Synthetic Pesticides and Health in Vulnerable Populations: Agricultural Workers: Agricultural Workers

Cynthia L. Curl, Meredith Spivak, Rachel Phinney, Luke Montrose

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

84 Scopus citations
2 Downloads (Pure)

Abstract

Purpose of Review: This review aims to summarize epidemiological literature published between May 15, 2018 and May 14, 2019 that examines the relationship between exposure to synthetic pesticides and health of agricultural workers.

Recent Findings: Current research suggests that exposure to synthetic pesticides may be associated with adverse health outcomes. Agricultural workers represent a potentially vulnerable population, due to a combination of unique social and cultural risk factors as well as exposure to hazards inherent in farm work. Pesticide exposure among agricultural workers has been linked to certain cancers, DNA damage, oxidative stress, neurological disorders, as well as respiratory, metabolic, and thyroid effects.

Summary: This review describes literature suggesting that agricultural workers exposed to synthetic pesticides are at an increased risk of certain cancers and neurological disorders. Recent research on respiratory effects is sparse, and more research is warranted regarding DNA damage, oxidative stress, metabolic outcomes and thyroid effects.

Original languageAmerican English
Pages (from-to)13-29
Number of pages17
JournalPublic Health and Population Science Faculty Publications and Presentations
Volume7
Issue number1
DOIs
StatePublished - 1 Mar 2020

Keywords

  • DNA damage
  • agricultural workers
  • cancer
  • farmworkers
  • pesticide exposure
  • synthetic pesticides

EGS Disciplines

  • Community Health and Preventive Medicine
  • Occupational Health and Industrial Hygiene

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