaoli, Taiwan
| | - Shian-Da Lin
- Animal and Plant Health Inspection Agency, Ministry of Agriculture, Executive Yuan, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Shih-Tzong Chen
- Animal and Plant Health Inspection Agency, Ministry of Agriculture, Executive Yuan, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Yu-Tang Hung
- Animal and Plant Health Inspection Agency, Ministry of Agriculture, Executive Yuan, Taipei, Taiwan
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Sapbamrer R, Thongtip S, Khacha-Ananda S, Sittitoon N, Wunnapuk K. Changes in lung function and respiratory symptoms during pesticide spraying season among male sprayers. ARCHIVES OF ENVIRONMENTAL & OCCUPATIONAL HEALTH 2019; 75:88-97. [PMID: 30896376 DOI: 10.1080/19338244.2019.1577208] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
Exposure to pesticides via inhalation might impair lung function and develop further severe respiratory symptoms and diseases. Thus, the purpose of the study was to compare lung function between pre- and post-pesticide spraying seasons among male sprayers. The study also evaluated the association of lung function changes and other factors with respiratory symptoms. The follow-up study was conducted on 58 male sprayers. The subjects were interviewed and measured lung function before and after pesticide spraying season. The results found that forced vital capacity (FVC), forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV1), and peak expiratory flow rate in the post-spraying season were significantly lower than in the pre-spraying season. With regard to respiratory symptoms, cough symptoms were associated with changes in FEV1/FVC [odd ratio (OR) = 1.29, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 1.01-1.67)] and smoking status (OR = 12.95, 95%CI = 1.35-124.34). Phlegm symptoms were also associated with changes in FVC (OR = 2.07, 95%CI = 1.01-4.25) and FEV1 (OR = 0.41, 95%CI = 0.18-0.91). The study provides evidence that pesticide spraying may increase risks for significant alteration of lung function and respiratory symptoms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ratana Sapbamrer
- Department of Community Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai, Thailand
| | | | - Supakit Khacha-Ananda
- Toxicology Unit, Department of Forensic Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai, Thailand
| | - Nalin Sittitoon
- School of Environmental Health, Institute of Public Health, Suranaree University of Technology, Nakhon Ratchasima, Thailand
| | - Klintean Wunnapuk
- Toxicology Unit, Department of Forensic Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai, Thailand
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Sullivan KM, Enoch SJ, Ezendam J, Sewald K, Roggen EL, Cochrane S. An Adverse Outcome Pathway for Sensitization of the Respiratory Tract by Low-Molecular-Weight Chemicals: Building Evidence to Support the Utility ofIn VitroandIn SilicoMethods in a Regulatory Context. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2017. [DOI: 10.1089/aivt.2017.0010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Kristie M. Sullivan
- Physicians Committee for Responsible Medicine, Washington, District of Columbia
| | - Steven J. Enoch
- School of Pharmacy and Biomolecular Sciences, Liverpool John Moores University, Liverpool, England
| | - Janine Ezendam
- National Institute for Public Health and the Environment (RIVM), Centre for Health Protection, Bilthoven, The Netherlands
| | - Katherina Sewald
- Fraunhofer Institute for Toxicology and Experimental Medicine ITEM, Hannover, Germany
| | - Erwin L. Roggen
- 3Rs Management & Consulting ApS (3RsMC ApS), Lyngby, Denmark
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Abstract
OBJECTIVE Summarize developed evidence-based diagnostic and treatment guidelines for work-related asthma (WRA). METHODS Comprehensive literature reviews conducted with article critiquing and grading. Guidelines developed by a multidisciplinary expert panel and peer-reviewed. RESULTS Evidence supports spirometric testing as an essential early test. Serial peak expiratory flow rates measurement is moderately recommended for employees diagnosed with asthma to establish work-relatedness. Bronchial provocation testing is moderately recommended. IgE and skin prick testing for specific high-molecular weight (HMW) antigens are highly recommended. IgG testing for HMW antigens, IgE testing for low-molecular weight antigens, and nitric oxide testing for diagnosis are not recommended. Removal from exposure is associated with the highest probability of improvement, but may not lead to complete recovery. CONCLUSION Quality evidence supports these clinical practice recommendations. The guidelines may be useful to providers who diagnose and/or treat WRA.
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Mamane A, Baldi I, Tessier JF, Raherison C, Bouvier G. Occupational exposure to pesticides and respiratory health. Eur Respir Rev 2016; 24:306-19. [PMID: 26028642 DOI: 10.1183/16000617.00006014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 80] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
This article aims to review the available literature regarding the link between occupational exposure to pesticides and respiratory symptoms or diseases. Identification of epidemiological studies was performed using PubMed. 41 articles were included, 36 regarding agricultural workers and five regarding industry workers. Among the 15 cross-sectional studies focusing on respiratory symptoms and agricultural pesticide exposure, 12 found significant associations with chronic cough, wheeze, dyspnoea, breathlessness or chest tightness. All four studies on asthma found a relationship with occupational exposure, as did all three studies on chronic bronchitis. The four studies that performed spirometry reported impaired respiratory function linked to pesticide exposure, suggestive of either obstructive or restrictive syndrome according to the chemical class of pesticide. 12 papers reported results from cohort studies. Three out of nine found a significant relationship with increased risk of wheeze, five out of nine with asthma and three out of three with chronic bronchitis. In workers employed in pesticide production, elevated risks of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (two studies out of three) and impaired respiratory function suggestive of an obstructive syndrome (two studies out of two) were reported. In conclusion, this article suggests that occupational exposure to pesticides is associated with an increased risk of respiratory symptoms, asthma and chronic bronchitis, but the causal relationship is still under debate.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ali Mamane
- ISPED - Laboratoire Santé Travail Environnement, INSERM U897, Université de Bordeaux, Bordeaux, France ISPED - Centre INSERM U897 - Epidémiologie-Biostatistique, Bordeaux, France
| | - Isabelle Baldi
- ISPED - Laboratoire Santé Travail Environnement, INSERM U897, Université de Bordeaux, Bordeaux, France ISPED - Centre INSERM U897 - Epidémiologie-Biostatistique, Bordeaux, France Service de Médecine du Travail, CHU de Bordeaux, Bordeaux, France
| | | | - Chantal Raherison
- ISPED - Laboratoire Santé Travail Environnement, INSERM U897, Université de Bordeaux, Bordeaux, France ISPED - Centre INSERM U897 - Epidémiologie-Biostatistique, Bordeaux, France Service des Maladies Respiratoires, CHU de Bordeaux, Bordeaux, France
| | - Ghislaine Bouvier
- ISPED - Laboratoire Santé Travail Environnement, INSERM U897, Université de Bordeaux, Bordeaux, France ISPED - Centre INSERM U897 - Epidémiologie-Biostatistique, Bordeaux, France
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Ye M, Beach J, Martin JW, Senthilselvan A. Occupational pesticide exposures and respiratory health. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2013; 10:6442-71. [PMID: 24287863 PMCID: PMC3881124 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph10126442] [Citation(s) in RCA: 118] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/26/2013] [Revised: 11/13/2013] [Accepted: 11/14/2013] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Pesticides have been widely used to control pest and pest-related diseases in agriculture, fishery, forestry and the food industry. In this review, we identify a number of respiratory symptoms and diseases that have been associated with occupational pesticide exposures. Impaired lung function has also been observed among people occupationally exposed to pesticides. There was strong evidence for an association between occupational pesticide exposure and asthma, especially in agricultural occupations. In addition, we found suggestive evidence for a link between occupational pesticide exposure and chronic bronchitis or COPD. There was inconclusive evidence for the association between occupational pesticide exposure and lung cancer. Better control of pesticide uses and enforcement of safety behaviors, such as using personal protection equipment (PPE) in the workplace, are critical for reducing the risk of developing pesticide-related symptoms and diseases. Educational training programs focusing on basic safety precautions and proper uses of personal protection equipment (PPE) are possible interventions that could be used to control the respiratory diseases associated with pesticide exposure in occupational setting.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ming Ye
- School of Public Health, University of Alberta, 3-276 Edmonton Heath Clinic Academy, 11405-87 Avenue, Edmonton, AB T6G 1C9, Canada; E-Mail:
| | - Jeremy Beach
- School of Public Health, University of Alberta, 3-276 Edmonton Heath Clinic Academy, 11405-87 Avenue, Edmonton, AB T6G 1C9, Canada; E-Mail:
- Division of Preventive Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of Alberta, 5-30 University Terrace, 8303-112 Street, Edmonton, AB T6G 2T4, Canada; E-Mail:
| | - Jonathan W. Martin
- Division of Analytical and Environmental Toxicology, Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology, University of Alberta, 10-102C Clinical Sciences Building, Edmonton, AB T6G 2G3, Canada; E-Mail:
| | - Ambikaipakan Senthilselvan
- School of Public Health, University of Alberta, 3-276 Edmonton Heath Clinic Academy, 11405-87 Avenue, Edmonton, AB T6G 1C9, Canada; E-Mail:
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Slager RE, Poole JA, LeVan TD, Sandler DP, Alavanja MCR, Hoppin JA. Rhinitis associated with pesticide exposure among commercial pesticide applicators in the Agricultural Health Study. Occup Environ Med 2009; 66:718-24. [PMID: 19289390 PMCID: PMC2936571 DOI: 10.1136/oem.2008.041798] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/04/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Rhinitis is common, but the risk factors are not well described. To investigate the association between current rhinitis and pesticide use, we used data from 2245 Iowa commercial pesticide applicators in the Agricultural Health Study. METHODS Using logistic regression models adjusted for age, education and growing up on a farm, we evaluated the association between current rhinitis and 34 pesticides used in the past year. RESULTS 74% of commercial pesticide applicators reported at least one episode of rhinitis in the past year (current rhinitis). Five pesticides used in the past year were significantly positively associated with current rhinitis: the herbicides 2,4-D, glyphosate and petroleum oil, the insecticide diazinon and the fungicide benomyl. The association for 2,4-D and glyphosate was limited to individuals who used both in the past year (OR 1.42, 95% CI 1.14 to 1.77). Both petroleum oil and diazinon showed consistent evidence of an association with rhinitis, based on both current use and exposure-response models. We saw no evidence of confounding by common agricultural rhinitis triggers such as handling grain or hay. CONCLUSIONS Exposure to pesticides may increase the risk of rhinitis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rebecca E. Slager
- Center for Human Genomics, Department of Pediatrics, Wake Forest University Health Sciences, Winston-Salem, NC
| | - Jill A. Poole
- Pulmonary, Critical Care, Sleep, and Allergy Medicine Section, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE
| | - Tricia D. LeVan
- Pulmonary, Critical Care, Sleep, and Allergy Medicine Section, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE
- Department of Epidemiology, College of Public Health, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha NE
| | - Dale P. Sandler
- Epidemiology Branch, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, Research Triangle Park, NC
| | | | - Jane A. Hoppin
- Epidemiology Branch, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, Research Triangle Park, NC
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Boers D, van Amelsvoort L, Colosio C, Corsini E, Fustinoni S, Campo L, Bosetti C, La Vecchia C, Vergieva T, Tarkowski M, Liesivuori J, Steerenberg P, van Loveren H. Asthmatic symptoms after exposure to ethylenebisdithiocarbamates and other pesticides in the Europit field studies. Hum Exp Toxicol 2009; 27:721-7. [PMID: 19042955 DOI: 10.1177/0960327108100001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
We conducted a multicenter prospective study to assess the effects of occupational exposure to ethylenebisdithiocarbamate fungicides and/or other pesticides on self-reported asthma and asthmatic symptoms. This multicenter study was conducted among 248 workers exposed to pesticides and 231 non-exposed workers from five field studies. The five field studies were carried out in The Netherlands, Italy, Finland, and two studies in Bulgaria. Subjects constituting this cohort completed a self-administered questionnaire at baseline (before the start of exposure). Ethylenethiourea in urine was determined to assess exposure to ethylenebisdithiocarbamates. In multivariate analyses adjusted for all potential confounders (age, education, residence, smoking, gender, and field study), we found inverse associations, all not statistically significant, between occupational exposure to pesticides and asthma diagnosis (OR 0.41; 95% CI 0.15-1.11), complains of chest tightness (OR 0.60; 95% CI 0.36-1.02), wheeze (OR 0.56; 95% CI 0.32-0.98), asthma attack (OR 0.52; 95% CI 0.12-2.25), and asthma medication (OR 0.79; 95% CI 0.25-2.53). Furthermore, we reported null associations for multivariate analysis using ethylenethiourea as determinant for exposure. Although exposure to pesticides remains a potential health risk, our results do not suggest an association between exposure to ethylenebisdithiocarbamates and/or other pesticides used in our study on asthma and asthmatic symptoms.
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Affiliation(s)
- D Boers
- Department of Epidemiology, Maastricht University, The Netherlands
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Hoppin JA, Umbach DM, London SJ, Lynch CF, Alavanja MCR, Sandler DP. Pesticides associated with wheeze among commercial pesticide applicators in the Agricultural Health Study. Am J Epidemiol 2006; 163:1129-37. [PMID: 16611668 DOI: 10.1093/aje/kwj138] [Citation(s) in RCA: 65] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Pesticides are potential risk factors for respiratory disease among farmers, but farmers are also exposed to other respiratory toxicants. To explore the association of pesticides with wheeze in a population without other farming exposures, the authors analyzed data from 2,255 Iowa commercial pesticide applicators enrolled in the Agricultural Health Study. Controlling for age, smoking status, asthma and atopy history, and body mass index, the authors calculated odds ratios for the relationship between wheeze and 36 individual pesticides participants had used during the year before enrollment (1993-1997). Eight of 16 herbicides were associated with wheeze in single-agent models; however, the risk was almost exclusively associated with the herbicide chlorimuron-ethyl (odds ratio (OR) = 1.62, 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.25, 2.10). Inclusion of chlorimuron-ethyl in models for the other herbicides virtually eliminated the associations. The odds ratios for four organophosphate insecticides (terbufos, fonofos, chlorpyrifos, and phorate) were elevated when these chemicals were modeled individually and remained elevated, though attenuated somewhat, when chlorimuron-ethyl was included. The association for dichlorvos, another organophosphate insecticide, was not attenuated by chlorimuron-ethyl (OR = 2.48, 95% CI: 1.08, 5.66). Dose-response trends were observed for chlorimuron-ethyl, chlorpyrifos, and phorate; the strongest odds ratio was for applying chlorpyrifos on more than 40 days per year (OR = 2.40, 95% CI: 1.24, 4.65). These results add to the emerging literature linking organophosphate insecticides and respiratory health and suggest a role for chlorimuron-ethyl.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jane A Hoppin
- Epidemiology Branch, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, National Institutes of Health, US Department of Health and Human Services, Research Triangle Park, NC 27709-2233, USA.
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Fryer AD, Lein PJ, Howard AS, Yost BL, Beckles RA, Jett DA. Mechanisms of organophosphate insecticide-induced airway hyperreactivity. Am J Physiol Lung Cell Mol Physiol 2004; 286:L963-9. [PMID: 14704222 DOI: 10.1152/ajplung.00343.2003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 60] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
It has been suggested that pesticide exposure may be a contributing factor underlying the increased incidence of asthma in the United States and other industrialized nations. To test this hypothesis, airway hyperreactivity was measured in guinea pigs exposed to chlorpyrifos, a widely used organophosphate pesticide. Electrical stimulation of the vagus nerves caused frequency-dependent bronchoconstriction that was significantly potentiated in animals 24 h or 7 days after a single subcutaneous injection of either 390 mg/kg or 70 mg/kg of chlorpyrifos, respectively. Mechanisms by which chlorpyrifos may cause airway hyperreactivity include inhibition of acetylcholinesterase (AChE) or dysfunction of M3 muscarinic receptors on airway smooth muscle or of autoinhibitory M2 muscarinic receptors on parasympathetic nerves in the lung. AChE activity in the lung was significantly inhibited 24 h after treatment with 390 mg/kg of chlorpyrifos, but not 7 days after injection of 70 mg/kg of chlorpyrifos. Acute exposure to eserine (250 microg/ml) also significantly inhibited lung AChE but did not potentiate vagally induced bronchoconstriction. Neuronal M2 receptor function was tested using the M2 agonist pilocarpine, which inhibits vagally induced bronchoconstriction in control animals. In chlorpyrifos-treated animals, pilocarpine dose-response curves were shifted significantly to the right, demonstrating decreased responsiveness of neuronal M2 receptors. In contrast, chlorpyrifos treatment did not alter methacholine-induced bronchoconstriction, suggesting that chlorpyrifos does not alter M3 muscarinic receptor function on airway smooth muscle. These data demonstrate that organophosphate insecticides can cause airway hyperreactivity in the absence of AChE inhibition by decreasing neuronal M2 receptor function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Allison D Fryer
- National Institutes of Health National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, 6001 Executive Blvd. NSC, Suite 2149, MSC 9535, Bethesda, MD 20892-9835, USA
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