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Lozano-Paniagua D, Parrón T, Alarcón R, Requena M, Lacasaña M, Hernández AF. Renal tubular dysfunction in greenhouse farmers exposed to pesticides unveiled by a panel of molecular biomarkers of kidney injury. ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2023; 238:117200. [PMID: 37769834 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2023.117200] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/20/2023] [Revised: 09/23/2023] [Accepted: 09/25/2023] [Indexed: 10/03/2023]
Abstract
Growing evidence suggests that chronic exposure to pesticides may cause adverse effects on the health of the exposed population leading to organ-specific toxicity, including kidney damage. Traditional markers used to assess renal function (glomerular filtration rate (GFR), and serum creatinine and cystatin C -Cys-C-) are inadequate to evaluate a potential subclinical renal impairment linked to occupational exposure to pesticides, since levels above the upper limit of normal only occur when renal damage is very extensive. The use of more sensitive biomarkers is therefore needed. This study investigated novel urinary biomarkers of kidney function (microalbuminuria, osteopontin (OPN), trefoil factor 3 (TFF3), β-2-microglobulin, neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin (NGAL), and Cys-C), together with the aforementioned traditional serum biomarkers, to assess potential kidney damage in farmers exposed to pesticides in an intensive agriculture setting. The study population consisted of 175 greenhouse workers and 91 healthy control subjects from Almeria (Southeastern Spain), a major hub of greenhouse agriculture. Data were collected at two different time-points of the same crop season: a period with greater pesticide use (high exposure period) and another with lower pesticide use (low exposure period). Significantly higher urinary levels of OPN and TFF3 were found in greenhouse workers than in controls, and in the high pesticide exposure period compared to that of low exposure. These changes suggest a subclinical tubular damage linked to pesticide exposure. In contrast, microalbuminuria, GFR, serum creatinine and Cys-C failed to be associated with pesticide exposure, suggesting that glomerular function was spared. Increased OPN and TFF3 levels over time may suggest a gradual progression from tubular dysfunction to chronic kidney disease in the exposed population.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Tesifón Parrón
- University of Almería School of Health Sciences, Almería, Spain
| | - Raquel Alarcón
- University of Almería School of Health Sciences, Almería, Spain
| | - Mar Requena
- University of Almería School of Health Sciences, Almería, Spain
| | - Marina Lacasaña
- Escuela Andaluza de Salud Pública, Granada, Spain; Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Epidemiología y Salud Pública (CIBERESP), Spain; Instituto de Investigación Biosanitaria, Granada (ibs.GRANADA), Spain; Andalusian Health and Environment Observatory (OSMAN), Granada, Spain
| | - Antonio F Hernández
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Epidemiología y Salud Pública (CIBERESP), Spain; Instituto de Investigación Biosanitaria, Granada (ibs.GRANADA), Spain; Department of Legal Medicine and Toxicology, University of Granada School of Medicine, Granada, Spain.
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Zúñiga-Venegas LA, Hyland C, Muñoz-Quezada MT, Quirós-Alcalá L, Butinof M, Buralli R, Cardenas A, Fernandez RA, Foerster C, Gouveia N, Gutiérrez Jara JP, Lucero BA, Muñoz MP, Ramírez-Santana M, Smith AR, Tirado N, van Wendel de Joode B, Calaf GM, Handal AJ, Soares da Silva A, Cortés S, Mora AM. Health Effects of Pesticide Exposure in Latin American and the Caribbean Populations: A Scoping Review. ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH PERSPECTIVES 2022; 130:96002. [PMID: 36173136 PMCID: PMC9521041 DOI: 10.1289/ehp9934] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/03/2021] [Revised: 08/08/2022] [Accepted: 08/12/2022] [Indexed: 05/23/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Multiple epidemiological studies have shown that exposure to pesticides is associated with adverse health outcomes. However, the literature on pesticide-related health effects in the Latin American and the Caribbean (LAC) region, an area of intensive agricultural and residential pesticide use, is sparse. We conducted a scoping review to describe the current state of research on the health effects of pesticide exposure in LAC populations with the goal of identifying knowledge gaps and research capacity building needs. METHODS We searched PubMed and SciELO for epidemiological studies on pesticide exposure and human health in LAC populations published between January 2007 and December 2021. We identified 233 publications from 16 countries that met our inclusion criteria and grouped them by health outcome (genotoxicity, neurobehavioral outcomes, placental outcomes and teratogenicity, cancer, thyroid function, reproductive outcomes, birth outcomes and child growth, and others). RESULTS Most published studies were conducted in Brazil (37%, n = 88 ) and Mexico (20%, n = 46 ), were cross-sectional in design (72%, n = 167 ), and focused on farmworkers (45%, n = 105 ) or children (21%, n = 48 ). The most frequently studied health effects included genotoxicity (24%, n = 62 ) and neurobehavioral outcomes (21%, n = 54 ), and organophosphate (OP) pesticides were the most frequently examined (26%, n = 81 ). Forty-seven percent (n = 112 ) of the studies relied only on indirect pesticide exposure assessment methods. Exposure to OP pesticides, carbamates, or to multiple pesticide classes was consistently associated with markers of genotoxicity and adverse neurobehavioral outcomes, particularly among children and farmworkers. DISCUSSION Our scoping review provides some evidence that exposure to pesticides may adversely impact the health of LAC populations, but methodological limitations and inconsistencies undermine the strength of the conclusions. It is critical to increase capacity building, integrate research initiatives, and conduct more rigorous epidemiological studies in the region to address these limitations, better inform public health surveillance systems, and maximize the impact of research on public policies. https://doi.org/10.1289/EHP9934.
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Affiliation(s)
- Liliana A. Zúñiga-Venegas
- Centro de Investigaciones de Estudios Avanzados del Maule, Universidad Católica del Maule, Talca, Chile
| | - Carly Hyland
- Center for Environmental Research and Community Health, School of Public Health, University of California, Berkeley, Berkeley, California, USA
- School of Public Health and Population Science, Boise State University, Boise, Idaho, USA
| | - María Teresa Muñoz-Quezada
- Centro de Investigación en Neuropsicología y Neurociencias Cognitivas, Facultad de Ciencias de la Salud, Universidad Católica del Maule, Talca, Chile
| | - Lesliam Quirós-Alcalá
- Department of Environmental Health and Engineering, Bloomberg School of Public Health, John Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
- Maryland Institute of Applied Environmental Health, School of Public Health, University of Maryland, College Park, Maryland, USA
| | - Mariana Butinof
- Facultad de Ciencias Médicas, Universidad Nacional de Córdoba, Córdoba, Argentina
| | - Rafael Buralli
- Departamento de Saúde Ambiental, Faculdade de Saúde Pública, Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo, Brasil
| | - Andres Cardenas
- Center for Environmental Research and Community Health, School of Public Health, University of California, Berkeley, Berkeley, California, USA
| | - Ricardo A. Fernandez
- Facultad de Ciencias de la Salud, Universidad Católica de Córdoba, Córdoba, Argentina
| | - Claudia Foerster
- Instituto de Ciencias de la Agroalimentarias, Animales y Ambientales, Universidad de O’Higgins, San Fernando, Chile
| | - Nelson Gouveia
- Departamento de Medicina Preventiva, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo, Brasil
| | - Juan P. Gutiérrez Jara
- Centro de Investigaciones de Estudios Avanzados del Maule, Universidad Católica del Maule, Talca, Chile
| | - Boris A. Lucero
- Centro de Investigación en Neuropsicología y Neurociencias Cognitivas, Facultad de Ciencias de la Salud, Universidad Católica del Maule, Talca, Chile
| | - María Pía Muñoz
- Escuela de Salud Pública, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Chile, Santiago, Chile
| | - Muriel Ramírez-Santana
- Departamento de Salud Pública, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Católica del Norte, Coquimbo, Chile
| | - Anna R. Smith
- Center for Environmental Research and Community Health, School of Public Health, University of California, Berkeley, Berkeley, California, USA
| | - Noemi Tirado
- Instituto de Genética, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Mayor de San Andrés, Louisiana Paz, Bolivia
| | - Berna van Wendel de Joode
- Infants’ Environmental Health Study, Central American Institute for Studies on Toxic Substances, Universidad Nacional, Heredia, Costa Rica
| | - Gloria M. Calaf
- Instituto de Alta Investigación, Universidad de Tarapacá, Arica, Chile
- Columbia University Medical Center, New York, New York, USA
| | - Alexis J. Handal
- Department of Epidemiology, University of Michigan School of Public Health, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA
| | | | - Sandra Cortés
- Centro Avanzado de Enfermedades Crónicas (ACCDiS), Centro de Desarrollo Urbano Sustentable, Departamento de Salud Pública, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Santiago, Chile
| | - Ana M. Mora
- Center for Environmental Research and Community Health, School of Public Health, University of California, Berkeley, Berkeley, California, USA
- Infants’ Environmental Health Study, Central American Institute for Studies on Toxic Substances, Universidad Nacional, Heredia, Costa Rica
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Lopes-Ferreira M, Maleski ALA, Balan-Lima L, Bernardo JTG, Hipolito LM, Seni-Silva AC, Batista-Filho J, Falcao MAP, Lima C. Impact of Pesticides on Human Health in the Last Six Years in Brazil. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 19:ijerph19063198. [PMID: 35328887 PMCID: PMC8951416 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph19063198] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2021] [Revised: 01/26/2022] [Accepted: 01/28/2022] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Every year, Brazil intensifies its activity in agriculture and, as a result, it has become one of the biggest consumers of pesticides in the world. The high rate of these substances raises environmental and human health concerns. Therefore, we collected papers from PubMed, Scopus, Scielo, and Web of Science databases, from 2015 to 2021. After a blind selection using the software Rayyan QCRI by two authors, 51 studies were included. Researchers from the South and the Southeast Brazilian regions contributed to most publications, from areas that concentrate agricultural commodity complexes. Among the pesticides described in the studies, insecticides, herbicides, and fungicides were the most frequent. The articles reported multiple toxic effects, particularly in rural workers. The results obtained can be used to direct policies to reduce the use of pesticides, and to protect the health of the population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Monica Lopes-Ferreira
- Immunoregulation Unit of the Laboratory of Applied Toxinology (CeTICs/FAPESP), Butantan Institute, Vital Brazil Avenue, 1500, Butantan, São Paulo 05503-009, Brazil; (A.L.A.M.); (L.B.-L.); (J.T.G.B.); (L.M.H.); (A.C.S.-S.); (J.B.-F.); (M.A.P.F.); (C.L.)
- Correspondence:
| | - Adolfo Luis Almeida Maleski
- Immunoregulation Unit of the Laboratory of Applied Toxinology (CeTICs/FAPESP), Butantan Institute, Vital Brazil Avenue, 1500, Butantan, São Paulo 05503-009, Brazil; (A.L.A.M.); (L.B.-L.); (J.T.G.B.); (L.M.H.); (A.C.S.-S.); (J.B.-F.); (M.A.P.F.); (C.L.)
- Post-Graduation Program of Toxinology, Butantan Institute, São Paulo 05503-009, Brazil
| | - Leticia Balan-Lima
- Immunoregulation Unit of the Laboratory of Applied Toxinology (CeTICs/FAPESP), Butantan Institute, Vital Brazil Avenue, 1500, Butantan, São Paulo 05503-009, Brazil; (A.L.A.M.); (L.B.-L.); (J.T.G.B.); (L.M.H.); (A.C.S.-S.); (J.B.-F.); (M.A.P.F.); (C.L.)
| | - Jefferson Thiago Gonçalves Bernardo
- Immunoregulation Unit of the Laboratory of Applied Toxinology (CeTICs/FAPESP), Butantan Institute, Vital Brazil Avenue, 1500, Butantan, São Paulo 05503-009, Brazil; (A.L.A.M.); (L.B.-L.); (J.T.G.B.); (L.M.H.); (A.C.S.-S.); (J.B.-F.); (M.A.P.F.); (C.L.)
| | - Lucas Marques Hipolito
- Immunoregulation Unit of the Laboratory of Applied Toxinology (CeTICs/FAPESP), Butantan Institute, Vital Brazil Avenue, 1500, Butantan, São Paulo 05503-009, Brazil; (A.L.A.M.); (L.B.-L.); (J.T.G.B.); (L.M.H.); (A.C.S.-S.); (J.B.-F.); (M.A.P.F.); (C.L.)
| | - Ana Carolina Seni-Silva
- Immunoregulation Unit of the Laboratory of Applied Toxinology (CeTICs/FAPESP), Butantan Institute, Vital Brazil Avenue, 1500, Butantan, São Paulo 05503-009, Brazil; (A.L.A.M.); (L.B.-L.); (J.T.G.B.); (L.M.H.); (A.C.S.-S.); (J.B.-F.); (M.A.P.F.); (C.L.)
- Post-Graduation Program of Toxinology, Butantan Institute, São Paulo 05503-009, Brazil
| | - Joao Batista-Filho
- Immunoregulation Unit of the Laboratory of Applied Toxinology (CeTICs/FAPESP), Butantan Institute, Vital Brazil Avenue, 1500, Butantan, São Paulo 05503-009, Brazil; (A.L.A.M.); (L.B.-L.); (J.T.G.B.); (L.M.H.); (A.C.S.-S.); (J.B.-F.); (M.A.P.F.); (C.L.)
- Post-Graduation Program of Toxinology, Butantan Institute, São Paulo 05503-009, Brazil
| | - Maria Alice Pimentel Falcao
- Immunoregulation Unit of the Laboratory of Applied Toxinology (CeTICs/FAPESP), Butantan Institute, Vital Brazil Avenue, 1500, Butantan, São Paulo 05503-009, Brazil; (A.L.A.M.); (L.B.-L.); (J.T.G.B.); (L.M.H.); (A.C.S.-S.); (J.B.-F.); (M.A.P.F.); (C.L.)
| | - Carla Lima
- Immunoregulation Unit of the Laboratory of Applied Toxinology (CeTICs/FAPESP), Butantan Institute, Vital Brazil Avenue, 1500, Butantan, São Paulo 05503-009, Brazil; (A.L.A.M.); (L.B.-L.); (J.T.G.B.); (L.M.H.); (A.C.S.-S.); (J.B.-F.); (M.A.P.F.); (C.L.)
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Liem JF, Mansyur M, Soemarko DS, Kekalih A, Subekti I, Suyatna FD, Suryandari DA, Malik SG, Pangaribuan B. Cumulative exposure characteristics of vegetable farmers exposed to Chlorpyrifos in Central Java - Indonesia; a cross-sectional study. BMC Public Health 2021; 21:1066. [PMID: 34090393 PMCID: PMC8178818 DOI: 10.1186/s12889-021-11161-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/04/2021] [Accepted: 05/27/2021] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Agriculture is a major economic sector in Indonesia. Chemical pesticides are widely being used in agriculture for controlling pest. There is a growing concern that pesticide exposure, particularly chlorpyrifos (CPF) exposure, combined with other occupational characteristics that determine the level of exposure, can lead to further health impacts for farmers. Our objective was to evaluate the cumulative exposure characteristics among farmers exposed to CPF by using a validated algorithm. Methods We conducted a cross-sectional study of 152 vegetable farmers aged 18–65 who actively used CPF for at least 1 year in Central Java, Indonesia. Subject characteristics were obtained using a structured interviewer-administered questionnaire, addressed for sociodemographic and work-related characteristics. The cumulative exposure level (CEL) was estimated as a function of the intensity level of pesticide exposure (IL), lifetime years of pesticide use and the number of days spraying per year. CEL was subsequently classified into two groups, high and low exposure groups. The difference in characteristics of the study population was measured using Chi-square, independent-t or Mann-Whitney test. Association between CEL and its characteristics variables were performed by multiple linear regression. Results Seventy-one subjects (46.7%) were classified as the high exposure group. The use of multiple pesticide mixtures was common among our study population, with 94% of them using 2 or more pesticides. 73% reported direct contact with concentrated pesticides product, and over 80% reported being splashed or spilt during preparation or spraying activity. However, we found that the proportion of proper personal protective equipment (PPE) use in our subjects was low. Higher volume of mixture applied (p < 0.001) and broader acres of land (p = 0.001) were associated with higher cumulative exposure level, while using long-sleeved clothes and long pants (p < 0.05) during pesticide spraying were associated with lower cumulative exposure after adjusted for age and gender. Conclusions These findings indicate an inadequate knowledge of using pesticides properly. Thus, we recommend comprehensive training on pesticide usage and encourage proper PPE to reduce the exposure level.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jen Fuk Liem
- Doctoral Program, Faculty of Medicine Universitas Indonesia, Jakarta, 10430, Indonesia. .,Department of Occupational Health and Safety, Faculty of Medicine and Health Science Universitas Kristen Krida Wacana, Jakarta, 11510, Indonesia.
| | - Muchtaruddin Mansyur
- Community Medicine Department, Faculty of Medicine Universitas Indonesia, Jakarta, 10320, Indonesia
| | - Dewi S Soemarko
- Community Medicine Department, Faculty of Medicine Universitas Indonesia, Jakarta, 10320, Indonesia
| | - Aria Kekalih
- Community Medicine Department, Faculty of Medicine Universitas Indonesia, Jakarta, 10320, Indonesia
| | - Imam Subekti
- Department of Internal Medicine, Faculty of Medicine Universitas Indonesia, Jakarta, 10430, Indonesia
| | - Franciscus D Suyatna
- Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, Faculty of Medicine Universitas Indonesia, Jakarta, 10430, Indonesia
| | - Dwi A Suryandari
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Medicine Universitas Indonesia, Jakarta, 10430, Indonesia
| | - Safarina G Malik
- Eijkman Institute for Molecular Biology, National Research and Innovation Agency, Jalan Diponegoro No. 69, Kota Jakarta Pusat, Jakarta, Indonesia
| | - Bertha Pangaribuan
- Prodia Occupational Health Institute International, Jakarta, 10430, Indonesia
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Lozano-Paniagua D, Parrón T, Alarcón R, Requena M, López-Guarnido O, Lacasaña M, Hernández AF. Evaluation of conventional and non-conventional biomarkers of liver toxicity in greenhouse workers occupationally exposed to pesticides. Food Chem Toxicol 2021; 151:112127. [PMID: 33722595 DOI: 10.1016/j.fct.2021.112127] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2021] [Revised: 03/01/2021] [Accepted: 03/09/2021] [Indexed: 01/14/2023]
Abstract
The liver plays a prominent role in maintenance of homeostasis and is the major organ for xenobiotic metabolism, including pesticides. Conventional liver function tests are widely used to assess hepatocellular and biliary system dysfunction by measuring serum levels of aminotransferases (ALT, AST) and cholestasis enzymes (alkaline phosphatase -ALP- and γ-glutamyl transferase -GGT-), respectively. Although these tests are not entirely specific for liver damage, their specificity increases when measured concurrently, but still have limited usefulness to predict early liver dysfunction. Hence, non-conventional biomarkers may have a better performance for the early detection of biochemical hepatotoxicity with a greater specificity and sensitivity. A cross-sectional study with a follow-up component was conducted on 175 greenhouse workers regularly exposed to pesticides under integrated production system, and 91 controls living in the same geographical area. All individuals were evaluated for conventional (ALT, AST, ALP, GGT) and non-conventional biomarkers of hepatotoxicity (ornithine transcarbamylase (-OTC-), Arginase-1 -ARG1- and glutathione S-transferase alpha -GSTα-) over two periods of the same crop season, one of high pesticide exposure and other of low exposure. A slight increase in AST was observed in greenhouse workers relative to controls, suggestive of subtle hepatocellular toxicity. Although ALP, ARG1 and GST-α levels were decreased in greenhouse workers, this might be related to a potential homeostatic mechanism that regulates their expression. Altogether, these findings do not represent unambiguous evidence of liver dysfunction (e.g., hepatocellular or biliary system impairment) but may be the result of the low-toxicity pesticides used by greenhouse workers.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Tesifón Parrón
- University of Almería School of Health Sciences, Almería, Spain
| | - Raquel Alarcón
- University of Almería School of Health Sciences, Almería, Spain
| | - Mar Requena
- University of Almería School of Health Sciences, Almería, Spain
| | - Olga López-Guarnido
- Department of Legal Medicine and Toxicology, University of Granada School of Medicine, Granada, Spain
| | - Marina Lacasaña
- Escuela Andaluza de Salud Pública, Granada, Spain; Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Epidemiología y Salud Pública (CIBERESP), Spain; Instituto de Investigación Biosanitaria, Granada (ibs.GRANADA), Spain
| | - Antonio F Hernández
- Department of Legal Medicine and Toxicology, University of Granada School of Medicine, Granada, Spain; Instituto de Investigación Biosanitaria, Granada (ibs.GRANADA), Spain.
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Bernieri T, Rodrigues D, Randon Barbosa I, Perassolo MS, Grolli Ardenghi P, Basso da Silva L. Effect of pesticide exposure on total antioxidant capacity and biochemical parameters in Brazilian soybean farmers. Drug Chem Toxicol 2021; 44:170-176. [PMID: 30950301 DOI: 10.1080/01480545.2019.1566353] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/06/2018] [Revised: 12/19/2018] [Accepted: 12/20/2018] [Indexed: 10/27/2022]
Abstract
Farmers represent a population highly vulnerable to the toxic effects of pesticide exposure. Antioxidant capacity and biochemical parameters have been used as biomarkers of occupational exposure to pesticides. The aim of this study was to evaluate hepatic and renal parameters as well as butyrylcholinesterase (BChE) activity and ferric-reducing ability of plasma (FRAP) considering high and low exposure periods in soybean farmers in southern Brazil. The exposed group consisted of 50 soybean farmers. Two control groups were used, composed by 35 (Novo Hamburgo control group) and 28 (Sertão control group) subjects not exposed to pesticides. Farmers blood samples were collected during the high and low pesticide exposure periods. BChE, aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), gamma-glutamyltransferase (GGT), urea, and creatinine levels were determined. The FRAP assay was carried out to evaluate the antioxidant potential in the exposed group. Considering the exposed group, significantly lower BChE and increased AST activity were observed during high pesticide exposure period as well as higher FRAP, urea and creatinine levels; however, ALT and GGT did not differ between the two periods. When compared with the control groups, only urea and creatinine were higher in the exposed group. The present results indicate that occupational exposure to mixtures of pesticides might elicit adverse effects at the biochemical level. In addition, the study highlights the importance in considering periods of a same crop season with different degree of pesticide exposure during biologic monitoring of these biochemical parameters.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tanandra Bernieri
- Health Sciences Institute, Feevale University, Novo Hamburgo, Brazil
| | - Dabiana Rodrigues
- Health Sciences Institute, Feevale University, Novo Hamburgo, Brazil
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7
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Sine H, Achbani A, Filali K. Measuring butyrylcholinesterase activity and hematological parameters in farmers exposed to pesticides: a case and control study from Morocco. ARCHIVES OF ENVIRONMENTAL & OCCUPATIONAL HEALTH 2021; 77:345-350. [PMID: 33583346 DOI: 10.1080/19338244.2021.1886034] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
The Farmers are exposed to a wide range of pesticides. The application of these pesticides has been documented to lead to several adverse health effects. This aim of this case-control study was to estimate risks linked to pesticide exposure among farmers in the Souss region of Morocco through the analysis of serum butyrylcholinesterase (BChE) activity and hematological parameters. This prospective study included 98 participants (49 farmers and 49 controls). A questionnaire was used to collect socio-demographic data, technical information regarding the application of pesticides, previous poisonings by pesticides, and training on the use of pesticides. The blood samples were collected for hematological parameters and BChE analysis, and the activity of BChE was measured spectrophotometrically by the butyrlthiocholine method. The results showed no significant differences in hemoglobin (HB), hematocrit, mean corpuscular volume, platelets, red blood cell, and leukocyte cell counts between both the exposed farmer and the control group. In contrast, a significant decreased in mean corpuscular HB, mean corpuscular HB concentration, eosinophils, and basophils counts were observed. In addition, the exposed group showed a significant decrease in the BChE activity (p < .001) compared to the control group. Farmers exposed to pesticides in the Souss Massa region may be at risk of hematological alterations as well as neurotoxicity, characterized by inhibition of BChE enzyme activity.
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Affiliation(s)
- H Sine
- Medical Biology, Human and Experimental Pathologyand Environment, Department of Life and Health Science, Faculty of Medicine and Pharmacy, Mohamed V University, Rabat, Morocco
| | - A Achbani
- Laboratory of Cell Biology and Molecular Genetics, Department of Biology, Faculty of Sciences, Ibn Zohr, Agadir, Morocco
| | - K Filali
- Medical Biology, Human and Experimental Pathologyand Environment, Department of Life and Health Science, Faculty of Medicine and Pharmacy, Mohamed V University, Rabat, Morocco
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Buralli RJ, Ribeiro H, Iglesias V, Muñoz-Quezada MT, Leão RS, Marques RC, Almeida MMCD, Guimarães JRD. Occupational exposure to pesticides and health symptoms among family farmers in Brazil. Rev Saude Publica 2020; 54:133. [PMID: 33331527 PMCID: PMC7703531 DOI: 10.11606/s1518-8787.2020054002263] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/12/2019] [Accepted: 04/09/2020] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE: To explore the association of occupational pesticide exposure with acute and mental health symptoms. METHODS: Cross-sectional survey carried out with 78 Brazilian family farmers, who were pesticide applicators and helpers conveniently selected. Symptoms and exposure data were collected by interviews, and mental health outcomes by the Self-Reporting Questionnaire. Blood samples were analyzed to assess cholinesterase levels. Exposure indicators and symptoms were compared between applicators and helpers, and Poisson regression was performed to estimate prevalence ratios. RESULTS: Farmers reported exposure to multiple pesticides from early ages; they worked without safety training, technical support, and full protective equipment, and they had a high prevalence of acute and mental health symptoms (e.g., headache, mucosal irritation, tachycardia, and depressive signs). Applicators had more cholinesterase changes than helpers, but less symptoms. Helpers used less personal protection and had significantly higher prevalence ratio of headache, dyspnea, wheezing, cough, poor digestion, tiredness, and feeling worthless, after adjustment. CONCLUSIONS: Acute and mental health symptoms were observed, both among farmers and helpers. Thus, surveillance actions must be reinforced in Brazil, technical support and safety training improved, focused on applicators and helpers, who are occupationally and environmentally exposed to pesticides. Agricultural practices of these groups with less pesticide use should receive incentive.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rafael Junqueira Buralli
- Universidade de São Paulo. Faculdade de Saúde Pública. Programa de Pós-Graduação em Saúde Pública. São Paulo, SP, Brasil
| | - Helena Ribeiro
- Universidade de São Paulo. Faculdade de Saúde Pública. Departamento de Saúde Ambiental. São Paulo, SP, Brasil
| | - Verónica Iglesias
- Universidad de Chile. Escuela de Salud Pública. Departamento de Epidemiología. Santiago, Chile
| | | | - Renata Spolti Leão
- Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais. Centro de Tecnologia em Nanomateriais e Grafeno. Belo Horizonte, MG, Brasil
| | - Rejane Correa Marques
- Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Campus Macaé. Centro Multidisciplinar - UFRJ. Macaé, RJ, Brasil
| | | | - Jean Remy Davée Guimarães
- Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro. Instituto de Biofísica Carlos Chagas Filho. Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brasil
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Boedeker W, Watts M, Clausing P, Marquez E. The global distribution of acute unintentional pesticide poisoning: estimations based on a systematic review. BMC Public Health 2020; 20:1875. [PMID: 33287770 PMCID: PMC7720593 DOI: 10.1186/s12889-020-09939-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 140] [Impact Index Per Article: 35.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/20/2020] [Accepted: 11/19/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Human poisoning by pesticides has long been seen as a severe public health problem. As early as 1990, a task force of the World Health Organization (WHO) estimated that about one million unintentional pesticide poisonings occur annually, leading to approximately 20,000 deaths. Thirty years on there is no up-to-date picture of global pesticide poisoning despite an increase in global pesticide use. Our aim was to systematically review the prevalence of unintentional, acute pesticide poisoning (UAPP), and to estimate the annual global number of UAPP. METHODS We carried out a systematic review of the scientific literature published between 2006 and 2018, supplemented by mortality data from WHO. We extracted data from 157 publications and the WHO cause-of-death database, then performed country-wise synopses, and arrived at annual numbers of national UAPP. World-wide UAPP was estimated based on national figures and population data for regions defined by the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO). RESULTS In total 141 countries were covered, including 58 by the 157 articles and an additional 83 by data from the WHO Mortality Database. Approximately 740,000 annual cases of UAPP were reported by the extracted publications resulting from 7446 fatalities and 733,921 non-fatal cases. On this basis, we estimate that about 385 million cases of UAPP occur annually world-wide including around 11,000 fatalities. Based on a worldwide farming population of approximately 860 million this means that about 44% of farmers are poisoned by pesticides every year. The greatest estimated number of UAPP cases is in southern Asia, followed by south-eastern Asia and east Africa with regards to non-fatal UAPP. CONCLUSIONS Our study updates outdated figures on world-wide UAPP. Along with other estimates, robust evidence is presented that acute pesticide poisoning is an ongoing major global public health challenge. There is a need to recognize the high burden of non-fatal UAPP, particularly on farmers and farmworkers, and that the current focus solely on fatalities hampers international efforts in risk assessment and prevention of poisoning. Implementation of the international recommendations to phase out highly hazardous pesticides by the FAO Council could significantly reduce the burden of UAPP.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Meriel Watts
- PAN Asia Pacific, P.O. Box 1170, 10850, Penang, Malaysia
| | | | - Emily Marquez
- PAN North America, 2029 University Ave., Suite 200, Berkeley, CA, 94704, USA
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Sapbamrer R, Thammachai A. Factors affecting use of personal protective equipment and pesticide safety practices: A systematic review. ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2020; 185:109444. [PMID: 32247154 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2020.109444] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/17/2020] [Revised: 03/24/2020] [Accepted: 03/24/2020] [Indexed: 05/21/2023]
Abstract
An evidence-based understanding of factors influencing PPE use and pesticide safety practices has the benefit of facilitating the design of interventions to minimize exposure to pesticides and the promotion of the utilization of PPE and safety practices among agricultural pesticide handlers. The aim of this study, therefore, is to review the available literature on the use of PPE in agricultural pesticide handlers in world regions, and also the factors associated with the use of PPE and pesticide safety practices in farmers and farm workers. Full-text articles published on PubMed, Scopus, and ISI databases between 1999 and 2019 were reviewed and the scientific evidence was evaluated. One hundred and twenty-one articles were eligible for inclusion in this quantitative synthesis: 110 evaluated PPE use in agricultural pesticide handlers, and 23 focused on factors affecting PPE use and pesticide safety practices. Considerable evidence was found to show that the most basic PPE worn among pesticide handlers in all world regions was a long sleeve shirt (66.1%), long sleeve trousers (71.1%), and a hat (47.3%). The lowest basic PPE worn was an apron (8.6%), goggles (24.3%), gloves (40.5%), boots (42.3%), and mask (43.2%). The PPE worn (except for an apron) was proportionally higher in farmers than in farm workers. There is considerable evidence to suggest that the significant determinants associated with PPE use and pesticide safety practices are as follows: (1) demographic factors (i.e. education/literacy level, experience of illness, income); (2) farm structure factors (i.e. farm size); (3) behavioral and psychosocial factors (i.e. contact with pesticides, perceptions, attitudes, awareness, norms and beliefs); and (4) environmental factors (i.e. information about pesticides, access to extension services, training program, and farm organization). Therefore, there is a recognizable need for a life-long education program with training to change the perception and behavior of pesticide handlers sustainably.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ratana Sapbamrer
- Department of Community Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Chiang Mai University, 110 Inthavaroros Road, Sri Phum Subdistrict, Muang District, Chiang Mai Province, 50200, Thailand.
| | - Ajchamon Thammachai
- Department of Community Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Chiang Mai University, 110 Inthavaroros Road, Sri Phum Subdistrict, Muang District, Chiang Mai Province, 50200, Thailand; Department of Physical Therapy, School of Allied Health Sciences, University of Phayao, 19 Mae Ka Subdistrcit, Muang District, Phayao Province, 56000, Thailand
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Mueangkhiao P, Siviroj P, Sapbamrer R, Khacha-Ananda S, Lungkaphin A, Seesen M, Jaikwang P, Wunnapuk K. Biological variation in kidney injury and kidney function biomarkers among farmers in Lamphun province, Thailand. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2020; 27:12386-12394. [PMID: 31989504 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-020-07661-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/03/2019] [Accepted: 01/07/2020] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
Frequent and long-term exposure to pesticides can induce acute kidney injury and subsequent chronic kidney diseases. In this study, we aimed to investigate the correlation between kidney injury, kidney function biomarkers, and pesticide use in farmers from the Pasang district, Lamphun province, Thailand. A cross-sectional study was performed in 59 farmers occupationally exposed to various types of pesticides. The levels of urinary neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin (uNGAL), serum creatinine (sCr), urinary microalbumin-to-creatinine ratio (ACR), serum cystatin C (sCys-C), estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR), and exposure intensity index (EII) were evaluated. Spearman's correlation and a linear regression analysis were carried out to investigate the association between age, pesticide use, EII, kidney injury markers, and kidney function biomarkers. The most common pesticide used in this study area was glyphosate, followed by paraquat and iprodione. Urinary NGAL levels showed a significant correlation with sCys-C levels, EII, and eGFR Cr-Cys. In addition, the sCr levels were associated with glyphosate use (B = 0.08) and EII (B = 0.01). In conclusion, occupation exposure to pesticides is likely to be linked to kidney injury and dysfunction. Pesticide mix status, pesticide application method, equipment repair status, and personal protective equipment (PPE) use are all involved in changes in kidney markers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Patthawee Mueangkhiao
- Department of Forensic Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai, Thailand
| | - Penprapa Siviroj
- Department of Community Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai, Thailand
| | - Ratana Sapbamrer
- Department of Community Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai, Thailand
| | - Supakit Khacha-Ananda
- Department of Forensic Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai, Thailand
| | - Anusorn Lungkaphin
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai, Thailand
| | - Mathuramat Seesen
- Department of Community Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai, Thailand
| | - Pittaya Jaikwang
- Department of Forensic Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai, Thailand
| | - Klintean Wunnapuk
- Department of Forensic Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai, Thailand.
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Milhome MAL, de Lima LK, de A Nobre C, de A F Lima F, do Nascimento RF. Effect of ozonization in degradation of trifluralin residues in aqueous and food matrices. JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND HEALTH. PART. B, PESTICIDES, FOOD CONTAMINANTS, AND AGRICULTURAL WASTES 2018; 53:786-792. [PMID: 30199326 DOI: 10.1080/03601234.2018.1505074] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
This study investigates the oxidation of trifluralin residues during ozonation in aqueous and food matrices (tomato). Domestic ozonation equipment with average production of 23.9 mg O3 L-1 h-1 was used in the tests. Modern chromatographic systems (SPME-GC-IT/MS/MS and QuEChERS-GC-IT/MS/MS) were applied for extraction and detection of trifluralin residue in fortified samples of ultrapure water, tap water, superficial water and tomato fruit. The samples were submitted to the ozonation process during 0, 5, 10 and 20 min. Treatment at 5 min was able to degrade 71.5% of herbicide trifluralin in surface water. The removal (%) in ultrapure water reached 83.4% after 20 min of ozonation. The degradation of trifluralin in fortified tomato samples (0.025-0.1 mg kg-1) were conducted with ozonation at 20 min, and it ranged from 84.4 to 92.7%. After treatment, levels of trifluralin in tomato remained within the established MRLs to EU, USEPA and ANVISA (Brazil). The data provided evidence that ozone is effective for removing trace trifluralin from water and foods.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria A L Milhome
- a Departamento de Tecnologia de Alimentos , Instituto Federal de Educação, Ciência e Tecnologia do Ceará-IFCE , Limoeiro do Norte , Brazil
| | - Lucélia K de Lima
- b Rua Rômulo Proença S/N, Campus do Pici , Fundação Núcleo de Tecnologia Industrial do Ceará (NUTEC) , Fortaleza , Brazil
| | - Crisiana de A Nobre
- b Rua Rômulo Proença S/N, Campus do Pici , Fundação Núcleo de Tecnologia Industrial do Ceará (NUTEC) , Fortaleza , Brazil
| | - Francisco de A F Lima
- b Rua Rômulo Proença S/N, Campus do Pici , Fundação Núcleo de Tecnologia Industrial do Ceará (NUTEC) , Fortaleza , Brazil
| | - Ronaldo F do Nascimento
- c Departamento de Química Analítica e Físico Química , Universidade Federal do Ceará, Rua Humberto Monte , Fortaleza , Brazil
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Novel cysteine- and albumin-adduct biomarkers to prove human poisoning with the pesticide oxydemeton-S-methyl. Toxicol Lett 2018; 294:122-134. [DOI: 10.1016/j.toxlet.2018.05.023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/27/2018] [Revised: 05/14/2018] [Accepted: 05/15/2018] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
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