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Lupolt SN, Kim BF, Agnew J, Ramachandran G, Burke TA, Kennedy RD, Nachman KE. Application and demonstration of meso-activity exposure factors to advance estimates of incidental soil ingestion among agricultural workers. JOURNAL OF EXPOSURE SCIENCE & ENVIRONMENTAL EPIDEMIOLOGY 2024:10.1038/s41370-024-00671-0. [PMID: 38760534 DOI: 10.1038/s41370-024-00671-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/17/2023] [Revised: 04/02/2024] [Accepted: 04/05/2024] [Indexed: 05/19/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Soil is an understudied and underregulated pathway of chemical exposure, particularly for agricultural workers who cultivate food in soils. Little is known about how agricultural workers spend their time and how they may contact soil while growing food. Exposure factors are behavioral and environmental variables used in exposure estimation. OBJECTIVES Our study aimed to derive exposure factors describing how growers engage in different tasks and use those factors to advance the use of time-activity data to estimate soil ingestion exposures among agricultural workers. METHODS We administered a meso-activity-based, season-specific soil contact activity questionnaire to 38 fruit and vegetable growers. We asked growers to estimate the frequency and duration of six meso-activities and describe how they completed them. We used questionnaire data to derive exposure factors and estimate empirical and simulated exposures to a hypothetical contaminant in soil via incidental ingestion using daily, hourly, and hourly-task-specific ingestion rates. RESULTS We generated exposure factors characterizing the frequency and duration of six meso-activities by season, and self-reported soil contact, glove use, and handwashing practices by meso-activity and season. Seasonal average daily doses (ADDs) were similar across all three forms of ingestion rates. No consistent patterns regarding task-specific contributions to seasonal or annual ADDs were observed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sara N Lupolt
- Department of Environmental Health & Engineering, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD, USA.
- Johns Hopkins Center for a Livable Future, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD, USA.
- Risk Sciences and Public Policy Institute, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD, USA.
| | - Brent F Kim
- Department of Environmental Health & Engineering, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD, USA
- Johns Hopkins Center for a Livable Future, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Jacqueline Agnew
- Department of Environmental Health & Engineering, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Gurumurthy Ramachandran
- Department of Environmental Health & Engineering, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Thomas A Burke
- Risk Sciences and Public Policy Institute, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD, USA
- Department of Health Policy and Management, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Ryan David Kennedy
- Department of Health Behavior and Society, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Keeve E Nachman
- Department of Environmental Health & Engineering, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD, USA.
- Johns Hopkins Center for a Livable Future, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD, USA.
- Risk Sciences and Public Policy Institute, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD, USA.
- Department of Health Policy and Management, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD, USA.
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2
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Xie PP, Zong ZQ, Qiao JC, Li ZY, Hu CY. Exposure to pesticides and risk of colorectal cancer: A systematic review and meta-analysis. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2024; 345:123530. [PMID: 38341063 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2024.123530] [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: 07/25/2023] [Revised: 02/03/2024] [Accepted: 02/07/2024] [Indexed: 02/12/2024]
Abstract
Colorectal cancer (CRC) is a widespread malignancy worldwide, and its relationship with pesticide exposure remains inconclusive. This study aims to elucidate the relationship between pesticide exposure and the risk of colon, rectal, or CRC, focusing on specific pesticide groups. We conducted an extensive literature search for peer-reviewed studies published up to March 31, 2023. Summary risk ratios (RR) and their corresponding 95% confidence intervals (CI) were calculated using stratified random-effects meta-analyses, taking into account different types of exposure and outcomes, and various exposed populations and pesticide subgroups. This approach aimed to address the substantial heterogeneity observed across the literature. We also assessed heterogeneity and potential small-study effects to ensure the robustness of our findings. From the 50 studies included in this review, 33 contributed to the meta-analysis. Our results indicate a significant association between herbicide exposure and colon cancer in both lifetime-days (LDs) (RR = 1.20; 95% CI = 1.01-1.42) and intensity-weighted lifetime-days (IWLDs) (RR = 1.29, 95% CI = 1.12-1.49) exposure. Similarly, insecticide exposure was associated with an increased risk of colon cancer in IWLDs (RR = 1.32; 95% CI = 1.02-1.70) exposure, and rectal cancer in any versus never exposure (RR = 1.21; 95% CI = 1.07-1.36), IDs (RR = 1.86; 95% CI = 1.30-2.67) and IWLDs (RR = 1.70; 95% CI = 1.03-2.83) exposure. While these findings suggest significant associations of herbicide and insecticide exposure with colon and rectal cancer, respectively, further research is needed to explore the impact of other pesticide groups and deepen our understanding of pesticide exposure. These results have important implications for policymakers and regulators, underscoring the need for stricter supervision and regulation of pesticide use to mitigate CRC risk.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pin-Peng Xie
- Department of Clinical Medicine, The Second School of Clinical Medicine, Anhui Medical University, 81 Meishan Road, Hefei, 230032, China
| | - Zhi-Qiang Zong
- Department of Clinical Medicine, The Second School of Clinical Medicine, Anhui Medical University, 81 Meishan Road, Hefei, 230032, China
| | - Jian-Chao Qiao
- Department of Clinical Medicine, The Second School of Clinical Medicine, Anhui Medical University, 81 Meishan Road, Hefei, 230032, China
| | - Zhuo-Yan Li
- Department of Clinical Medicine, The Second School of Clinical Medicine, Anhui Medical University, 81 Meishan Road, Hefei, 230032, China
| | - Cheng-Yang Hu
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Public Health, Anhui Medical University, 81 Meishan Road, Hefei, 230032, China; Department of Humanistic Medicine, School of Humanistic Medicine, Anhui Medical University, 81 Meishan Road, Hefei, 230032, China.
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3
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Ohlander J, Fuhrimann S, Basinas I, Cherrie JW, Galea KS, Povey AC, van Tongeren M, Harding AH, Jones K, Vermeulen R, Huss A, Kromhout H. Impact of occupational pesticide exposure assessment method on risk estimates for prostate cancer, non-Hodgkin's lymphoma and Parkinson's disease: results of three meta-analyses. Occup Environ Med 2022; 79:566-574. [PMID: 35393289 PMCID: PMC9304108 DOI: 10.1136/oemed-2021-108046] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2021] [Accepted: 03/06/2022] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Assessment of occupational pesticide exposure in epidemiological studies of chronic diseases is challenging. Biomonitoring of current pesticide levels might not correlate with past exposure relevant to disease aetiology, and indirect methods often rely on workers’ imperfect recall of exposures, or job titles. We investigated how the applied exposure assessment method influenced risk estimates for some chronic diseases. In three meta-analyses the influence of exposure assessment method type on the summary risk ratio (sRR) of prostate cancer (PC) (25 articles), non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma (NHL) (29 articles) and Parkinson’s disease (PD) (32 articles) was investigated. Exposure assessment method types analysed were: group-level assessments (eg, job titles), self-reported exposures, expert-level assessments (eg, job-exposure matrices) and biomonitoring (eg, blood, urine). Additionally, sRRs were estimated by study design, publication year period and geographic location where the study was conducted. Exposure assessment method types were not associated with statistically significant different sRRs across any of the health outcomes. Heterogeneity in results varied from high in cancer studies to moderate and low in PD studies. Overall, case–control designs showed significantly higher sRR estimates than prospective cohort designs. Later NHL publications showed significantly higher sRR estimates than earlier. For PC, studies from North America showed significantly higher sRR estimates than studies from Europe. We conclude that exposure assessment method applied in studies of occupational exposure to pesticides appears not to have a significant effect on risk estimates for PC, NHL and PD. In systematic reviews of chronic health effects of occupational exposure to pesticides, epidemiological study design, publication year and geographic location, should primarily be considered.
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Affiliation(s)
- Johan Ohlander
- Institute for Risk Assessment Sciences, Utrecht University, Utrecht, Netherlands
| | - Samuel Fuhrimann
- Institute for Risk Assessment Sciences, Utrecht University, Utrecht, Netherlands
| | - Ioannis Basinas
- Institute of Occupational Medicine (IOM), Edinburgh, UK.,Centre for Occupational and Environmental Health, School of Health Sciences, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, The University of Manchester, Manchester, UK
| | - John W Cherrie
- Institute of Occupational Medicine (IOM), Edinburgh, UK.,Institute of Biological Chemistry, Biophysics and Bioengineering, Heriot Watt University, Edinburgh, UK
| | - Karen S Galea
- Institute of Occupational Medicine (IOM), Edinburgh, UK
| | - Andrew C Povey
- Centre for Occupational and Environmental Health, School of Health Sciences, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, The University of Manchester, Manchester, UK
| | - Martie van Tongeren
- Centre for Occupational and Environmental Health, School of Health Sciences, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, The University of Manchester, Manchester, UK
| | | | - Kate Jones
- Health and Safety Executive, Harpur Hill, Buxton, UK
| | - Roel Vermeulen
- Institute for Risk Assessment Sciences, Utrecht University, Utrecht, Netherlands
| | - Anke Huss
- Institute for Risk Assessment Sciences, Utrecht University, Utrecht, Netherlands
| | - Hans Kromhout
- Institute for Risk Assessment Sciences, Utrecht University, Utrecht, Netherlands
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4
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Scott NB, Pocock NS. The Health Impacts of Hazardous Chemical Exposures among Child Labourers in Low- and Middle-Income Countries. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2021; 18:5496. [PMID: 34065553 PMCID: PMC8160821 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph18105496] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/28/2021] [Revised: 04/30/2021] [Accepted: 05/05/2021] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Of 218 million working children worldwide, many are suspected to be exposed to hazardous chemicals. This review aims to synthesize reported evidence over the last two decades on chemical exposure and adverse health consequences in children labourers in low- and middle-income Countries (LMIC). Included studies investigated health outcomes related to chemical exposures among child labourers aged 5-18 in LMIC. Twenty-three papers were selected for review, focusing on pesticides (n = 5), solvents (n = 3), metals (n = 13) and persistent organic pollutants (POPs) (n = 2). Adverse health effects identified among child labourers included abnormal biomarkers, for example elevated blood and urine chemical concentrations, neurobehavioural deficits and neurological symptoms, mental health issues, oxidative stress and DNA damage, poor growth, asthma, and hypothyroidism. Workplace exposure to chemicals has pernicious health effects on child labourers. Large research gaps exist, in particular for long-term health impacts through chronic conditions and diseases with long latencies. A sizeable disease burden in later life is likely to be directly attributable to chemicals exposures. We urge national and international agencies concerned with child labour and occupational health, to prioritize research and interventions aiming to reduce noxious chemical exposures in workplaces where children are likely to be present.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Nicola S. Pocock
- Lumos Foundation, London EC3R 8NB, UK;
- Gender Violence & Health Centre, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London WC1E 7HT, UK
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5
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Ohlander J, Fuhrimann S, Basinas I, Cherrie JW, Galea KS, Povey AC, van Tongeren M, Harding AH, Jones K, Vermeulen R, Kromhout H. Systematic review of methods used to assess exposure to pesticides in occupational epidemiology studies, 1993-2017. Occup Environ Med 2020; 77:357-367. [PMID: 32098789 PMCID: PMC7279185 DOI: 10.1136/oemed-2019-105880] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/14/2019] [Revised: 11/01/2019] [Accepted: 11/29/2019] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
Objective Numerous exposure assessment methods (EAM) exist for investigating health effects of occupational exposure to pesticides. Direct (eg, biomonitoring) and indirect methods (eg, self-reported exposures) are however associated with degrees of exposure misclassification. We systematically reviewed EAM in studies of occupational pesticide exposure. Methods We searched for articles reporting observational epidemiological studies in MEDLINE and Embase published 1993 to 2017. The relative frequency of EAM was analysed according to EAM type (direct and indirect methods), health outcome, study design, study location (country) and specificity of assessment. Temporal trends in EAM were analysed. Results In 1298 included articles 1521 EAM occurrences were documented. Indirect EAM (78.3%), primarily self-reported exposures (39.3%) and job titles assessments (9.5%), were mainly applied in case-control studies (95.0%), in high-income countries (85.0%) and in studies of doctor-diagnosed health outcomes (>85%). Direct EAM (20.8%), primarily biomonitoring of blood (15.6%) or urine (4.7%), were predominantly applied in cross-sectional studies (29.8%), in lower middle-income countries (40.9%) and in studies of neurological (50.0%) outcomes. Between 1993 to 2017 no distinct time trends regarding the ratio indirect to direct methods was seen. Within the category of indirect methods use of self-reported exposures and job exposure matrices increased while assessments by job titles and registers decreased. The use of algorithms showed no trend. The specificity of pesticide assessment increased since studies assessing exposure by using job title as a proxy declined. Assessments of type of pesticide increased. Conclusion Over the last 25 years, the ratio (5:1) of indirect to direct EAM applied in articles on occupational pesticide epidemiology stayed relatively constant; changes were mainly attributable to increasing use of self-reported exposures and job exposure matrices. This review, combined with studies assessing EAM validity, will inform on magnitudes of exposure misclassification and help improve the quality of studies on occupational pesticides exposure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Johan Ohlander
- Institute for Risk Assessment Sciences, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Samuel Fuhrimann
- Institute for Risk Assessment Sciences, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Ioannis Basinas
- Institute of Occupational Medicine (IOM), Edinburgh, United Kingdom
| | - John W Cherrie
- Institute of Occupational Medicine (IOM), Edinburgh, United Kingdom.,Institute of Biological Chemistry, Biophysics and Bioengineering, Heriot Watt University, Edinburgh, UK
| | - Karen S Galea
- Institute of Occupational Medicine (IOM), Edinburgh, United Kingdom
| | - Andrew C Povey
- Centre for Occupational and Environmental Health, School of Health Sciences, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, The University of Manchester, Manchester, UK
| | - Martie van Tongeren
- Centre for Occupational and Environmental Health, School of Health Sciences, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, The University of Manchester, Manchester, UK
| | | | - Kate Jones
- Health and Safety Executive, Harpur Hill, Buxton, UK
| | - Roel Vermeulen
- Institute for Risk Assessment Sciences, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Hans Kromhout
- Institute for Risk Assessment Sciences, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands
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6
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Garzia NA, Spinelli JJ, Gotay CC, Teschke K. Literature review: dermal monitoring data for pesticide exposure assessment of farm workers. J Agromedicine 2019; 23:187-214. [PMID: 30047858 DOI: 10.1080/1059924x.2018.1448734] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/28/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To conduct a literature review to determine the types of information that existing dermal pesticide monitoring data could provide for future pesticide exposure assessment in occupational epidemiology. METHODS A systematic literature search was performed on eight online databases. Two screening phases with predetermined criteria identified the qualifying literature. Standard information and dermal pesticide monitoring data were recorded and summarized from each qualifying study to assess its usefulness for future pesticide exposure assessment. RESULTS A total of 31 farm studies qualified for review; task information was used to standardize all farm job(s) evaluated into 5 job groups: operators, applicators, mixer-loaders, field workers, and flaggers. When attempting to compare dermal exposure levels between studies, two types of variation were identified: (1) variation in study focus and reporting and 2) variation in exposure levels. The former variation type prevented exposure level comparisons between studies. Within studies, exposure levels were compared across body parts to identify that which had the highest measured exposure and to determine if results were similar in other studies that evaluated the same farm job. Using studies that measured exposure for multiple farm jobs, within study comparisons of total body exposure were performed to evaluate work factors. CONCLUSION Future dermal pesticide exposure monitoring studies should standardize reporting procedures, as suggested in this review, to allow for more extensive dermal data comparisons. Body parts with highest measured levels of dermal exposure were identified by farm job, along with work factors to be further investigated as potential dermal pesticide exposure determinants for farm workers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nichole A Garzia
- a School of Population and Public Health , University of British Columbia , Vancouver , Canada
| | - John J Spinelli
- a School of Population and Public Health , University of British Columbia , Vancouver , Canada.,b Population Oncology, BC Cancer , Vancouver , Canada
| | - Carolyn C Gotay
- a School of Population and Public Health , University of British Columbia , Vancouver , Canada
| | - Kay Teschke
- a School of Population and Public Health , University of British Columbia , Vancouver , Canada
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7
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Pettigrew SM, Bell EM, Van Zutphen AR, Rocheleau CM, Shaw GM, Romitti PA, Olshan A, Lupo PJ, Soim A, Makelarski JA, Michalski AM, Sanderson W. Paternal and joint parental occupational pesticide exposure and spina bifida in the National Birth Defects Prevention Study, 1997 to 2002. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2017; 106:963-971. [PMID: 27891778 DOI: 10.1002/bdra.23551] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/13/2016] [Revised: 07/18/2016] [Accepted: 07/20/2016] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Because of persistent concerns over the association between pesticides and spina bifida, we examined the role of paternal and combined parental occupational pesticide exposures in spina bifida in offspring using data from a large population-based study of birth defects. METHODS Occupational information from fathers of 291 spina bifida cases and 2745 unaffected live born control infants with estimated dates of delivery from 1997 to 2002 were collected by means of maternal report. Two expert industrial hygienists estimated exposure intensity and frequency to insecticides, herbicides, and fungicides. Multivariable logistic regression models were used to estimate adjusted odds ratios (aOR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) for exposure to any pesticide and to any class of pesticide (yes/no; and by median), and exposure to combinations of pesticides (yes/no) and risk of spina bifida. Adjusted odds ratios were also estimated by parent exposed to pesticides (neither, mother only, father only, both parents). RESULTS Joint parental occupational pesticide exposure was positively associated with spina bifida (aOR, 1.5; 95% CI, 0.9-2.4) when compared with infants with neither maternal nor paternal exposures; a similar association was not observed when only one parent was exposed. There was a suggested positive association between combined paternal insecticide and fungicide exposures and spina bifida (aOR, 1.5; 95% CI, 0.8-2.8), however, nearly all other aORs were close to unity. CONCLUSION Overall, there was little evidence paternal occupational pesticide exposure was associated with spina bifida. However, the small numbers make it difficult to precisely evaluate the role of pesticide classes, individually and in combination. Birth Defects Research (Part A) 106:963-971, 2016. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stacy M Pettigrew
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, The University at Albany, State University of New York, Rensselaer, New York.,Department of Environmental Health Sciences, The University at Albany, State University of New York, Rensselaer, New York
| | - Erin M Bell
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, The University at Albany, State University of New York, Rensselaer, New York.,Department of Environmental Health Sciences, The University at Albany, State University of New York, Rensselaer, New York
| | - Alissa R Van Zutphen
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, The University at Albany, State University of New York, Rensselaer, New York.,Bureau of Environmental and Occupational Epidemiology, New York State Department of Health, Albany, New York
| | - Carissa M Rocheleau
- National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Cincinnati, Ohio
| | - Gary M Shaw
- Department of Pediatrics, Stanford University, Stanford, California
| | - Paul A Romitti
- Department of Epidemiology, The University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa
| | - Andrew Olshan
- Department of Epidemiology, University of North Carolina Gillings School of Global Public Health, Chapel Hill, North Carolina
| | - Philip J Lupo
- Department of Pediatrics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas
| | - Aida Soim
- Bureau of Environmental and Occupational Epidemiology, New York State Department of Health, Albany, New York
| | - Jennifer A Makelarski
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The University of Chicago, Chicago, Illinois
| | - Adrian M Michalski
- Bureau of Environmental and Occupational Epidemiology, New York State Department of Health, Albany, New York
| | - Wayne Sanderson
- Departments of Epidemiology, and Preventative Medicine and Environmental Health, University of Kentucky College of Public Health, Lexington, Kentucky
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8
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Carles C, Bouvier G, Lebailly P, Baldi I. Use of job-exposure matrices to estimate occupational exposure to pesticides: A review. JOURNAL OF EXPOSURE SCIENCE & ENVIRONMENTAL EPIDEMIOLOGY 2017; 27:125-140. [PMID: 27189257 DOI: 10.1038/jes.2016.25] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/02/2015] [Accepted: 03/22/2016] [Indexed: 06/05/2023]
Abstract
The health effects of pesticides have been extensively studied in epidemiology, mainly in agricultural populations. However, pesticide exposure assessment remains a key methodological issue for epidemiological studies. Besides self-reported information, expert assessment or metrology, job-exposure matrices still appear to be an interesting tool. We reviewed all existing matrices assessing occupational exposure to pesticides in epidemiological studies and described the exposure parameters they included. We identified two types of matrices, (i) generic ones that are generally used in case-control studies and document broad categories of pesticides in a large range of jobs, and (ii) specific matrices, developed for use in agricultural cohorts, that generally provide exposure metrics at the active ingredient level. The various applications of these matrices in epidemiological studies have proven that they are valuable tools to assess pesticide exposure. Specific matrices are particularly promising for use in agricultural cohorts. However, results obtained with matrices have rarely been compared with those obtained with other tools. In addition, the external validity of the given estimates has not been adequately discussed. Yet, matrices would help in reducing misclassification and in quantifying cumulated exposures, to improve knowledge about the chronic health effects of pesticides.
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Affiliation(s)
- Camille Carles
- Université Bordeaux, ISPED, Equipe Epicène, Bordeaux, France
- CHU de Bordeaux, Service de Médecine du Travail, Bordeaux, France
- INSERM, ISPED, Centre INSERM U1219, Bordeaux, France
| | - Ghislaine Bouvier
- Université Bordeaux, ISPED, Equipe Epicène, Bordeaux, France
- INSERM, ISPED, Centre INSERM U1219, Bordeaux, France
| | - Pierre Lebailly
- INSERM, UMR1086-Cancers et Préventions, Caen, France
- Université Caen Normandie, Caen, France
- Centre François Baclesse, Caen, France
| | - Isabelle Baldi
- Université Bordeaux, ISPED, Equipe Epicène, Bordeaux, France
- CHU de Bordeaux, Service de Médecine du Travail, Bordeaux, France
- INSERM, ISPED, Centre INSERM U1219, Bordeaux, France
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9
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Alfonso JH, Martinsen JI, Pukkala E, Weiderpass E, Tryggvadottir L, Nordby KC, Kjærheim K. Occupation and relative risk of cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma (cSCC): A 45-year follow-up study in 4 Nordic countries. J Am Acad Dermatol 2016; 75:548-555. [PMID: 27262759 DOI: 10.1016/j.jaad.2016.03.033] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/26/2015] [Revised: 03/23/2016] [Accepted: 03/24/2016] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The age-adjusted incidence of cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma (cSCC) in the Nordic countries has increased during the last 60 years, and the identification of occupational variation in the relative risk of cSCC may have preventive implications. OBJECTIVE We sought to describe variation in the relative risk of cSCC between occupational categories in Finland, Iceland, Norway, and Sweden. METHODS This is a historical prospective cohort study based on record linkages between census data for 12.9 million people and cancer registry data from 1961 to 2005. Standardized incidence ratios for cSCC were estimated for 53 occupational categories with the cSCC incidence rates for the national population of each country used as reference. RESULTS During follow-up, 87,619 incident cases of cSCC were reported to the national cancer registries. In all countries combined, significant increased standardized incidence ratios were observed among seamen, military personnel, public safety workers, technical workers, teachers, transport workers, physicians, dentists, nurses, other health workers, religious workers, clerical workers, administrators, and sale agents (standardized incidence ratios between 1.08 and 1.77). LIMITATIONS Information on occupation was based on 1 point in time only. CONCLUSION The occupational variation of the relative risk of cSCC might be associated with socioeconomic factors, and to some extent to occupational exposures.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jose Hernán Alfonso
- Department of Occupational Medicine and Epidemiology, National Institute of Occupational Health, Oslo, Norway.
| | | | - Eero Pukkala
- Finnish Cancer Registry, Institute for Statistical and Epidemiological Cancer Research, Helsinki, Finland; School of Health Sciences, University of Tampere, Tampere, Finland
| | - Elisabete Weiderpass
- Cancer Registry of Norway, Oslo, Norway; Department of Medical Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden; Department of Community Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Tromsø-Arctic University of Norway, Tromsø, Norway; Genetic Epidemiology Group, Folkhälsan Research Center, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Laufey Tryggvadottir
- Icelandic Cancer Registry, Icelandic Cancer Society, Reykjavik, Iceland; Faculty of Medicine, University of Iceland, Reykjavik, Iceland
| | - Karl-Christian Nordby
- Department of Occupational Medicine and Epidemiology, National Institute of Occupational Health, Oslo, Norway
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10
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Lewis-Mikhael AM, Bueno-Cavanillas A, Ofir Giron T, Olmedo-Requena R, Delgado-Rodríguez M, Jiménez-Moleón JJ. Occupational exposure to pesticides and prostate cancer: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Occup Environ Med 2015; 73:134-44. [PMID: 26644457 DOI: 10.1136/oemed-2014-102692] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/07/2014] [Accepted: 04/13/2015] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
Epidemiological studies on exposure to pesticides and risk of prostate cancer (PC) provide inconsistent results. We aimed to explore various potential sources of heterogeneity not previously assessed and to derive updated risk estimates from homogenous studies. We searched PubMed, Web of Science and Scopus databases for case-control and cohort studies published from 1985 to April 2014. We assessed the quality of the articles using the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale. Pooled estimates were calculated using random-effects models. Heterogeneity was explored using subset analyses and metaregression. Fifty-two studies were included in the review and 25 in the meta-analysis. No association was found between low exposure to pesticides and PC, but association was significant for high exposure, pooled OR 1.33 (1.02 to 1.63), I(2)=44.8%, p=0.024. Heterogeneity was explained by a number of variables including method used to assess exposure. Pooled OR was weak and non-significant for studies measuring serum pesticide level, 1.12 (0.74 to 1.50), I(2)=0.00%, p=0.966. For studies applying self-reporting of exposure, pooled estimate was 1.34 (0.91 to 1.77), I(2)=0.00%, p=0.493, while a high significant association was detected for grouped exposure assessment, 2.24 (1.36 to 3.11), I(2)=0.00%, p=0.955. In spite of a weak significant association detected when pooling ORs for high occupational exposure to pesticides, the magnitude of the association was related to the method of exposure assessment used by the original studies. A family history-pesticide exposure interaction was also observed for a number of pesticides.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anne-Mary Lewis-Mikhael
- Department of Preventive Medicine and Public Health, University of Granada, Granada, Spain Department of Occupational Health and Industrial Medicine, High Institute of Public Health, Alexandria University
| | - Aurora Bueno-Cavanillas
- Department of Preventive Medicine and Public Health, University of Granada, Granada, Spain CIBER Epidemiología y Salud Pública (CIBERESP), Spain Instituto de Investigación Biosanitaria de Granada (ibs GRANADA), Servicio Andaluz de Salud/Universidad de Granada
| | - Talia Ofir Giron
- Department of Preventive Medicine and Public Health, University of Granada, Granada, Spain
| | - Rocío Olmedo-Requena
- Department of Preventive Medicine and Public Health, University of Granada, Granada, Spain CIBER Epidemiología y Salud Pública (CIBERESP), Spain Instituto de Investigación Biosanitaria de Granada (ibs GRANADA), Servicio Andaluz de Salud/Universidad de Granada
| | - Miguel Delgado-Rodríguez
- CIBER Epidemiología y Salud Pública (CIBERESP), Spain Department of Preventive Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Jaen
| | - José Juan Jiménez-Moleón
- Department of Preventive Medicine and Public Health, University of Granada, Granada, Spain CIBER Epidemiología y Salud Pública (CIBERESP), Spain Instituto de Investigación Biosanitaria de Granada (ibs GRANADA), Servicio Andaluz de Salud/Universidad de Granada
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Kang H, Cha ES, Choi GJ, Lee WJ. Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis and agricultural environments: a systematic review. J Korean Med Sci 2014; 29:1610-7. [PMID: 25469059 PMCID: PMC4248580 DOI: 10.3346/jkms.2014.29.12.1610] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/08/2014] [Accepted: 08/12/2014] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
The aim of this study was to examine the relationship between the risk of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) and exposure to rural environments. Studies were identified through OVID MEDLINE and EMBASE search up to September 2013 using as keywords rural residence, farmers, and pesticide exposure. Twenty-two studies were included for this meta-analysis. Summary odds ratios (ORs) were calculated using random effect model by type of exposure index, and subgroup analyses were conducted according to study design, gender, region, case ascertainment, and exposure assessment. The risk of ALS was significantly increased with pesticide exposure (OR, 1.44; 95% CI, 1.22-1.70) and with farmers (OR, 1.42; 95% CI, 1.17-1.73), but was not significant with rural residence (OR, 1.25; 95% CI, 0.84-1.87). The risk estimates for subgroup analysis between pesticide exposure and ALS indicated a significant positive association with men (OR, 1.96), and in studies using El Escorial criteria for ALS definition (OR, 1.63) and expert judgment for pesticide exposure (OR, 2.04) as well. No significant publication bias was observed. Our findings support the association of pesticide exposure and an increased risk for ALS, stressing that the use of more specific exposure information resulted in more significant associations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hyun Kang
- Department of Anesthesiology and Pain Medicine, Chung-Ang University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
| | - Eun Shil Cha
- Department of Preventive Medicine, Korea University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
| | - Geun Joo Choi
- Department of Anesthesiology and Pain Medicine, Chung-Ang University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
| | - Won Jin Lee
- Department of Preventive Medicine, Korea University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
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Bailey HD, Fritschi L, Infante-Rivard C, Glass DC, Miligi L, Dockerty JD, Lightfoot T, Clavel J, Roman E, Spector LG, Kaatsch P, Metayer C, Magnani C, Milne E, Polychronopoulou S, Simpson J, Rudant J, Sidi V, Rondelli R, Orsi L, Kang AY, Petridou E, Schüz J. Parental occupational pesticide exposure and the risk of childhood leukemia in the offspring: findings from the childhood leukemia international consortium. Int J Cancer 2014; 135:2157-72. [PMID: 24700406 PMCID: PMC4845098 DOI: 10.1002/ijc.28854] [Citation(s) in RCA: 74] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/24/2013] [Accepted: 02/26/2014] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Abstract
Maternal occupational pesticide exposure during pregnancy and/or paternal occupational pesticide exposure around conception have been suggested to increase risk of leukemia in the offspring. With a view to providing insight in this area we pooled individual level data from 13 case-control studies participating in the Childhood Leukemia International Consortium (CLIC). Occupational data were harmonized to a compatible format. Pooled individual analyses were undertaken using unconditional logistic regression. Using exposure data from mothers of 8,236 cases, and 14,850 controls, and from fathers of 8,169 cases and 14,201 controls the odds ratio (OR) for maternal exposure during pregnancy and the risk of acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) was 1.01 [95% confidence interval (CI) 0.78, 1.30] and for paternal exposure around conception 1.20 (95% 1.06, 1.38). For acute myeloid leukemia (AML), the OR for maternal exposure during pregnancy was 1.94 (CI 1.19, 3.18) and for paternal exposure around conception 0.91 (CI 0.66, 1.24.) based on data from 1,329 case and 12,141 control mothers, and 1,231 case and 11,383 control fathers. Our finding of a significantly increased risk of AML in the offspring with maternal exposure to pesticides during pregnancy is consistent with previous reports. We also found a slight increase in risk of ALL with paternal exposure around conception which appeared to be more evident in children diagnosed at the age of 5 years or more and those with T cell ALL which raises interesting questions on possible mechanisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Helen D Bailey
- International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC), Section of Environment and Radiation, 150 Cours Albert Thomas, Lyon Cedex 08, France
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13
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Doolan G, Benke G, Giles G. An Update on Occupation and Prostate Cancer. Asian Pac J Cancer Prev 2014; 15:501-16. [DOI: 10.7314/apjcp.2014.15.2.501] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
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14
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Dermal exposure associated with occupational end use of pesticides and the role of protective measures. Saf Health Work 2013; 4:136-41. [PMID: 24106643 PMCID: PMC3791087 DOI: 10.1016/j.shaw.2013.07.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 75] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/20/2013] [Revised: 07/29/2013] [Accepted: 07/31/2013] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Occupational end users of pesticides may experience bodily absorption of the pesticide products they use, risking possible health effects. The purpose of this paper is to provide a guide for researchers, practitioners, and policy makers working in the field of agricultural health or other areas where occupational end use of pesticides and exposure issues are of interest. METHODS This paper characterizes the health effects of pesticide exposure, jobs associated with pesticide use, pesticide-related tasks, absorption of pesticides through the skin, and the use of personal protective equipment (PPE) for reducing exposure. CONCLUSIONS Although international and national efforts to reduce pesticide exposure through regulatory means should continue, it is difficult in the agricultural sector to implement engineering or system controls. It is clear that use of PPE does reduce dermal pesticide exposure but compliance among the majority of occupationally exposed pesticide end users appears to be poor. More research is needed on higher-order controls to reduce pesticide exposure and to understand the reasons for poor compliance with PPE and identify effective training methods.
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15
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Moretto A, Colosio C. The role of pesticide exposure in the genesis of Parkinson's disease: Epidemiological studies and experimental data. Toxicology 2013; 307:24-34. [DOI: 10.1016/j.tox.2012.11.021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 51] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/10/2012] [Revised: 11/04/2012] [Accepted: 11/17/2012] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
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16
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You T, Lv J, Zhou L. PON1 Q192R and L55M Polymorphisms and Organophosphate Toxicity Risk: A Meta-Analysis. DNA Cell Biol 2013; 32:252-9. [PMID: 23590198 DOI: 10.1089/dna.2012.1961] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Tian You
- Department of Emergency Medicine, The First Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, Republic of China
| | - Jingyu Lv
- Department of Medical Genetics, School of Basic Medicine, China Medical University, Shenyang, Republic of China
| | - Liping Zhou
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, The First Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, Republic of China
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17
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Rinsky JL, Hoppin JA, Blair A, He K, Beane Freeman LE, Chen H. Agricultural exposures and stroke mortality in the Agricultural Health Study. JOURNAL OF TOXICOLOGY AND ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH. PART A 2013; 76:798-814. [PMID: 24028665 PMCID: PMC3773612 DOI: 10.1080/15287394.2013.819308] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/21/2023]
Abstract
Exposures associated with common agricultural activities may increase risk of stroke. The authors evaluated associations between self-reported agricultural activities including pesticide use and handling of crops and stroke mortality among 51,603 male pesticide applicators enrolled in the Agricultural Health Study (AHS). Vital status was obtained through 2008. Stroke mortality was defined by underlying or contributing cause of death (ICD-9 430-438, ICD-10 I60-I69). Information regarding lifetime pesticide use, working with crops or animals, engagement in other agricultural activities, and potential confounders was self-reported at enrollment. Cox proportional hazards models, with age as the time scale, were used to estimate hazard ratios (HR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) adjusted for state of residence, smoking status, and alcohol consumption. Median follow-up time was 13 yr, during which 308 stroke deaths occurred. No measure of overall or specific pesticide use was positively associated with mortality due to stroke. Stroke mortality was inversely associated with handling hay, grain, or silage at least once each year as reported at enrollment (HR: 0.75; 95% CI: 0.58, 0.98). There was no evidence of an association between pesticide use and stroke mortality. The inverse association between handling of hays and grains and stroke mortality may be due to (1) those engaging in such activities being healthier than those who did not or (2) exposure to some biological agent present in hays and grains. Further investigation of incident stroke, rather than stroke mortality, as well as stroke subtypes, is needed to determine the full role of agricultural exposures and stroke.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jessica L. Rinsky
- Department of Epidemiology, University of North Carolina Gillings School of Global Public Health. Chapel Hill, NC
| | - Jane A. Hoppin
- Epidemiology Branch, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, National Institutes of Health, Department of Health and Human Services. Research Triangle Park, NC
| | - Aaron Blair
- Occupational and Environmental Epidemiology Branch, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Department of Health and Human Services. Bethesda, MD
| | - Ka He
- Departments of Nutrition and Epidemiology, University of North Carolina Gillings School of Global Public Health, Chapel Hill, NC and Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Public Health, Indiana University Bloomington. Bloomington, IN
| | - Laura E. Beane Freeman
- Occupational and Environmental Epidemiology Branch, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Department of Health and Human Services. Bethesda, MD
| | - Honglei Chen
- Epidemiology Branch, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, National Institutes of Health, Department of Health and Human Services. Research Triangle Park, NC
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Abstract
OBJECTIVE We studied occupational variation of the risk of acute myeloid leukemia, chronic lymphocytic leukemia, and other leukemia in Nordic countries. METHODS The study cohort comprised 15 million persons older than 30 years who participated in the population censuses in 1960, 1970, 1980/1981, 1990, or all of these years in five Nordic countries. Standardized incidence ratios (SIRs) were estimated for 53 occupations and one group of economically inactive persons. RESULTS Significantly increased risks were observed for acute myeloid leukemia among drivers (SIR = 1.16; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.07-1.26) and food workers (SIR = 1.13; 95% CI, 1.01-1.27); for chronic lymphocytic leukemia among farmers (SIR = 1.09; 95% CI, 1.04-1.14) and clerical workers (SIR = 1.07; 95% CI, 1.01-1.14); and for other leukemia among seamen (SIR = 1.24; 95% CI, 1.04-1.49), "other health workers" (SIR = 1.22; 95% CI, 1.02-1.47), chemical process workers (SIR = 1.18; 95% CI, 1.01-1.38), and sales agents (SIR = 1.15; 95% CI, 1.06-1.25). CONCLUSION Observed modest occupational variation of leukemia risk might be associated with occupational or lifestyle factors.
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Van Maele-Fabry G, Hoet P, Vilain F, Lison D. Occupational exposure to pesticides and Parkinson's disease: a systematic review and meta-analysis of cohort studies. ENVIRONMENT INTERNATIONAL 2012; 46:30-43. [PMID: 22698719 DOI: 10.1016/j.envint.2012.05.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 112] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/20/2012] [Revised: 05/11/2012] [Accepted: 05/17/2012] [Indexed: 06/01/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES To systematically review available cohort studies and estimate quantitatively the association between occupational exposure to pesticides and Parkinson's disease (PD). METHODS Studies were identified from a MEDLINE search through 30 November 2011 and from the reference lists of identified publications. Relative risk (RR) estimates were extracted from 12 studies published between 1985 and 2011. Meta-rate ratio estimates (mRR) were calculated according to fixed and random-effect meta-analysis models. Meta-analyses were performed on the whole set of data and separate analyses were conducted after stratification for gender, exposure characterisation, PD cases identification, geographic location, reported risk estimator and cohort study design. RESULTS A statistically significant increased risk of PD was observed when all studies were combined (mRR=1.28; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.03-1.59) but there was a high heterogeneity and inconsistency among studies. The highest increased risks were observed for studies with the best design, i.e. reporting PD diagnosis confirmed by a neurologist (mRR=2.56; CI: 1.46-4.48; n=4), for cohort studies reporting incidence of PD (mRR=1.95; CI: 1.29-2.97; n=3) as well as for prospective cohorts (mRR=1.39; CI: 1.09-1.78; n=6). A significant increased risk was also seen for banana, sugarcane and pineapple plantation workers (mRR=2.05; CI: 1.23-3.42; n=2). CONCLUSIONS The present study provides some support for the hypothesis that occupational exposure to pesticides increases the risk of PD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Geneviève Van Maele-Fabry
- Université catholique de Louvain, SSS/IREC/LTAP, Louvain Center for Toxicology and Applied Pharmacology, Avenue E. Mounier 52, bte B1.52.12, B-1200 Brussels, Belgium.
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20
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Sawada N, Iwasaki M, Inoue M, Itoh H, Sasazuki S, Yamaji T, Shimazu T, Tsugane S. Plasma organochlorines and subsequent risk of prostate cancer in Japanese men: a nested case-control study. ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH PERSPECTIVES 2010; 118:659-65. [PMID: 20435560 PMCID: PMC2866682 DOI: 10.1289/ehp.0901214] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/17/2009] [Accepted: 12/17/2009] [Indexed: 05/04/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Although accumulating evidence suggests that exposure to organochlorine pesticides and polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) may contribute to the development of prostate cancer, few investigations have used biological samples to classify exposure to specific organochlorines. To our knowledge, this is the first prospective study to investigate the association between blood levels of organochlorines and prostate cancer risk. METHODS We conducted a nested case-control study using data from the Japan Public Health Center-based Prospective (JPHC) Study. A total of 14,203 men 40-69 years old who returned the baseline questionnaire and who provided blood samples were followed from 1990 to 2005. Using a mean follow-up period of 12.8 years, we identified 201 participants who were newly diagnosed with prostate cancer. Two matched controls for each case were selected from the cohort. We used a conditional logistic regression model to estimate the odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) for prostate cancer in relation to plasma levels of nine organochlorines: PCBs, dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane (DDT), hexachlorobenzene (HCB), beta-hexachlorocyclohexane (beta-HCH), trans- and cis-nonachlor, oxychlordane, and mirex. RESULTS No statistically significant association with total prostate cancer was seen for any plasma organochlorine, although we did observe an insignificant inverse association for plasma HCB and beta-HCH. Total PCB in plasma was also inversely associated with advanced prostate cancer but without statistical significance. CONCLUSION Our results suggest that no overall association exists between prostate cancer and organochlorines at the levels measured in our study population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Norie Sawada
- Epidemiology and Prevention Division, Research Center for Cancer Prevention and Screening, National Cancer Center, Tokyo, Japan.
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MacFarlane E, Benke G, Del Monaco A, Sim MR. Causes of Death and Incidence of Cancer in a Cohort of Australian Pesticide-Exposed Workers. Ann Epidemiol 2010; 20:273-80. [DOI: 10.1016/j.annepidem.2010.01.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/28/2009] [Revised: 12/20/2009] [Accepted: 01/11/2010] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
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Dick FD, Semple SE, van Tongeren M, Miller BG, Ritchie P, Sherriff D, Cherrie JW. Development of a Task-Exposure Matrix (TEM) for Pesticide Use (TEMPEST). ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2010; 54:443-52. [PMID: 20338967 DOI: 10.1093/annhyg/meq014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/14/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Pesticides have been associated with increased risks for a range of conditions including Parkinson's disease, but identifying the agents responsible has proven challenging. Improved pesticide exposure estimates would increase the power of epidemiological studies to detect such an association if one exists. METHODS Categories of pesticide use were identified from the tasks reported in a previous community-based case-control study in Scotland. Typical pesticides used in each task in each decade were identified from published scientific and grey literature and from expert interviews, with the number of potential agents collapsed into 10 groups of pesticides. A pesticide usage database was then created, using the task list and the typical pesticide groups employed in those tasks across seven decades spanning the period 1945-2005. Information about the method of application and concentration of pesticides used in these tasks was then incorporated into the database. RESULTS A list was generated of 81 tasks involving pesticide exposure in Scotland covering seven decades producing a total of 846 task per pesticide per decade combinations. A Task-Exposure Matrix for PESTicides (TEMPEST) was produced by two occupational hygienists who quantified the likely probability and intensity of inhalation and dermal exposures for each pesticide group for a given use during each decade. CONCLUSIONS TEMPEST provides a basis for assessing exposures to specific pesticide groups in Scotland covering the period 1945-2005. The methods used to develop TEMPEST could be used in a retrospective assessment of occupational exposure to pesticides for Scottish epidemiological studies or adapted for use in other countries.
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Affiliation(s)
- F D Dick
- Environmental and Occupational Medicine, Population Health Section, Division of Applied Health Sciences, School of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Aberdeen, Foresterhill, Aberdeen, AB25 2ZD, UK.
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Van Maele-Fabry G, Lantin AC, Hoet P, Lison D. Childhood leukaemia and parental occupational exposure to pesticides: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Cancer Causes Control 2010; 21:787-809. [PMID: 20467891 DOI: 10.1007/s10552-010-9516-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 69] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/20/2009] [Accepted: 01/23/2010] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To conduct a systematic review and meta-analysis of published studies on the association between parental occupational exposure to pesticides and childhood leukaemia. METHODS Studies were identified from a MEDLINE search through 31 July 2009 and from the reference lists of identified publications. Relative risk (RR) estimates were extracted from 25 studies published between 1985 and 2008. Meta-rate ratio estimates (mRR) were calculated according to fixed and random-effect meta-analysis models. Separate analyses were conducted after stratification for study design, definition of exposure (employment in a farm/agriculture assuming exposure to pesticides versus exposure to pesticides stipulated), exposed parent, window of exposure, type of leukaemia and biocide category. RESULTS No statistically significant association between childhood leukaemia and parental occupation as farmers/agricultural workers was observed. When exposure to pesticides was stipulated, positive associations were reported for maternal exposure for all studies combined (mRR: 1.62; 95% CI: 1.22-2.16), in all exposure windows considered and for acute non-lymphocytic leukaemia (ANLL). There was no association with paternal exposure when combining all studies (mRR: 1.14; 95% CI: 0.76-1.69). However, significant increased risks were seen for paternal exposure, in some exposure windows as well as for the biocide category. CONCLUSIONS The strongest evidence of an increased risk of childhood leukaemia comes from studies with maternal occupational exposure to pesticides. The associations with paternal exposure were weaker and less consistent. These results add to the evidence leading to recommend minimizing parental occupational exposure to pesticides. Our findings also support the need to rely more on studies that clearly stipulate exposure to pesticides rather than those that assume pesticide exposure because of farm/agriculture employment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Geneviève Van Maele-Fabry
- Louvain Center for Toxicology and Applied Pharmacology (LTAP), Université catholique de Louvain, Avenue E. Mounier 53.02, 1200, Brussels, Belgium.
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