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Nov
45 Different Cancers Associated with Work-Related Pesticide Exposure
(Beyond Pesticide, November 4, 2021) A scientific literature analysis by the Federal University of Goias, Brazil, finds occupational (work-related) exposure to agricultural pesticides increases the risk for 45 different types of cancer. This analysis assesses studies from the last decade—2011 to 2020—to identify cancer risk associated with occupational exposure by country, pesticide type, and methods used to diagnose disease. Many pesticides are “known or probable” carcinogens (cancer-causing agents), and widespread uses only amplify chemical hazards, adversely affecting human health. However, research on cancer and pesticides lacks comprehensive information regarding human health effects associated with long-term chemical use.
This study highlights the significant role that long-term research plays in identifying potential health concerns surrounding registered pesticides. The use of these xenobiotics (foreign chemical compounds) substances in agriculture are increasing. Thus, it is important those working with and around these toxicants have protection. The analysis notes, “Overall, then, the results of the present study emphasize the need to evaluate overuse of pesticides and the concomitant increase in the number of cancer cases. Future research should thus include active intervention in the correct use of pesticides by farmworkers and encourage adequate training and the use of PPEs [personal protective equipment], as well as routine periodic medical examinations.”
The present study investigated the association between cancer incidences and work-related pesticide exposure using scientific literature from the Scopus® database between January 2011 and December 2020. The database contains scientific literature from over 20 nations, including the U.S., France, Brazil, and India. Furthermore, researchers note pesticide use increased during this decade, along with the number of acute pesticide poisonings among farmworkers and the general public. Using the database, researchers searched the terms “pesticide,” “farmer,” and “cancer” to identify 104 studies, 62 of which demonstrated associations between susceptibility to cancer and direct and indirect pesticide exposure.
The analysis finds an association between pesticides (i.e., insecticides, herbicides, fungicides) and 45 different cancers. Multiple myeloma (plasma cell cancer), bladder cancer, non-Hodgkin lymphoma, and prostate cancer are the most prevalent forms of cancer. Among the evaluated studies, the U.S. has the most cancer incidents. The high incidence of cancer are most likely due to the availability of data on pesticide and disease risks. Moreover, the U.S. is a major producer of foodstuff. Brazil also has high rates of pesticide use associated with cancer diagnoses due to increasingly intensive use on exported crops. The incidence of European cancer related to pesticide exposure are lowest among the nations. However, France’s cancer research associated with cancer includes a large participant pool that allows researchers to identify cancer incidences more frequently. Of the methods used to detect cancer incidences from pesticide exposures, a majority are micronucleus tests, followed by hematological analyses and biochemical tests. During the duration of the study analysis, pesticide use peaked from 2017 to 2019. Researchers attribute this decline in related studies to the decrease in scientific publications following the start of the COVID-19 pandemic.
The connection between pesticides and associated cancer risks is not a new finding. Several studies link pesticide use and residue to various cancers, from more prevalent forms like breast cancer to rare forms like kidney cancer nephroblastoma (Wilms’ tumor). Applying the same U.S. Agricultural Health Study (AHS) cohort in this study, a past report demonstrates an association between cancer and pesticides such as 2,4-D, glyphosate, lindane, and DDT. Furthermore, this study confirms previous studies that find farmworkers experience higher rates of specific cancers, like brain cancer. The journal Occupational and Environmental Medicine indicates that farmworkers and persons exposed to high levels of pesticides have an increased risk of developing brain tumors. Farmworkers are at the greatest risk of pesticide-induced diseases, and their average life expectancy bears this out. According to the National Farm Worker Ministry, farmworkers have an average life span of 49 years, a 29 year difference from the general U.S. population.
The agricultural industry has a long-standing history of synthetic chemical use, which disproportionally affects farmworkers’ health. Thus, this study adds to the growing body of research demonstrating occupational exposure to pesticides contributes to higher cancer risk among farmworkers. Individuals working with and around these toxic chemicals are more susceptible to the augmented effects associated with cancer. Furthermore, farmworkers’ children are at greater risk as their immune system response is immature and especially vulnerable to stressors from pesticide exposure. Synthetic chemicals present in pesticides can accumulate in bodies, causing an amalgamation of health effects. These effects can range from heightened risks of various cancers (i.e., prostate, hepatic, liver, etc.) and endocrine disruption to mental health problems (i.e., depression), respiratory illnesses (asthma), and many other pesticide-induced diseases. However, pesticide exposure is ubiquitous and not only confined to a field. Although pesticide exposure through the skin or inhalation is most prevalent among individuals working around these toxic chemicals, the general population also experiences pesticide exposure through residues in food and water resources. Considering cancer is a significant risk to human health and an increasing issue globally, understanding how pesticide exposure influences disease risk is essential. Moreover, the researchers note “pesticides can induce the formation of the free radicals that cause oxidative stress and may provoke changes in the enzymatic system that eliminates and depletes the antioxidant reservoir in the cell, causing damage to the DNA, which may result in mutations, double-strand, and chromosomal breaks, and the formation of DNA adducts.” Therefore, studies like this one demonstrate the implications that extensive pesticide use has on future human health.
There is a lack of understanding behind the etiology of pesticide-induced diseases, including predictable lag time between chemical exposure, health impacts, and epidemiological data. Exposure to pesticides can increase the risk of developing chronic illnesses that may be rare and disproportionately impact various populations. Cancer is one of the leading causes of death worldwide, with over eight million people succumbing to the disease every year. Notably, the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) predicts an increase in new cancer cases from 19.3 million to 30.2 million per year by 2040. Therefore, studies related to pesticides and cancer will aid in understanding the underlying mechanisms that cause the disease.
It is essential to understand the health implications of pesticide use and exposure for humans, especially if pesticides increase chronic disease risk. Beyond Pesticides tracks the most recent news and studies related to pesticides through the Daily News Blog and Pesticide-Induced Diseases Database (PIDD). This database supports the clear need for strategic action to shift away from pesticide dependency. For more information on the adverse effects of pesticides on human health, see PIDD pages on cancer (including brain cancer), brain and nervous system disorders, endocrine disruption, and other diseases. Furthermore, to learn more about farmworker protection, please visit Beyond Pesticide’s Agricultural Justice page.
All unattributed positions and opinions in this piece are those of Beyond Pesticides.
Source: Federal University of Goias
Continuous monitoring and more research is needed. Decision makers need to understand the direct link between a host of diseases and pesticides. This study is giving us such important information.
November 4th, 2021 at 7:13 am