15
Sep
With Global Disease Rates Rising, Do Pesticides Take Some of the Blame? Science Says, “Yes.”
(Beyond Pesticides, September 15, 2022) A review published in Scientific African finds pesticide exposure contributes to the increase in non-communicable diseases (NCDs) in Tanzania, reflecting implications for global health. There are four main NCDs, including cardiovascular diseases, cancers, respiratory diseases, and endocrine-disrupting diseases like diabetes. These diseases have no bacterial, viral, or fungal causes, but are chronic diseases with risk factors like genetics, tobacco/alcohol use, physical activity, and diet, thus lacking transmission between people. However, research is now investigating the role environmental factors play in NCD risks, such as outdoor and indoor air pollution, exposure to chemicals, radiation, and occupation. Regardless of whether working together or separately, these risk factors contribute to NCDs and subsequent health conditions. Non-communicable diseases are on the rise, and the World Health Organization (WHO) classifies non-communicable diseases as the number one cause of death globally, affecting 41 million individuals. Moreover, WHO estimates NCD death rates to increase by 17 percent in the next decade, significantly surpassing deaths from communicable, maternal, perinatal, and nutritional diseases combined. Therefore, the report notes, “This review is informative to the policy, practices, and intervention towards the existing situation of pesticides in Tanzania. In addition, it calls for further investigation of the absence of data on pesticide exposure and NCDs.”
The review highlights existing information on pesticide exposure, health effects, and handling/management for current pesticide regulations in Tanzania. From 2017 to 2018, the authors observed an increase in pesticide imports, up to 4.5 million liters, and the registration of 1,114 pesticides. Ecological evaluations demonstrate the pervasiveness of pesticide residues in food, water, and soil resources, identifying intolerable contamination levels. Moreover, residents of Tanzania lack proper awareness of the harms of pesticide exposure among the population. Regardless of existing pesticide regulations in Tanzania, mismanagement of pesticides has led to higher exposure. The report also identifies occupational threats to public health as many low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) greatly depend on agriculture and take insufficient precautions during pesticide preparation and application to fields. Thus, the report finds an association between pesticide NCDs in Tanzania.
There are a wide range of diseases and ecological effects linked to pesticides. Of the 40 most commonly used lawn and landscape pesticides in the U.S., 26 are possible or known carcinogens, 24 have the potential to disrupt the endocrine (hormonal) system, 29 have links to reproductive and sexual dysfunction, 21 have associations with birth abnormalities, 24 are neurotoxic, 32 can cause kidney or liver damage, and 33 are sensitizers or irritants. Regarding adverse environmental effects, 21 are detectable in groundwater, 24 can leach into drinking water sources, 39 are toxic to fish and other aquatic organisms vital to our ecosystem, 33 are toxic to bees, 18 are toxic to mammals, and 28 are toxic to birds. Thus, pesticides are ubiquitous in the environment, remaining in soils, water (solid and liquid), and the surrounding air at levels exceeding U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) standards, with 90 percent of Americans having at least one pesticide compound in their body. However, the widespread and direct exposure from applications or indirect exposure from residues poses a threat to human health, especially during vulnerable life stages like childhood, puberty, pregnancy, and old age. A mother’s exposure to environmental toxicants while pregnant may increase the likelihood of developing brain abnormalities as most developmental disabilities begin before birth. Moreover, individuals living near agricultural areas experience higher exposure rates that increase the risk of birth defects, neurological disorders, respiratory diseases, and cancers.
These results are significant, not only as a reflection of chemical exposure effects throughout developing/LMICs, but in small regions within developed countries. Pesticide uses (from farming, occupation, pollution) in many low-middle income regions are much higher than wealthier regions. With elevated exposure in low- and middle-income communities, there is a disproportionate risk to occupational workers and individuals in these communities. The report concludes, “The findings from this review identify a need to investigate the contribution of pesticide exposure to the increased rates of NCDs and other related co-morbidities in Tanzania. Therefore, the Ministry of Agriculture, through TPRI in collaboration with the Ministry of Health, Ministry of Education and research institutions, should conduct an epidemiological study to investigate the extent of pesticide effects on human health in the country.”
Numerous studies indicate chemical exposure mainly stems from dietary exposure, like food and drinking water, and researchers caution that humans are likely to encounter hundreds to thousands of these chemicals. The scientific literature demonstrates pesticides’ long history of severe adverse effects on human health (i.e., endocrine disruption, cancer, reproductive/birth problems, neurotoxicity, loss of biodiversity, etc.) and wildlife and biodiversity. Therefore, understanding the risk that pesticide exposure plays in disease development is essential to consider since these chemicals can cause disproportionate health effects on individuals, especially in LMICs. With numerous global diseases associated with pesticide exposure, including NCDs, eliminating toxic pesticide use is crucial for safeguarding public health and addressing cost burdens for local communities. In response to current findings, policies should enforce stricter pesticide regulations that phase out hazardous chemical use. Beyond Pesticides tracks the most recent studies on pesticide exposure through our Pesticide Induced Diseases Database (PIDD). This database supports the clear need for strategic action to shift away from pesticide dependency. Learn more about how pesticides can adversely affect human and environmental health by reading Beyond Pesticides’ Pesticides and You article, “Highly Destructive Pesticide Effects Unregulated.”
One way to reduce human and environmental contamination from pesticides is by buying, growing, and supporting organic. Numerous studies find that pesticide metabolite levels in urine significantly drop when switching to an all-organic diet. Furthermore, given the wide availability of non-pesticidal alternative strategies, families and agro-industry workers can apply these methods to promote a safe and healthy environment, especially among chemically vulnerable individuals. For more information on how organic is the right choice for consumers, see the Beyond Pesticides webpage, Health Benefits of Organic Agriculture.
All unattributed positions and opinions in this piece are those of Beyond Pesticides.
Source: Scientific African
