Pesticide exposure and women's health

Airborne Exposure to Pollutants and Mental Health: A Review with Implications for United States Veterans

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

Inhalation of airborne pollutants in the natural and built environment is ubiquitous; yet, exposures are different across a lifespan and unique to individuals. Here, we reviewed the connections between mental health outcomes from airborne pollutant exposures, the biological inflammatory mechanisms, and provide future directions for researchers and policy makers. The current state of knowledge is discussed on associations between mental health outcomes and Clean Air Act criteria pollutants, traffic-related air pollutants, pesticides, heavy metals, jet fuel, and burn pits.

RECENT FINDINGS

Although associations between airborne pollutants and negative physical health outcomes have been a topic of previous investigations, work highlighting associations between exposures and psychological health is only starting to emerge. Research on criteria pollutants and mental health outcomes has the most robust results to date, followed by traffic-related air pollutants, and then pesticides. In contrast, scarce mental health research has been conducted on exposure to heavy metals, jet fuel, and burn pits. Specific cohorts of individuals, such as United States military members and in-turn, Veterans, often have unique histories of exposures, including service-related exposures to aircraft (e.g. jet fuels) and burn pits. Research focused on Veterans and other individuals with an increased likelihood of exposure and higher vulnerability to negative mental health outcomes is needed. Future research will facilitate knowledge aimed at both prevention and intervention to improve physical and mental health among military personnel, Veterans, and other at-risk individuals.

Examination of urinary pesticide concentrations, protective behaviors, and risk perceptions among Latino and Latina farmworkers in Southwestern Idaho

INTRODUCTION

Studies have documented high levels of pesticide exposure among men farmworkers; however, few have examined exposures or the experiences of women farmworkers. Data gaps also exist regarding farmworkers' perceived risk and control related to pesticides, information that is critical to develop protective interventions.

OBJECTIVE

We aimed to compare urinary pesticide biomarker concentrations between Latino and Latina farmworkers and examine associations with occupational characteristics, risk perceptions, perceived control, and protective behaviors.

METHODS

We enrolled a convenience sample of 62 farmworkers (30 men and 32 women) during the pesticide spray season from April-July 2022 in southwestern Idaho. Participants were asked to complete two visits within a seven-day period; at each visit, we collected a urine sample and administered a questionnaire assessing demographic and occupational information. Urine samples were composited and analyzed for 17 biomarkers of herbicides and of organophosphate (OP) and pyrethroid insecticides.

RESULTS

Ten pesticide biomarkers (TCPy, MDA, PNP, 3-PBA, 4-F-3-PBA, cis- and trans-DCCA, 2,4-D, Glyphosate, AMPA) were detected in >80% of samples. Men and women had similar urinary biomarker concentrations (p = 0.19-0.94); however, women worked significantly fewer hours than men (p = 0.01), wore similar or greater levels of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), and were slightly more likely to report having experienced an Acute Pesticide Poisoning (26% of women vs. 14% of men; p = 0.25). We observed inconsistencies in risk perceptions, perceived control, and protective behaviors among men.

DISCUSSION

Our study is one the first to examine pesticide exposure and risk perceptions among a cohort of farmworkers balanced on gender. Taken with previous findings, our results suggest that factors such as job tasks, biological susceptibility, or access to trainings and protective equipment might uniquely impact women farmworkers' exposure and/or vulnerability to pesticides. Women represent an increasing proportion of the agricultural workforce, and larger studies are needed to disentangle these findings.

Early Abortions and Congenital Malformations: A Comparison Between Agricultural and Nonagricultural Areas in the State of São Paulo/Brazil

INTRODUCTION

Areas with higher agricultural production have higher rates of abortion and malformation, probable related to pesticides.

OBJECTIVE

To compare the rates of early abortion and fetal malformation in agricultural and nonagricultural areas.

METHOD

A survey was carried out on fetal deaths in children weighing less than 500 g or gestational age less than 22 weeks and fetal malformations in live births.

RESULTS

From 1996 to 2018, there was an increase in the rates of abortion and, albeit to a lesser extent, malformation. The areas of greater agricultural production have higher rates of fetal mortality and malformation than the others.

CONCLUSIONS

The study suggests that areas with higher use of pesticides have higher rates of abortion and fetal malformations than the others, requiring further observational studies, reducing confounders inherent to the ecological study.

Differential Distribution and Activity Profile of Acylpeptide Hydrolase in the Rat Seminiferous Epithelium

Acylpeptide hydrolase (APEH) is a serine protease involved in amino acid recycling from acylated peptides (exopeptidase activity) and degradation of oxidized proteins (endoproteinase activity). This enzyme is inhibited by dichlorvos (DDVP), an organophosphate compound used as an insecticide. The role of APEH in spermatogenesis has not been established; therefore, the aim of this study was to characterize the distribution and activity profile of APEH during this process. For this purpose, cryosections of male reproductive tissues (testis and epididymis) and isolated cells (Sertoli cells, germ cells, and spermatozoa) were obtained from adult rats in order to analyze the intracellular localization of APEH by indirect immunofluorescence. In addition, the catalytic activity profiles of APEH in the different male reproductive tissues and isolated cells were quantified. Our results show that APEH is homogeneously distributed in Sertoli cells and early germ cells (spermatocytes and round spermatids), but this pattern changes during spermiogenesis. Specifically, in elongated spermatids and spermatozoa, APEH was localized in the acrosome and the principal piece. The exopeptidase activity was higher in the germ cell pool, compared to sperm and Sertoli cells, while the endoproteinase activity in epididymal homogenates was higher compared to testis homogenates at 24 h of incubation. In isolated cells, this activity was increased in Sertoli and germ cell pools, compared to spermatozoa. Taken together, these results indicate that APEH is differentially distributed in the testicular epithelium and undergoes re-localization during spermiogenesis. A possible role of APEH as a component of a protection system against oxidative stress and during sperm capacitation is discussed.

Investigating children's chemical exposome - Description and possible determinants of exposure in the region of Luxembourg based on hair analysis

The specific physiology and behaviour of children makes them particularly vulnerable to chemical exposure. Specific studies must therefore be conducted to understand the impact of pollution on children's health. Human biomonitoring is a reliable approach for exposure assessment, and hair, allowing the detection of parent chemicals and metabolites, and covering wider time windows than urine and blood is particularly adapted to study chronic exposure. The present study aims at assessing chemical exposure and investigating possible determinants of exposure in children living in Luxembourg. Hair samples were collected from 256 children below 13 y/o and tested for 153 compounds (140 pesticides, 4 PCBs, 7 BDEs and 2 bisphenols). Moreover, anthropometric parameters, information on diet, residence, and presence of pets at home was collected through questionnaires. Correlations, regressions, t-tests, PLS-DA and MANOVAs, were used to investigate exposure patterns. Twenty-nine to 88 (median = 61) compounds were detected per sample. The highest median concentration was observed for BPA (133.6 pg/mg). Twenty-three biomarkers were detected in ≥ 95% of the samples, including 13 in all samples (11 pesticides, BPA and BPS). Exposure was higher at younger ages (R² = 0.57), and boys were more exposed to non-persistent pesticides than girls. Presence of persistent organic pollutants in most children suggests that exposure is still ongoing. Moreover, diet (e.g. imazalil: 0.33 pg/mg in organic, 1.15 pg/mg in conventional, p-value < 0.001), residence area (e.g. imidacloprid: 0.29 pg/mg in urban, 0.47 pg/mg in countryside, p-value = 0.03), and having pets (e.g. fipronil: 0.32 pg/mg in pets, 0.09 pg/mg in no pets, p-value < 0.001) were identified as determinants of exposure. The present study demonstrates that children are simultaneously exposed to multiple pollutants from different chemical classes, and confirms the suitability of hair to investigate exposure. These results set the basis for further investigations to better understand the determinants of chemical exposure in children.

Sustainable Organic Farming, Food Safety and Pest Management: An Evolutionary Game Analysis

There is an increasing realization that industrial, large-scale agriculture can negatively impact both food quality and the environment, and that alternatives should be thoroughly considered. Consisting of various participants with distinct and often competing interests, organic food chains have a dynamic structure. We consider an evolutionary game theory model for the dynamics of an organic supply chain with farmers, their customers and the government as the main stakeholders. After describing stakeholder strategies and constructing appropriate payoff matrices for the interactions between farmers and customers and between farmers and the government, respectively, sufficient conditions for the stability of the equilibria for the associated replicator equations were found. Those conditions were then interpreted in practical terms, the corresponding possible outcomes being determined and numerically illustrated. It was seen that a sustainable shift from a conventional strategy to an organic one requires the efforts of all involved stakeholders. As far as the evolutionary interaction between farmers and customers is concerned, it was seen that the purchasing power and the organic awareness of customers are of the utmost importance for the establishment and diffusion of organic strategies in the supply chain. Furthermore, a situation in which the preferences of farmers and consumers for an organic (or conventional) strategy change periodically may occur. Regarding the evolutionary interaction between farmers and the government, strong support for organic farmers is needed at first, and then the consumption habits and environmental awareness of the consumers can be cultivated. This promotes the establishment, development and enrichment of an organic supply chain which, at a certain point, can persist even without governmental subsidies.

Metal-Organic Frameworks in Agriculture

Agrochemicals, which are crucial to meet the world food qualitative and quantitative demand, are compounds used to kill pests (insects, fungi, rodents, or unwanted plants). Regrettably, there are some important issues associated with their widespread and extensive use (e.g., contamination, bioaccumulation, and development of pest resistance); thus, a reduced and more controlled use of agrochemicals and thorough detection in food, water, soil, and fields are necessary. In this regard, the development of new functional materials for the efficient application, detection, and removal of agrochemicals is a priority. Metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) with exceptional sorptive, recognition capabilities, and catalytical properties have very recently shown their potential in agriculture. This Review emphasizes the recent advances in the use of MOFs in agriculture through three main views: environmental remediation, controlled agrochemical release, and detection of agrochemicals.

Differential Bioaccumulation Patterns of α, β-Hexachlorobenzene and Dicofol in Adipose Tissue from the GraMo Cohort (Southern Spain)

To identify bioaccumulation patterns of α-, β- hexachlorocyclohexane (HCH) and dicofol in relation to sociodemographic, dietary, and lifestyle factors, adipose tissue samples of 387 subjects from GraMo cohort in Southern Spain were analyzed. Potential predictors of these organochlorine pesticides (OCP) levels were collected by face-to-face interviews and assessed by multivariable linear and logistic regression. OCPs were detected in 84.2% (β-HCH), 21.7% (α-HCH), and 19.6% (dicofol) of the population. β-HCH levels were positively related to age, body mass index (BMI), mother's occupation in agriculture during pregnancy, living in Poniente and Alpujarras, white fish, milk and water consumption, and negatively related to being male, living near to an agricultural area, working ≥10 years in agriculture, and beer consumption. Detectable α-HCH levels were positively related to age, BMI, milk consumption, mother's occupation in agriculture during pregnancy, and negatively with residence in Poniente and Alpujarras, Granada city, and Granada Metropolitan Area. Residence near to an agricultural area, smoking habit, white fish and water consumption, and living in Poniente and Alpujarras, Granada city and Granada Metropolitan Area were negatively associated with detectable dicofol levels. Our study revealed different bioaccumulation patterns of α, β-HCH and dicofol, probably due to their dissimilar period of use, and emphasize the need for assessing the exposure to frequently overlooked pollutants.

The association of prenatal and childhood pyrethroid pesticide exposure with school-age ADHD traits

BACKGROUND

Pyrethroid insecticides are commonly used in residential settings, and their use has increased rapidly. Although research has been scarce, they have been reported to be associated with impaired neurodevelopment. Moreover, susceptible exposure windows and the long-term effects of pyrethroids have not been investigated. We examined the association between pyrethroid exposure and attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) symptoms over time, with exposure windows spanning from the prenatal period to school-age.

METHODS

Using 524 mother-child pairs, we measured urinary concentrations of 3-phenoxybenzoic acid (3-PBA), a major pyrethroid metabolite, and asked parents to fill-out the ADHD Rating Scale IV (ARS). We used Poisson regression to identify the susceptible periods of pyrethroid exposure, by correlating various 3-PBA exposure windows (prenatal, ages 2, 4, 6 and 8) with ADHD symptoms at ages 6 and 8.

RESULTS

Doubling of prenatal and age 2 3-PBA concentrations was associated with increased ADHD symptoms at age 6 (2.7% change, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.3, 5.2; 5.2% change [95% CI: 0.5, 10.2], respectively). The 3-PBA concentrations at age 4 and age 6 were linked with ADHD symptoms at age 8 (2.7% change [95% CI: 0.3, 5.3]; 3.3% change [95% CI: 0.2, 6.4], respectively). There were no clear sex-specific patterns in association.

DISCUSSION

Both prenatal and early-childhood exposure to 3-PBA were found to be associated with ADHD symptoms. Exposure during pregnancy, and at ages 2 to 6 were found to be susceptible periods for pyrethroid neurotoxicity at ages 6 and 8.

As mulheres lavradoras e os agrotóxicos no cotidiano da agricultura familiar

RESUMO Considerando a invisibilidade do trabalho feminino no cenário da agricultura familiar, este trabalho teve como objetivo descrever e analisar a relação da mulher com os agrotóxicos no processo de trabalho. Esta pesquisa qualitativa foi realizada com agricultoras familiares de São Miguel Arcanjo (SP), e tem como material de análise o conteúdo das entrevistas com as 14 agricultoras, segundo adaptação dos conceitos de Bardin. Os conteúdos das falas das entrevistadas foram organizados e delineados em duas categorias analisadas no corpo deste trabalho. Foi possível inferir que a mulher desempenha atributos historicamente designados à figura masculina, como as práticas do capinar, da colheita e da manipulação de agrotóxico, embora desprovida do direito a acesso à informação e orientação necessário para o desempenho do seu labor com segurança. A prática do agronegócio adentra as propriedades familiares, pautada na produção dependente de agrotóxicos, e é relatada por elas de maneira não naturalizada, quando identificam os agrotóxicos como venenos. Por fim, potencializar as competências identificadas nessas mulheres, sobretudo o poder de resiliência, preservando suas competências e identidades perante tantos fatores estressores vivenciados no contexto da margem feminilizada da agricultura, pode contribuir para o fim da miséria econômica, intelectual e sanitária das mulheres lavradoras.

Environmental exposures contribute to respiratory and allergic symptoms among women living in the banana growing regions of Costa Rica

OBJECTIVES

This research evaluates whether environmental exposures (pesticides and smoke) influence respiratory and allergic outcomes in women living in a tropical, agricultural environment.

METHODS

We used data from 266 mothers from the Infants' Environmental Health cohort study in Costa Rica. We evaluated environmental exposures in women by measuring seven pesticide and two polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons metabolites in urine samples. We defined 'high exposure' as having a metabolite value in the top 75th percentile. We collected survey data on respiratory and allergic outcomes in mothers as well as on pesticides and other environmental exposures. Using logistic regression models adjusted for obesity, we assessed the associations of pesticide exposure with multiple outcomes (wheeze, doctor-diagnosed asthma, high (≥2) asthma score based on symptoms, rhinitis, eczema and itchy rash).

RESULTS

Current pesticide use in the home was positively associated with diagnosed asthma (OR=1.99 (95% CI=1.05 to 3.87)). High urinary levels of 5-hydroxythiabendazole (thiabendazole metabolite) and living in a neighbourhood with frequent smoke from waste burning were associated with a high asthma score (OR=1.84 (95%CI=1.05 to 3.25) and OR=2.31 (95%CI=1.11 to 5.16), respectively). Women who worked in agriculture had a significantly lower prevalence of rhinitis (0.19 (0.01 to 0.93)), but were more likely to report eczema (OR=2.54 (95%CI=1.33 to 4.89)) and an itchy rash (OR=3.17 (95%CI=1.24 to 7.73)).

CONCLUSIONS

While limited by sample size, these findings suggest that environmental exposure to both pesticides and smoke may impact respiratory and skin-related allergic outcomes in women.

Pesticides expenditures by farming type and incidence of Parkinson disease in farmers: A French nationwide study

BACKGROUND

Professional pesticides exposure is associated with PD risk, but it remains unclear whether specific products, which strongly depend on farming type, are specifically involved. We performed a nationwide ecological study to examine the association of pesticides expenditures for the main farming types with PD incidence in French farmers.

METHODS

We used the French National Health Insurance database to identify incident PD cases in farmers (2010-2015). We combined data on pesticides expenditures with the agricultural census to compute pesticides expenditures for nine farming types in 2000 in 3571 French cantons. The association between pesticides expenditures and PD age/sex standardized incidence was examined using multilevel Poisson regression, adjusted for smoking, neurologists' density, and deprivation index.

RESULTS

10,282 incident PD cases were identified. Cantons with the highest pesticides expenditures for vineyards without designation of origin were characterized by 16% (95% CI = 6-28%) higher PD incidence (p-trend corrected for multiple testing = 0.006). This association was significant in men and older farmers. There was no association with pesticides expenditures for other farming types, including vineyards with designation of origin.

CONCLUSIONS

PD incidence increased significantly with pesticides expenditures in vineyards without designation of origin characterized by high fungicide use. This result suggests that agricultural practices and pesticides used in these vineyards may play a role in PD and that farmers in these farms should benefit from preventive measures aiming at reducing exposure. Our study highlights the importance of considering farming type in studies on pesticides and PD and the usefulness of pesticides expenditures for exposure assessment.

Measurement of urinary pesticide biomarkers among Latina farmworkers in southwestern Idaho

BACKGROUND

Women who work in agriculture may have greater risk of pesticide exposure than men who share this occupation. Despite an increase in the fraction of the agricultural workforce comprised by women, few studies have characterized pesticide exposure in the USA with a focus on among these workers.

OBJECTIVE

This pilot study aimed to describe pesticide exposure in a cohort of Latina farmworkers in farming communities in southwestern Idaho.

METHODS

We collected urine samples from 29 Latina farmworkers, which were analyzed for 11 pesticide biomarkers. We evaluated the effect of pesticide spray season on urinary biomarker levels, and explored the effect of self-reported status as a pesticide handler on measured exposures.

RESULTS

No significant differences were found between biomarker levels in samples collected during the nonspray and spray seasons. We observed 11 extreme outlying values in samples collected during the pesticide spray season. The most extreme outlying values (MDA: 51.7 ng/mL; 3-PBA: 11.8 ng/mL; trans-DCCA: 23.4 ng/mL; and 2,4-D: 31.1 ng/mL) were all provided during the spray season by women who reported loading, mixing or applying pesticides.

CONCLUSIONS

These results provide suggestive evidence that Latina farmworkers who handle pesticides during the spray season may be at an increased risk of exposure to organophosphate and pyrethroid insecticides, as well as the herbicide 2,4-D. We recommend that future research into pesticide exposures among farmworkers should include particular focus on this group.

Understanding Challenges to Well-Being among Latina FarmWorkers in Rural Idaho Using in an Interdisciplinary, Mixed-Methods Approach

The aim of this study was to identify social, cultural and workplace-related risk factors affecting well-being among Latina farmworkers in rural Idaho. We recruited 70 Latina farmworkers from southwestern Idaho in 2019. We employed an inter-disciplinary, mixed-methods approach—including surveys, focus groups, interviews, and pesticide biomonitoring—to characterize multiple domains that influence well-being, including food security and access, housing conditions, social supports, access to medical care, and workplace safety. Six major themes emerged as primary challenges to Latina farmworkers’ well-being. In the public sphere, study participants identified these challenges as long working hours, concerns regarding pesticide exposure, and lack of enforcement of regulatory protections. Participants’ concerns regarding pesticide exposure were underscored by biological sampling results; multiple biomarkers of pesticide exposure were detected in all samples, with the highest concentrations measured in samples collected from women who reported mixing, loading or applying pesticides. Within the private sphere, food security and provisioning, childcare responsibilities, and social isolation were identified as significant challenges to well-being. Gender, ethnicity, and geography emerged as important, intersecting statuses that shaped the life experiences of these agricultural workers. Our findings suggest that gender may play a particularly critical role in the unique challenges facing Latina farmworkers. As a result, the services and regulations needed to support well-being in this population may be highly specific, and almost certainly include attention to work–family dynamics, pesticide exposure, and social connections.

A Review of Potential Public Health Impacts Associated With the Global Dairy Sector

Strong demand for dairy products has led to a global increase in dairy production. In many parts of the world, dairy systems are undergoing rapid intensification. While increased production may contribute to food security, higher dairy stocking rates in some regions have resulted in increased pressure on natural resources with the potential to affect public health and wellbeing. The aim of this review was to identify and describe the potential health harms and benefits associated with dairy production and consumption. Electronic databases Medline, Embase, Scopus, Web of Science, PubMed, and Google Scholar were searched for published literature that investigated human health impacts of dairy production and consumption. Occupational hazards, environmental health impacts, ecosystem health impacts, foodborne hazards, and diet-related chronic diseases were identified as potential public health hazards. Some impacts, notably climate change, extend beyond directly exposed populations. Dairy production and consumption are also associated with important health benefits through the provision of nutrients and economic opportunities. As the global dairy sector increases production, exposure to a range of hazards must be weighed with these benefits. The review of impacts presented here can provide an input into decision making about optimal levels of dairy production and consumption, local land use, and identification and management of specific hazards from this sector. Future research should consider multiple exposure routes, socioeconomic implications, and environmental factors, particularly in regions heavily dependent on dairy farming.

Occupational exposure to pesticides is associated with differential DNA methylation

Objectives

Occupational pesticide exposure is associated with a wide range of diseases, including lung diseases, but it is largely unknown how pesticides influence airway disease pathogenesis. A potential mechanism might be through epigenetic mechanisms, like DNA methylation. Therefore, we assessed associations between occupational exposure to pesticides and genome-wide DNA methylation sites.

Methods

1561 subjects of LifeLines were included with either no (n=1392), low (n=108) or high (n=61) exposure to any type of pesticides (estimated based on current or last held job). Blood DNA methylation levels were measured using Illumina 450K arrays. Associations between pesticide exposure and 420 938 methylation sites (CpGs) were assessed using robust linear regression adjusted for appropriate confounders. In addition, we performed genome-wide stratified and interaction analyses by gender, smoking and airway obstruction status, and assessed associations between gene expression and methylation for genome-wide significant CpGs (n=2802).

Results

In total for all analyses, high pesticide exposure was genome-wide significantly (false discovery rate P<0.05) associated with differential DNA methylation of 31 CpGs annotated to 29 genes. Twenty of these CpGs were found in subjects with airway obstruction. Several of the identified genes, for example, RYR1, ALLC, PTPRN2, LRRC3B, PAX2 and VTRNA2-1, are genes previously linked to either pesticide exposure or lung-related diseases. Seven out of 31 CpGs were associated with gene expression levels.

Conclusions

We show for the first time that occupational exposure to pesticides is genome-wide associated with differential DNA methylation. Further research should reveal whether this differential methylation plays a role in the airway disease pathogenesis induced by pesticides.

Occupational Pesticide Exposure, Impaired DNA Repair, and Diseases

Pesticides are a mixture of chemical substances used to kill pests. Apart from their toxicity to pests, thy affect nontarget organisms. They also generate free radicals producing reactive oxygen species (ROS) which can disturb cellular pathways by inhibiting various enzymes or receptors. Pesticides also induce oxidative DNA damage, DNA adducts, and single or double strand DNA breaks. Various mechanisms of DNA repair deal with such damages and help to maintain cell integrity. Alteration in DNA repair genes modulates the individual's susceptibility towards DNA repair and various diseases. Biological monitoring provides a useful tool for the estimation of genetic risk in populations exposed to pesticides. Large numbers of evidences show that occupational exposure to pesticides in agricultural workers has been associated with an increased incidence of various diseases such as cancer, Parkinson's disease, Alzheimer's disease, reproductive disorders, and birth defects. In this review, we have discussed occupational pesticide exposure, various mechanisms of DNA damage caused by pesticides, DNA repair mechanisms, biomonitoring tools, and various diseases caused by pesticide exposure.

Gender differences in pesticide use knowledge, risk awareness and practices in Chinese farmers

This study investigates gender differences in the pesticide use knowledge, risk awareness and practices of farmers in Anqiu County, China. A total of 452 male and 178 female farmers from seven towns were interviewed in 2016. The results show that there are gender differences regarding knowledge of pesticide impacts, pesticide use practices and protective behaviors. Male farmers had a better knowledge of pesticide use and greater awareness of associated health risks. More men than women used pesticides and disposed of the pesticide containers correctly, but fewer men applied protective measures or behaviors when using pesticides. Canonical correspondence analysis indicated that participation in farmer professional cooperatives differed by gender and contributed greatly to the protective behaviors of farmers (p<0.05). These results suggest that gender-sensitive educational programs should be implemented to increase the awareness of safety amongst farmers, and protective measures should be encouraged to reduce exposure to pesticide risks in China.

Chemical Pesticides and Human Health: The Urgent Need for a New Concept in Agriculture

The industrialization of the agricultural sector has increased the chemical burden on natural ecosystems. Pesticides are agrochemicals used in agricultural lands, public health programs, and urban green areas in order to protect plants and humans from various diseases. However, due to their known ability to cause a large number of negative health and environmental effects, their side effects can be an important environmental health risk factor. The urgent need for a more sustainable and ecological approach has produced many innovative ideas, among them agriculture reforms and food production implementing sustainable practice evolving to food sovereignty. It is more obvious than ever that the society needs the implementation of a new agricultural concept regarding food production, which is safer for man and the environment, and to this end, steps such as the declaration of Nyéléni have been taken.

Chemical Pesticides and Human Health: The Urgent Need for a New Concept in Agriculture

The industrialization of the agricultural sector has increased the chemical burden on natural ecosystems. Pesticides are agrochemicals used in agricultural lands, public health programs, and urban green areas in order to protect plants and humans from various diseases. However, due to their known ability to cause a large number of negative health and environmental effects, their side effects can be an important environmental health risk factor. The urgent need for a more sustainable and ecological approach has produced many innovative ideas, among them agriculture reforms and food production implementing sustainable practice evolving to food sovereignty. It is more obvious than ever that the society needs the implementation of a new agricultural concept regarding food production, which is safer for man and the environment, and to this end, steps such as the declaration of Nyéléni have been taken.

Asthma associated with pesticide exposure among women in rural Western Cape of South Africa

BACKGROUND

Few studies have investigated asthma and pesticides among women farm workers in developing countries.

METHODS

A cross-sectional study was conducted to investigate the association between pesticides and asthma among rural women (n = 211). Outcome measurements included respiratory symptoms (European Community Respiratory Health Survey questionnaire), immunological status (Phadiatop, serum IgE to mite allergens) and lower airway inflammation (fractional exhaled nitric oxide (FeNO) levels). Exposure variables included self-reported pesticide exposure and whole blood cholinesterase (ChE).

RESULTS

The prevalence of ocular-nasal symptoms (ONS), doctor-diagnosed asthma and current asthma was 24%, 11%, and 6% respectively. ONS was positively associated with re-entering a sprayed field (OR = 2.97; CI: 0.93-9.50). Asthma symptom score was associated with low ChE (OR = 1.93; CI: 1.09-3.44). Participants with high FeNO (>50 ppb) also had an elevated odds of having low ChE (OR = 4.8; CI: 0.80-28.00).

CONCLUSION

Pesticide exposure among women farm workers is associated with increased risk of ocular nasal symptoms and an elevated asthma symptom score.

Pesticide use practices in rural Armenia

Pesticide use can have adverse effects on both human health and the environment. Inappropriate use of pesticides increases the health risk to those who work with or live around pesticides. Educational programs for agricultural workers on the proper use of pesticides and personal protective equipment coupled with pesticide regulations are important tools to reduce the associated health risks. The authors conducted a survey (N = 2336) on pesticide use practices in the Ararat Valley of Armenia in 2000-2006. This study was a cross-sectional design. A multistage sampling method was implemented in the selection of the study population. The authors developed a questionnaire containing 173 questions to evaluate demographic characteristics, health conditions, and details of pesticides use practices. The intensity of pesticide use was high; 82.8% of respondents used them. More than 150 brand names of pesticides were in use. Unregistered, obsolete, expired, and banned compounds were found in active use. Poor compliance with the basic rules of pesticide safety was found throughout the study population, with 21.3% using gloves and only 11% using respirators. The agricultural workers' knowledge of the toxic properties of these pesticides as well as basic hygienic norms was very low. In some instances, the number of agrichemical applications to crops, particularly cucumbers and melons, reached 40 applications during the growing season. Better protection and training of pesticide users in Armenia is needed.

Pesticide knowledge, practice and attitude and how it affects the health of small-scale farmers in Uganda: a cross-sectional study

BACKGROUND

Over the past years there has been an increase in the use of pesticides in developing countries. This study describes pesticide use among small-scale farmers in Uganda and analyses predictors of pesticide poisoning (intoxication) symptoms.

METHOD

A cross-sectional study was conducted using a standardized questionnaire. Some 317 small-scale farmers in two districts in Uganda were interviewed about pesticide use, knowledge and attitude, symptoms of intoxication, personal protective equipment (PPE) and hygiene. The risk of reporting symptoms was analysed using logistic regression analysis.

RESULTS

The most frequently used pesticides belonged to WHO class II. The farmers had poor knowledge about pesticide toxicity, and the majority did not use appropriate PPE nor good hygiene when handling pesticides. There was no significant association between the number of times of spraying with pesticides and self-reported symptoms of pesticide poisoning. The only significant association was between blowing and sucking the nozzle of the knapsack sprayer and self-reported symptoms of pesticide intoxication (OR: 2.13. 95% CI: 1.09 - 4.18).

CONCLUSION

Unlike the practice in several other developing countries, small-scale farmers in Uganda do not use the most hazardous pesticides (WHO class 1a and 1b). However use of WHO class II pesticides and those of lower toxicity is seen in combination with inadequate knowledge and practice among the farmers. This poses a danger of acute intoxications, chronic health problems and environmental pollution. Training of farmers in Integrated Pest Management (IPM) methods, use of proper hygiene and personal protective equipment when handling pesticides should be promoted.

Household and occupational exposure to pesticides and risk of breast cancer

The association between breast cancer in women and the use of household or occupational pesticides was examined in a population-based case-control study. This study was conducted in Western Australia in 2009-2011 and included 1,789 controls and 1,205 cases. Information on household pesticide exposure was collected from questionnaires. For occupational pesticide exposure, job-specific modules (JSMs) were used. To evaluate potential recall bias, we stratified the analysis by belief about whether pesticides contribute to breast cancer. Unconditional logistic regression was used to calculate odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs). Women's exposures to pesticides in households and workplaces were not related to increased risk of breast cancer (OR = 1.10; CI: 0.86-1.37) and (OR = 0.77; CI: 0.45-1.32), respectively. The prevalence of occupational exposure to pesticides among women in our study was low. In the stratified analyses, the odd ratios associated with household pesticide use were similar among participants who believed pesticides increased breast cancer risk and those who did not. The results of our study did not show associations between breast cancer and household or occupational exposure to pesticides.

Biotechnological production of inducible defense-related proteins in edible radish (raphanus sativus) found in Nepal

BACKGROUND

Fungal infection in plant leads to use of many hazardous antifungal chemicals. Alternative to these chemicals, defense related antifungal proteins can be used in case of fungal diseases.

AIMS

An experiment was done in two varieties of edible radish (Raphanus sativus var. Pyuthane Raato and Raphanus sativus var. all season) with aims to produce defense protein within the plant, to identify and perform molecular characterization of those antifungal proteins. The next aim was to compare the antifungal property of those proteins with commercially available synthetic pesticides.

METHODS

Both varieties of radish were infected with fungi (Alternaria alternata and Fusarium oxysporum). Protein samples were isolated from leaves following the standard protocol as described for β-glucuronidase (GUS) assay and were run along with the standard protein marker of 10-250kDa in sodium dodecyl sulfate polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (SDS-PAGE) to identify and molecularly characterize them.

RESULTS

An additional band in the range of 37-50kDa was observed in the fungal infected samples, which was not seen on uninfected samples. The antifungal assay was carried out for every sample in 96 wells microtitre plate. The extracted protein samples from fungal inoculated plants showed the significant inhibition of fungal growth compared to other samples. On the basis of molecular weight and their antifungal properties, the protein samples from the fungal infected plant were found to be PR2 (Glucanase) and PR3 (Chitinase).

CONCLUSION

Defense related proteins were successfully produced in two varieties of radish found in Nepal. The use of such biologically produced proteins may reduce the use of biologically harmful synthetic pesticides.

Shame as a barrier to health seeking among indigenous Huichol migrant labourers: an interpretive approach of the "violence continuum" and "authoritative knowledge"

This article discusses the manner in which social and historical factors impact upon indigenous conceptions of health and health-seeking behaviour, reinforcing their authoritative knowledge about birth and wellbeing. It explores how Mexican indigenous Huichol migrant labourers experience structural, everyday and symbolic violence while away working, and in their home communities. The study was based on semi-structured interviews and observations with 33 Huichol migrant labourers and 12 key informants from the community (traditional healthcare providers), health sector (medical doctors based in the highlands) and tobacco industry (farmers, tobacco union leader and pesticide sellers) during 2010-11. Findings show how the continuum of violence is experienced by these migrants as shame, timidity and humiliation, expressions of symbolic violence that have helped define their tradition of birthing alone and their feeling of entitlement to the conditional welfare payments which sustain their marginalised subsistence lifestyle. This paper proposes that there is a cyclical relationship between structural violence and authoritative knowledge as the former reinforces their adherence to a set of cultural beliefs and practices which are the basis of racial discrimination against them.

Human exposure to p,p'-dichlorodiphenyldichloroethylene (p,p'-DDE) in urban and semi-rural areas in southeast Spain: a gender perspective

p,p'-Dichlorodiphenyldichloroethylene (p,p'-DDE) is the main metabolite of pesticide dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane and a marker of past exposure to this organochlorine pesticide. p,p'-DDE is considered a persistent organic pollutant with potential adverse effects on human health. The aims of the present study were to assess p,p'-DDE levels in serum and adipose tissue from a cohort of adults in southern Spain and to explore the predictors of exposure from a gender perspective. Chemical analyses were performed using gas chromatography-coupled mass spectrometry in tandem mode. The study population (n=387) was intraoperatively recruited in two areas of Granada Province (southern Spain), and data on potential predictors of these concentrations were gathered by questionnaire. The statistical analysis was performed by means of multivariable linear regression models. All participants showed detectable concentrations of p,p'-DDE in both serum and adipose tissue, with median concentrations of 175.7 and 93.0 ng/g lipid, respectively (p<0.001), and the two measurements showed positive correlations. Women showed higher concentrations than men (115.8 and 66.2 ng/g lipid, respectively, p<0.001). Concentrations in both matrices were positively associated with fatty food consumption, as well as with age and BMI, the latter only in adipose tissue. The multivariate model showed that, among women, adipose tissue concentrations were approximately 40% higher in those residing in the semi-rural area and 2-fold higher in those whose mothers had participated in agricultural activities during the pregnancy. In this study population, gender and place of residence play a key role in human exposure to p,p'-DDE and can be used to identify subjects at special risk of long-term exposure.

Serum concentrations of p,p'-dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane (p,p'-DDE) in a sample of agricultural workers from Bolivia

Organochlorine pesticide p,p'-dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane (DDT) is still used for vector control in several tropical and subtropical areas of South America and there is evidence of recent illegal use in agriculture. Its main breakdown product in the environment and living organisms is p,p'-dichlorodiphenyldichloroethylene (p,p'-DDE), which is considered a marker of past exposure to DDT. The aim of the present study was to assess human exposure to p,p'-DDE in a sample of agricultural farmers from three rural communities in eastern Bolivia. In addition, o,p'-DDT was analyzed as a surrogate of a potential ongoing exposure to the pesticide. Face-to-face questionnaires were performed, and serum samples were analyzed by high-resolution gas chromatography with mass spectrometry. p,p'-DDE was found in 100% of the samples, with a median concentration of 19.7ngmL(-1) (4788.7ng/g lipid), while o,p'-DDT was detected in 3 samples (4.3%). Serum p,p'-DDE concentrations were associated with time of residence in the study area, personal hygiene after work, and body mass index in adjusted multinomial logistic regression models with tertiles of p,p'-DDE as the dependent variable. The present results revealed high levels of exposure to p,p'-DDE, which might be derived from a heavily polluted local environment and past occupational exposure. These findings deserve further attention due to the potential associated health risks and point to the need for the continuous monitoring of these populations.

Occupational pesticide exposure among Yemeni women

OBJECTIVES

Limited research on the nature and extent of pesticide exposure among women in developing countries is available. The aim of this study was to describe potential pesticide exposure among women living in Yemen that occurs through agricultural work.

METHODS

In this cross-sectional study, 410 women who had a daughter enrolled in high school during 2011-2012 were surveyed regarding pesticide exposure.

RESULTS

Of the 410 women who responded to the survey, 171 women reported working on farms during their lifetime. Of these 171 women, 147 reported working on a farm prior to marriage and 108 reported working on a farm after marriage. Among the women who reported working on a farm before marriage, 47% had worked on farms where pesticides were used. Among those women who reported working on farms after marriage, 69% of women worked on farms where pesticides were used. Among women who reported working on a farm before marriage where pesticides were used, 45% reported not using any protective equipment. This proportion was 33% among women who worked on a farm after marriage. Among the 28 commercial pesticides that were listed within the questionnaire, the banned compound dimethoate was the most commonly reported pesticide to be used on farms.

CONCLUSIONS

The findings suggest that improving safe pesticide management practices among farmers and enforcing effective banning of the most toxic pesticides is needed to reduce pesticide exposure among Yemeni women.

The Upper Midwest Health Study: a case-control study of pesticide applicators and risk of glioma

BACKGROUND

An excess incidence of brain cancer in farmers has been noted in several studies. The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health developed the Upper Midwest Health Study (UMHS) as a case-control study of intracranial gliomas and pesticide uses among rural residents. Previous studies of UMHS participants, using "ever-never" exposure to farm pesticides and analyzing men and women separately, found no positive association of farm pesticide exposure and glioma risks. The primary objective was to determine if quantitatively estimated exposure of pesticide applicators was associated with an increased risk of glioma in male and female participants.

METHODS

The study included 798 histologically confirmed primary intracranial glioma cases (45 % with proxy respondents) and 1,175 population-based controls, all adult (age 18-80) non-metropolitan residents of Iowa, Michigan, Minnesota, and Wisconsin. The analyses used quantitatively estimated exposure from questionnaire responses evaluated by an experienced industrial hygienist with 25 years of work on farm pesticide analyses. Odds ratios (ORs) and 95 % confidence intervals (CIs) using unconditional logistic regression modeling were calculated adjusting for frequency-matching variables (10-year age group and sex), and for age and education (a surrogate for socioeconomic status). Analyses were separately conducted with or without proxy respondents.

RESULTS

No significant positive associations with glioma were observed with cumulative years or estimated lifetime cumulative exposure of farm pesticide use. There was, a significant inverse association for phenoxy pesticide used on the farm (OR 0.96 per 10 g-years of cumulative exposure, CI 0.93-0.99). No significant findings were observed when proxy respondents were excluded. Non-farm occupational applicators of any pesticide had decreased glioma risk: OR 0.72, CI 0.52-0.99. Similarly, house and garden pesticide applicators had a decreased risk of glioma: OR 0.79, CI 0.66-0.93, with statistically significant inverse associations for use of 2,4-D, arsenates, organophosphates, and phenoxys.

CONCLUSIONS

These results are consistent with our previous findings for UMHS of reported farm pesticide exposure and support a lack of positive association between pesticides and glioma.

Contribution of sociodemographic characteristics, occupation, diet and lifestyle to DDT and DDE concentrations in serum and adipose tissue from a Bolivian cohort

The organochlorine pesticide p,p'-Dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane (DDT) was widely used in the early 1960s-70s for vector control in tropical and subtropical areas of South America. Due to its persistence, DDT has a high potential to bioaccumulate in the food chain and living organisms and is a major public health concern, especially in South America. The main purpose of the present study was to investigate predictors of serum and adipose tissue concentrations of p,p'-DDT and its main metabolite, p,p'-dichlorodiphenyldichloroethylene (p,p'-DDE), in an adult cohort (n=112) from Santa Cruz de la Sierra, Bolivia, using multiple linear regression models. These models explained 29.3-47.8% of the variability in adipose tissue concentrations of p,p'-DDT and p,p'-DDE, respectively, and 32.9-47.0% of that in serum. Main exposure predictors included age, occupational class, residence, diet, smoking habit, and accumulated breastfeeding time. This is one of the few studies to explore predictors of human exposure to these chemicals using a multivariate approach in a South American population. Results show that predictors of human exposure to p,p'-DDT and p,p'-DDE in Santa Cruz de la Sierra may diverge from those found in other populations of the world, due to particular sociodemographic and lifestyle characteristics of this region.

Relationship between occupational social class and exposure to organochlorine pesticides during pregnancy

BACKGROUND

Little evidence is available on the influence of socioeconomic factors on exposure to persistent organic pollutants, especially during vulnerable periods such as pregnancy and early life.

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the relationship of maternal social class with placental concentrations of organochlorine pesticides (OCPs) and their combined estrogenic activity measured with a biomarker of exposure.

METHODS

Exposure to 16 OCPs (DDTs, endosulfans, and seven other compounds) and the total effective xenoestrogenic burden (TEXB) were analyzed in placentas from a mother-child cohort. OCP concentrations were quantified by gas chromatography and mass spectrometry, and TEXB was assessed with the E-Screen bioassay. Social class was classified according to maternal occupation. Multivariate regression analysis was conducted to examine variations in pesticide exposure and TEXB as a function of maternal social class in 257 subjects.

RESULTS

Placental p,p'-DDT concentrations were higher in social classes III and IV than in classes I-II (the most affluent); concentrations of the sum of DDTs were higher in class IV; and exposure to the sum of endosulfans was greater in class III. HCB concentrations were higher among women in class IV than in classes I-II and among manual (classes III-V) than non-manual workers. However, the trend across social classes was only statistically significant for HCB. Social class significantly explained 10% of the variability in concentrations of the sum of endosulfans.

CONCLUSION

There is a need to explore whether more disadvantaged populations suffer higher levels of exposure to pesticides or other environmental chemicals and how different social processes contribute to this exposure.

Differential effects of a complex organochlorine mixture on the proliferation of breast cancer cell lines

Organochlorine compounds (OCs) are a group of persistent chemicals that accumulate in fatty tissues with age. Although OCs has been tested individually for their capacity to induce breast cancer cell proliferation, few studies examined the effect of complex mixtures that comprise compounds frequently detected in the serum of women. We constituted such an OC mixture containing 15 different components in environmentally relevant proportions and assessed its proliferative effects in four breast cancer cell lines (MCF-7, T47D, CAMA-1, MDAMB231) and in non-cancerous CV-1 cells. We also determined the capacity of the mixture to modulate cell cycle stage of breast cancer cells and to induce estrogenic and antiandrogenic effects using gene reporter assays. We observed that low concentrations of the mixture (100 × 10(3) and 50 × 10(3) dilutions) stimulated the proliferation of MCF-7 cells while higher concentrations (10 × 10(3) and 5 × 10(3) dilutions) had the opposite effect. In contrast, the mixture inhibited the proliferation of non-hormone-dependent cell lines. The mixture significantly increased the number of MCF-7 cells entering the S phase, an effect that was blocked by the antiestrogen ICI 182,780. Low concentrations of the mixture also caused an increase in CAMA-1 cell proliferation but only in the presence estradiol and dihydrotestosterone (p<0.05 at the 50 × 10(3) dilution). DDT analogs and polychlorinated biphenyls all had the capacity to stimulate the proliferation of CAMA-1 cells in the presence of sex steroids. Reporter gene assays further revealed that the mixture and several of its constituents (DDT analogs, aldrin, dieldrin, β-hexachlorocyclohexane, toxaphene) induced estrogenic effects, whereas the mixture and several components (DDT analogs, aldrin, dieldrin and PCBs) inhibited the androgen signaling pathway. Our results indicate that the complex OC mixture increases the proliferation of MCF-7 cells due to its estrogenic potential. The proliferative effect of the mixture on CAMA-1 cells in the presence of sex steroids appears mostly due to the antiandrogenic properties of p,p'-DDE, a major constituent of the mixture. Other mixtures of contaminants that include emerging compounds of interest such as brominated flame retardants and perfluoroalkyl compounds should be tested for their capacity to induce breast cancer cell proliferation.

Living near agricultural pesticide applications and the risk of adverse reproductive outcomes: a review of the literature

Over the last decade, there has been growing concern about the possible health effects, including a number of adverse reproductive outcomes, from pesticide exposure of people living near agricultural fields. This systematic review evaluates the current epidemiological evidence on the association between living near agricultural pesticide applications and adverse reproductive outcomes, including congenital malformations, stillbirth, intrauterine growth retardation (IUGR), low birthweight, preterm birth and miscarriage. We identified and reviewed 25 studies from a systematic search of the main scientific databases and other sources published in 1950-2007. Study methods and main results were summarised and tabulated according to the year of study, design and type of adverse reproductive outcome. The levels of evidence for reproductive toxicity in humans contributed by each study were assessed and the main limitations associated with these studies discussed. Residential proximity to agricultural pesticide applications may be an important source of ambient environmental exposure, but because of the underlying methodological difficulties, the strength of evidence for its relationship with adverse reproductive outcomes is generally weak and varied between outcomes. The evidence suggested an association for congenital malformations, but because of methodological limitations, such as poor exposure measurement and potentially inadequate control of confounding, a firm conclusion remains beyond reach. For the other outcomes (stillbirth, IUGR, low birthweight, preterm birth and miscarriage) the evidence for any associations was equivocal at best, but some leads warrant further investigation. Improved exposure assessment methods are needed to obtain a more reliable assessment of any risks.

Spatial and temporal distribution of acetochlor in sediments and riparian soils of the Songhua River Basin in northeastern China

The Songhua River Basin is a burgeoning agricultural area in the modern times in China. Particularly in recent years, increasing chemical fertilizers and pesticides have been applied with the development of agricultural production. However, the situation of non-point source pollution (NSP) from agricultural production in this basin is still obscure. In order to solve the problem, the occurrence and distribution of acetochlor in sediments and riparian soils of the Songhua River Basin before rain season and after rain season were investigated. In addition, total organic carbon was analyzed. The result showed that the concentration of acetochlor ranged from 0.47 to 11.76 microg/kg in sediments and 0.03 to 709.37 microg/kg in riparian soils. During the high flow period in 2009, the mean concentration was 4.79 microg/kg in sediments and 0.75 microg/kg in riparian soils, respectively. Similarly, the mean concentration was 2.53 microg/kg in sediments and 61.36 microg/kg in riparian soils, during the average flow period in 2010. There was a significant correlation between the concentration of acetochlor and total organic carbon in surface sediments. Moreover, the distribution of acetochlor in sediments of the Songhua River was significantly correlated to land use and topography of the watershed. The investigated data suggested that the concentration of acetochlor in the Songnen Plain and the Sanjiang Plain was higher than that in the other areas of the basin, and riparian buffering zones in these areas had been destroyed by human activities. The optimal agricultural measures to alleviate the contamination of pesticides should be adopted, including controlling agricultural application of acetochlor and ecological restoration of riparian buffering strips.

Effect of soil and sediment composition on acetochlor sorption and desorption

BACKGROUND, AIM, AND SCOPE

Herbicide fate and its transport in soils and sediments greatly depend upon sorption-desorption processes. Quantitative determination of herbicide sorption-desorption is therefore essential for both the understanding of transport and the sorption equilibrium in the soil/sediment-water system; and it is also an important parameter for predicting herbicide fate using mathematical simulation models. The total soil/sediment organic carbon content and its qualitative characteristics are the most important factors affecting sorption-desorption of herbicides in soil or sediment. Since the acetochlor is one of the most frequently used herbicides in Slovakia to control annual grasses and certain annual broad-leaved weeds in maize and potatoes, and posses various negative health effects on human beings, our aim in this study was to investigate acetochlor sorption and desorption in various soil/sediment samples from Slovakia. The main soil/sediment characteristics governing acetochlor sorption-desorption were also identified.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The sorption-desorption of acetochlor, using the batch equilibration method, was studied on eight surface soils, one subsurface soil and five sediments collected from the Laborec River and three water reservoirs. Soils and sediments were characterized by commonly used methods for their total organic carbon content, distribution of humus components, pH, grain-size distribution, and smectite content, and for calcium carbonate content. The effect of soil/sediment characteristics on acetochlor sorption-desorption was examined by simple correlation analysis.

RESULTS

Sorption of acetochlor was expressed as the distribution coefficient (K (d)). K (d) values slightly decreased as the initial acetochlor concentration increased. These values indicated that acetochlor was moderately sorbed by soils and sediments. Highly significant correlations between the K (d) values and the organic carbon content were observed at both initial concentrations. However, sorption of acetochlor was most closely correlated to the humic acid carbon, and less to the fulvic acid carbon. The total organic carbon content was found to also significantly influence acetochlor desorption.

DISCUSSION

Since the strong linear relationship between the K (d) values of acetochlor and the organic carbon content was already released, the corresponding K (oc) values were calculated. Considerable variation in the K (oc) values suggested that other soil/sediment parameters besides the total soil organic carbon content could be involved in acetochlor sorption. This was revealed by a significant correlation between the K (oc) values and the ratio of humic acid carbon to fulvic acid carbon (C(HA)/C(FA)).

CONCLUSIONS

When comparing acetochlor sorption in a range of soils and sediments, different K (d) values which are strongly correlated to the total organic carbon content were found. Concerning the humus fractions, the humic acid carbon content was strongly correlated to the K (d) values, and it is therefore a better predictor of the acetochlor sorption than the total organic carbon content. Variation in the K (oc) values was attributed to the differences in distribution of humus components between soils and sediments. Desorption of acetochlor was significantly influenced by total organic carbon content, with a greater organic carbon content reducing desorption.

RECOMMENDATIONS AND PERSPECTIVES

This study examined the sorption-desorption processes of acetochlor in soils and sediments. The obtained sorption data are important for qualitative assessment of acetochlor mobility in natural solids, but further studies must be carried out to understand its environmental fate and transport more thoroughly. Although, the total organic carbon content, the humus fractions of the organic matter and the C(HA)/C(FA) ratio were sufficient predictors of the acetochlor sorption-desorption. Further investigations of the structural and chemical characteristics of humic substances derived from different origins are necessary to more preciously explain differences in acetochlor sorption in the soils and sediments observed in this study.

Developing integrated multistate environmental public health surveillance

Environmental exposures cause substantial morbidity and mortality in the United States. A major goal of Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Environmental Public Health Tracking program is the development of a national network of health and environmental data with analytic tools for rapid evaluation of specific national or regional environmental health concerns. A six-state collaborative project in the northeast United States was established to assess the feasibility of such a system, assessing the possible association between ambient air quality and adverse birth outcomes. For this regional surveillance project, issues were discussed surrounding the design of a mutually acceptable protocol, obtaining human subjects' protection approvals, obtaining and organizing both the exposure and outcome data, analyzing the data both locally and regionally, and planning subsequent interventions to address identified public health concerns.

Mortality ascertainment of women veterans: a comparison of sources of vital status information, 1979-2002

BACKGROUND

To support health research on the unique cohort of women with a history of military service, this study assessed the completeness of mortality ascertainment for Texas women veterans in Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) and non-VA databases.

METHODS

We examined female veteran-specific mortality ascertainment comparing the VA Beneficiary Identification and Records Locator Subsystem Death File (BIRLS DF), VA Patient Treatment Files (PTF), and Social Security Administration-Death Master File (SSA-DMF) with Texas death certificate data. Databases were deterministically cross-linked, using female sex and social security numbers. Deterministic and probabilistic linkage methods were also compared.

RESULTS

Of 6,297 decedents identified by death certificates, SSA-DMF, BIRLS DF, and PTF databases identified 97.5% collectively and 94%, 77%, and 5% individually. Compared with Texas death certificates, sensitivity of VA and SSA databases improved with increasing age.

CONCLUSIONS

This study highlights that although the VA and SSA administrative databases have less complete ascertainment for younger decedents, combined these electronic databases provide nearly complete ascertainment for women veterans. Challenges related to large female-specific cross-linkage studies are explored, and a need to examine methods for female-specific health research studies in the general population is identified.

Atrazine-induced changes in aromatase activity in estrogen sensitive target tissues

Atrazine (ATR) is a pesticide used widely throughout North America. Although not directly estrogenic, ATR treatment has been shown to increase aromatase activity in tumor cell lines. Thus, it is suggested that ATR can increase local tissue estrogen levels in estrogen sensitive target tissues through increased aromatase activity. Therefore the effect of ATR on aromatase activity was measured in human granulosa-lutein cell cultures, cells that abundantly express aromatase, and endometrial stromal cell (ESC) cultures, cells that do not express aromatase. Aromatase activity was quantified by the tritiated water method and the specificity of the assay was confirmed by co-incubation with 4-hydroxyandrostenedione, an irreversible inhibitor of the catalytic activity of aromatase. Aromatase activity in ATR treated (1-10 microm) granulosa-lutein cells was increased more than 2-fold compared with control cultures. There were no treatment related changes in cellular protein and thus it is suggested that the ATR-induced change in aromatase activity was not due to an increase in cell number. ATR-treatment had no effect on ESC aromatase activity at any concentration tested. Similarly, there was no effect of ATR treatment on human recombinant aromatase activity in our cell-free test system. Therefore it is concluded that microm concentrations of ATR can increase aromatase activity of human granulosa cells but not ESC and this effect is not elicited at the enzyme level.