Impacts of climate change on indirect human exposure to pathogens and chemicals from agriculture

Abstract

Climate change is likely to affect the nature of pathogens/ chemicals in the environment and their fate and transport. We assess the implications of climate change for changes in human exposures to pathogens/chemicals in agricultural systems in the UK and discuss the effects on health impacts, using expert input and literature on climate change; health effects from exposure to pathogens/chemicals arising from agriculture; inputs of chemicals/pathogens to agricultural systems; and human exposure pathways for pathogens/chemicals in agricultural systems. We established the evidence base for health effects of chemicals/pathogens in the agricultural environment; determined the potential implications of climate change on chemical/pathogen inputs in agricultural systems; and explored the effects of climate change on environmental transport and fate of various contaminants. We merged data to assess the implications of climate change in terms of indirect human exposure to pathogens/chemicals in agricultural systems, and defined recommendations on future research and policy changes to manage adverse increases in risks.

Spreading of Bio-wastes onto Soil Surfaces to Control Pathogens: Human Health and Environmental Consequences

“…This change in climate may increase the frequency and intensity of rainfall events (Boxall et al, 2009); therefore, the transport of pathogens and nutrients from the soil from unincorporated bio-waste may increase. The global surface temperature has increased by about 0.3-0.6 o C during the twentieth century (Zell, 2004).…”

“…As warm air can hold more moisture than cold air, the global hydrological cycle has also changed due to the surge in global temperature, as has the prevalence of waterborne disease vectors (Patz et al, 2000). According to Boxall et al (2009), increase in global temperatures could introduce new pathogens, vectors, or hosts which are not know earlier and require new management strategies. Boxall et al (2009) reviewed the impacts of global climate change on the indirect exposure of humans to pathogens and chemicals from agriculture.…”

Climate Change and Occupational Health and Safety in a Temperate Climate: Potential Impacts and Research Priorities in Quebec, Canada

“…• Insecurity and consequences on physical & mental health due to a decreased employment 6,[43][44][45] • Vector-borne and zoonotic diseases [46][47][48] • Variation in chemical exposure 49) Changes in harvest, working methods in fishing…”

Climate change and human health: an environmental perspective

“…For example, invasion of new areas by ectoparasitic ticks may substantially increase the incidence of Lyme disease (Ebi et al 2006). Additionally, enhanced abundance and activity of bacterial, fungal and insect pests due to global warming may necessitate increased usage of antibiotics and pesticides for agricultural purposes (Boxall et al 2009). This will have longer-term impacts in terms of loss of efficacy of antibiotics and pesticides due to resistance development against the active ingredient, which in turn will increase the rate of infection and mortality.…”

“…Coupled with drier summers, this may reduce the risk of exposure in certain parts of the world. Such beneficial effects, in some cases, may be short-lived, as drier summers could also result in soil shrinkage cracks facilitating more rapid leaching of toxicants to ground waters following intense rainfall (Boxall et al 2009). Some of the impacts may be far worse than predicted due to synergistic and interactive actions of various global changes.…”