Chlorpyrifos Exposure and Respiratory Health among Adolescent Agricultural Workers

Abstract

Chlorpyrifos (CPF) is a commonly used organophosphate insecticide (OP). In adults, exposure to OPs has been inconsistently associated with reduced lung function. OP exposure and lung function has not been assessed in adolescents. The objective of this study was to assess CPF exposure and lung function among Egyptian adolescents. We conducted a 10-month study of male adolescent pesticide applicators (n = 38) and non-applicators of similar age (n = 24). Urinary 3,5,6-trichloro-2-pyridinol (TPCy), a CPF-specific metabolite, was analyzed in specimens collected throughout the study. Spirometry was performed twice after pesticide application: day 146, when TCPy levels were elevated and day 269, when TCPy levels were near baseline. Applicators had higher levels of TCPy (mean cumulative TCPy day 146 = 33,217.6; standard deviation (SD) = 49,179.3) than non-applicators (mean cumulative TCPy day 146 = 3290.8; SD = 3994.9). Compared with non-applicators, applicators had higher odds of reporting wheeze, odds ratio = 3.41 (95% CI: 0.70; 17.41). Cumulative urinary TCPy was inversely associated with spirometric measurements at day 146, but not at day 269. Although generally non-significant, results were consistent with an inverse association between exposure to CPF and lung function.

The impact of repeated organophosphorus pesticide exposure on biomarkers and neurobehavioral outcomes among adolescent pesticide applicators

“…Participants were recruited from two districts (Al-Shohada and Berket El-Sabea’) in the Menoufia Governorate, Egypt (Callahan et al 2014; Crane et al 2013; Khan et al 2014; Rohlman et al 2016). All pesticide applicators between 12 and 21 years of age from both districts were invited to participate in the study and 100% accepted.…”

Relationship between Pesticide Metabolites, Cytokine Patterns, and Asthma-Related Outcomes in Rural Women Workers

“…Several studies have reported an association between pesticides and various health effects, including adverse respiratory health outcomes such as asthma, rhinitis, and non-specific respiratory symptoms [1,2,3,4,5]. Various agents have been associated with these adverse respiratory health effects.…”

Pesticides, human health, and food security

“…, , ; Callahan et al. ) during seasonal applications were found. Similarly, adolescent Egyptian pesticide applicators have also been shown to have limit PPE use and correspondingly high concentrations of TCPy (Crane et al.…”

“…Consequently, appropriate handling and use of PPE during pesticide applications are not adhered to widely. For instance, among adult Egyptian pesticide applicators with documented limited use of PPE extremely high urinary concentrations of the chlorpyrifos-specific metabolite 3,5,6-trichloro-2-pyridinol (TCPy) (Farahat et al 2003(Farahat et al , 2010(Farahat et al , 2011Callahan et al 2014) during seasonal applications were found. Similarly, adolescent Egyptian pesticide applicators have also been shown to have limit PPE use and correspondingly high concentrations of TCPy (Crane et al 2013).…”