Occupational and environmental pesticide exposure and associated health risks among pesticide applicators and non-applicator residents in rural Ethiopia

Pesticide exposure and acute health problems among pesticide processing industry workers in Ethiopia

Occupational exposure to pesticides` manufacturing, formulating and applications can have a potential to harm humans` health in acutely or chronically. This study aims to assess pesticide exposure and acute pesticide intoxication among pesticide processing industry workers in Ethiopia. A cross-sectional study was conducted among 90 male pesticide processing industry workers` through face-to-face interviews. Data were collected using kobo Collect v2024.1.3 and exported to SPSS version 27 for analysis. Descriptive statistics and binary logistic regression were applied for statistical data analysis. The overall prevalence of acute pesticide intoxication (API) was 80 % (95 % CI 71.1 % - 87.4 %). Approximately, 60 %, 46.7 %, 42.2 %, 38.9 % and 33.3 % of the study participants reported experiencing pesticide exposure-related muscle weakness, headache, eye irritation, skin irritations and upper respiratory tract irritation, respectively. The factor found to be associated with pesticide intoxication was the improper utilization of personal protective equipment (PPE) regardless of time and season (AOR, 11; 95 % CI, 2.29, 48.83). Pesticide exposure-related acute health effects are a significant occupational health concern in this study. Inadequate and improper use of PPE increases the risk of these health effects. Therefore, proper PPE utilization and strict enforcement are crucial for protection.

Use of agrochemicals resulted in anemia and inflammation among farmers in Fako Division, Cameroon

The use of agrochemicals as plant growth regulators, pesticides, and soil fertilizers can result in insults among farmers and other non-targeted organisms. The adverse effects of agrochemicals are of global concern, though limited studies have delineated their toxicity on blood cells and inflammatory parameters in Fako division in Cameroon. This study examined the impact of occupational exposure on haematological and inflammatory parameters among farmers in Fako division. Briefly, 165 farmers who occupationally applied agrochemicals and a reference population of 75 non-farmers were interviewed on types of agrochemicals used, knowledge and safety during use of agrochemicals, as well as related symptoms of exposure. Serum cholinesterase (acetylcholinesterase and butyrylcholinesterase) activities were measured as biomarkers of exposure to agrochemicals. Complete blood count and serum levels of interleukin-6 (IL-6) and nitric oxide (NO) were determined as haematological and inflammatory biomarkers. Results disclosed frequent use of insecticides, fungicides, herbicides and fertilizers with neglect of personal protective equipment. Reported symptoms of exposure to agrochemicals were consistent with decrease in cholinesterase activities. Exposure to agrochemicals decreased erythrocyte count and red cell distribution width, as well as increased mean cell volume, mean corpuscular hemoglobin, serum levels of NO and IL-6 in farmers; suggesting anemia and increased cellular inflammation. In conclusion, the use of agrochemicals resulted in inhibited cholinesterase activities, induced anemia, and promoted cell inflammation in farmers. These findings call for more sensitization and training of the farmers to minimize agrochemical exposure and related health hazards.

Residents' Internet use, family economic status, and self-rated health: gender-based differences

BACKGROUND

People's health is an important foundation for national development.

METHODS

This study uses data from the 2021 Chinese General Social Survey (CGSS) to empirically test the impact of residents' Internet use and family economic status on self-rated health.

RESULTS

The empirical research results show that, first, residents' Internet use and family economic status significantly promote their self-rated health. Second, a gender difference exists in how Internet use and family economic status affect residents' self-rated health. Third, after introducing the interaction term between residents' Internet use and family economic status, it is found that family economic status negatively regulates the promotion of Internet use on residents' self-rated health, suggesting a substitution effect between these two factors. Finally, the heterogeneity test finds that the effects of Internet use and family economic status vary by region, registered residence, and age group.

CONCLUSIONS

This study suggests that the government can further improve Internet penetration, create a good Internet access environment, strengthen skills training, and enhance Internet content construction. These measures can amplify the positive effects of Internet use and family economic status on residents' self-rated health.

Pesticide safe use practice and acute health symptoms, and associated factors among farmers in developing countries: a systematic review and meta-analysis of an epidemiological evidence

BACKGROUND

The increasing use of pesticides has become a global public health concern. The problem is more devastating in developing countries, which deters the implementation of effective intervention strategies. Moreover, the existing evidences are inconsistent and not comprehensive. Therefore, this study aimed to determine the pooled pesticide safe use practices and acute health symptoms, and identify factors among farmers in developing countries.

METHODS

A comprehensive search using databases such as PubMed, HINARI, Google Scholar, and Epistemonikos, as well as grey literature, was searched up to June 30, 2023. The updated preferred reporting items for systematic reviews and meta-analysis guidelines were used. Data were extracted using Microsoft Excel, and it was exported to STATA 14/SE software for analysis. The Joanna Briggs Institute's quality appraisal tool was used to assure the quality of the included articles. A random-effects model was used during analysis. The funnel plot and Egger's regression test were used to assess the publication bias, and sensitivity analysis was conducted to assess the effect of a single study.

RESULTS

The pooled pesticide safe use practice was 43.1% (95% CI: 31.01-55.2), and the prevalence of acute health symptoms was 30.36% (95% CI: 19.61-41.1). Farmers with good knowledge (OR = 3.83, 95% CI: 2.36-5.29), good attitudes (OR = 2.16, 95% CI: 1.46-2.86), being educated (OR = 5.11, 95% CI: 2.96-7.26), and having more than five years of experience (OR = 6.13, 95% CI: 2.56-9.71) were found to be the identified factors associated with pesticide safe use practice.

CONCLUSIONS

This study highlighted a significant gap in pesticide safe use practices and a high prevalence of acute health symptoms among farmers. Therefore, comprehensive intervention measures such as providing educational and safety training programs are required for pesticide users among farmers.

Determination of pesticide residues in urine by chromatography-mass spectrometry: methods and applications

Introduction

Pollution has emerged as a significant threat to humanity, necessitating a thorough evaluation of its impacts. As a result, various methods for human biomonitoring have been proposed as vital tools for assessing, managing, and mitigating exposure risks. Among these methods, urine stands out as the most commonly analyzed biological sample and the primary matrix for biomonitoring studies.

Objectives

This review concentrates on exploring the literature concerning residual pesticide determination in urine, utilizing liquid and gas chromatography coupled with mass spectrometry, and its practical applications.

Method

The examination focused on methods developed since 2010. Additionally, applications reported between 2015 and 2022 were thoroughly reviewed, utilizing Web of Science as a primary resource.

Synthesis

Recent advancements in chromatography-mass spectrometry technology have significantly enhanced the development of multi-residue methods. These determinations are now capable of simultaneously detecting numerous pesticide residues from various chemical and use classes. Furthermore, these methods encompass analytes from a variety of environmental contaminants, offering a comprehensive approach to biomonitoring. These methodologies have been employed across diverse perspectives, including toxicological studies, assessing pesticide exposure in the general population, occupational exposure among farmers, pest control workers, horticulturists, and florists, as well as investigating consequences during pregnancy and childhood, neurodevelopmental impacts, and reproductive disorders.

Future directions

Such strategies were essential in examining the health risks associated with exposure to complex mixtures, including pesticides and other relevant compounds, thereby painting a broader and more accurate picture of human exposure. Moreover, the implementation of integrated strategies, involving international research initiatives and biomonitoring programs, is crucial to optimize resource utilization, enhancing efficiency in health risk assessment.

Relationship Between Pesticide Exposure Factors and Health Symptoms Among Chili Farmers in Northeast Thailand

OBJECTIVES

The unsafe use of pesticides in agriculture represents a major hazard to human health. This study was conducted to investigate the association between pesticide exposure and health symptoms among chili farmers in northeast Thailand.

METHODS

This cross-sectional analytic study included 141 chili farmers in Sakon Nakhon Province, in northeast Thailand. Data regarding health symptoms were gathered using a self-report questionnaire. A medical technician tested blood cholinesterase activity using an erythrocyte method, and an occupational medicine specialist at Ramathibodi Hospital in Bangkok, Thailand reviewed the results. Associations between personal characteristics, pesticide exposure factors, and health symptoms were analyzed using multiple logistic regression.

RESULTS

Of the 141 chili farmers studied, 66.7% experienced pesticide poisoning, as indicated by below-normal cholinesterase levels. Fatigue was the most frequently reported symptom associated with pesticide exposure, affecting 37.6% of participants. This was followed by nausea and vomiting (31.9%), dizziness (14.9%), and dry throat (14.9%). Multivariate logistic regression analysis revealed that several factors were significantly associated with adverse symptoms: amount of work experience, volume of pesticides used, use of chemical pesticides, use of leaking containers during spraying, direct pesticide exposure while working, contact with pesticide-soaked clothing, consumption of food and drinks in the fields, and blood cholinesterase level indicating risk.

CONCLUSIONS

This study suggests potential health risks for chili farmers stemming from exposure to and contamination by pesticides used in agricultural practices. To mitigate these risks, it is essential to supply personal protective equipment and to implement educational programs aimed at improving protective behaviors among farmers.

Birth prevalence and risk factors of neural tube defects in Ethiopia: a systematic review and meta-analysis

OBJECTIVE

This study aims to estimate the prevalence of neural tube defects (NTDs) and to identify potential risk factors in the Ethiopian context.

STUDY DESIGN

Systematic review and meta-analysis.

STUDY PARTICIPANTS

A total of 611 064 participants were included in the review obtained from 42 studies.

METHODS

PubMed (Medline), Embase and Cochrane Library databases in combination with other potential sources of literature were systematically searched, whereby studies conducted between January 2010 and December 2022 were targeted in the review process. All observational studies were included and heterogeneity between studies was verified using Cochrane Q test statistics and I2 test statistics. Small study effects were checked using Egger's statistical test at a 5% significance level.

RESULT

The pooled prevalence of all NTDs per 10 000 births in Ethiopia was 71.48 (95% CI 57.80 to 86.58). The between-study heterogeneity was high (I2= 97.49%, p<0.0001). Birth prevalence of spina bifida (33.99 per 10 000) was higher than anencephaly (23.70 per 10 000), and encephalocele (4.22 per 10 000). Unbooked antenatal care (AOR 2.26, 95% CI (1.30 to 3.94)), preconception intake of folic acid (AOR 0.41, 95% CI (0.26 to 0.66)), having chronic medical illness (AOR 2.06, 95% CI (1.42 to 2.99)), drinking alcohol (AOR 2.70, 95% CI (1.89 to 3.85)), smoking cigarette (AOR 2.49, 95% CI (1.51 to 4.11)), chewing khat (AOR 3.30, 95% CI (1.88 to 5.80)), exposure to pesticides (AOR 3.87, 95% CI (2.63 to 5.71)), maternal age ≥35 (AOR 1.90, 95% CI (1.13 to 3.25)), maternal low educational status (AOR 1.60, 95% CI (1.13 to 2.24)), residing in urban areas (AOR 0.75, 95% CI (0.58 to 0.97))and family history of NTDs (AOR 2.51, 95% CI (1.36 to 4.62)) were associated with NTD cases.

CONCLUSION

The prevalence of NTDs in Ethiopia is seven times as high as in other Western countries where prevention measures are put in place. Heredity, maternal and environmental factors are associated with a high prevalence of NTDs. Mandatory fortification of staple food with folic acid should be taken as a priority intervention to curb the burden of NTDs. To smoothen and overlook the pace of implementation of mass fortification, screening, and monitoring surveillance systems should be in place along with awareness-raising measures.

PROSPERO REGISTRATION NUMBER

CRD42023413490.