Evidence for genotoxicity of pesticides in pesticide applicators: a review

Abstract

A systematic review of the literature has been conducted and studies reporting investigations of genotoxicity biomarkers in pesticide workers have been assessed with view to establishing whether there was evidence for any risk to those using pesticides approved in the United Kingdom. Each of the studies was evaluated using a set of criteria drawn up by members of the UK Committee of Mutagenicity based upon the guidelines proposed by the International Programme on Chemical Safety (IPCS) working group [R. J. Albertini, D. Anderson, G. R. Douglas, L. Hagmar, K. Hemminki, F. Merlo, A. T. Natarajan, H. Norppa, D. E. Shuker, R. Tice, M. D. Waters and A. Aitio (2000) Mutat. Res., 463, 111-172]; 24 out of 70 studies met the criteria for inclusion in the substantive evaluation. Positive findings were compared with occupational practices and evidence of exposure to specific pesticides with view to developing hypotheses for further consideration. Seventeen of the 24 studies reported positive findings, although in the majority of these the magnitude of increase was small. There was some limited evidence that the use of benzimidazoles was more consistently associated with positive findings. However, limitations in the data, particularly evidence of exposure, did not allow definitive conclusions to be drawn. Also, it was noted that the use (or not) of personal protective equipment (PPE) was not well documented and in the few studies in which its use was reported, the findings were more likely to be positive in the absence of PPE usage. An independent epidemiological review concluded that all studies were of limited design, particularly with regards to study size, the assessment of subject selection and potential recruitment bias. Variance in genotoxicity indices in the control population and a lack of understanding of the factors influencing this variability complicate attempts to characterize positive responses. More substantive data are needed in this respect so that the significance of relatively small increases in biomonitoring indices can be accurately assessed. Once these data are available, a study in workers using benzimidazoles would be appropriate.

Agrochemicals: Horticulture Use Conditions Determine Genotoxic Effects and Oxidative Damage in Rural Populations in Santa Fe, Argentina

“…Assessment of the associations with individual pesticide exposure is very difficult because most occupations involve the regular use of a large number of different pesticides, together with other chemicals such as co-formulants, which vary greatly in their potential toxicities and potencies. Furthermore, measurements of systemic exposure to pesticides were not taken and therefore correlations between increased genotoxicity biomarkers and the degree of exposure were not possible to obtain (Bull et al, 2006). Pesticides act selectively against certain organisms without adversely affecting others.…”

Evaluación de riesgos en sistemas agrícolas asociados a la utilización de plaguicidas en el Municipio de Kukra Hill, Nicaragua, Centroamérica

“…Vol. 26 4 Se estimó la concentración de moléculas de plaguicida en suelo y en aguas de escorrentías superficiales en parcelas del cultivo de palma africana. Pudiendo identificar los tipos de plaguicidas, sus niveles de concentración y asociarlo a los posibles riesgos ambientales y humanos que estos conllevan en combinación con las condiciones de seguridad laboral.…”

“…Esta cantidad cuando se expresa por unidad de masa corporal del individuo expuesto (agro-aplicador). Para ello se analizan factores tales: 4 En base Valores guía canadiense de calidad de suelos de uso agrícolas para la protección ambiental y la salud humana (CCME) Se han utilizado encuestas y entrevistas, además de análisis documental y observaciones de campo. a) Encuestas a población agrícola.…”

“…Las consecuencias económicas negativas, pueden ser divididas en costos directos e indirectos, y están estrechamente relacionadas con el efecto de los agroquímicos en la salud, el ambiente y la agricultura y por ende en la seguridad alimenticia de los pueblos (Bull, 2006). Las consecuencias ambientales son también cada vez más evidentes.…”

Ensayo De Micronúcleos De Citoma Bucal en Trabajadores De Fincas Frutícolas Que Han Aplicado Plaguicidas Alrededor De Quince Años

“…Esta es una práctica indispensable para la disminución de intoxicaciones agudas y efectos crónicos causados por la exposición a plaguicidas. Bull et al (2006) indican que el uso de EPP no ha estado bien documentado y que el uso escaso se ha asociado a resultados positivos en la evaluación de blancos finales de genotoxicidad. En la provincia de Mendoza no existen estudios previos que evalúen el nivel de daño genético en trabajadores de fincas frutícolas.…”