Evidence on Human Exposure to Pesticides and the Occurrence of Health Hazards in the Brazilian Population: A Systematic Review

Abstract

Brazil is among the biggest pesticide consumers in the world, with its population severely exposed to tons of such substances, both because of environmental contamination and occupational use. The health consequences of pesticide exposure are well-documented, but still sparse regarding Brazilian population. This study systematically reviewed the Brazilian studies published that address the relationship between exposure to pesticides and health problems in the Brazilian population. Also, information about pesticide use in Brazil is provided. The included studies showed that exposure to pesticides has a relevant impact on the health of the Brazilian population, regardless of age and gender, and on workers in rural areas or not. Most poisoning events seem to result from the continuous use of pesticides, whether occupationally or environmentally, characterizing a public health problem. The major consequences reported in literature were damage to the central nervous system, cancer, deleterious effects on rural workers' health, intoxications, malformations, and endocrine changes. These findings point out the need to understand the impact of chronic exposure to pesticides on severely exposed people and highlight the importance of creating public policies to protect them and avoid disease occurrence.

Retinal Toxicity Induced by Chemical Agents

“…In 2020, according to the Brazilian Institute for the Environment and Renewable Natural Resources (IBAMA), Brazil sold almost 685 tons of pesticides, a number that is reflected in the estimated consumption of 7.2 L of pesticides per Brazilian, according to the dossier of the Brazilian Association of Collective Health (ABRASCO). Between 2007 and 2014, there were 25,000 cases of intoxication with agricultural pesticides in Brazil and 1186 deaths resulting from this contamination [ 21 ], but these numbers may be even higher, due to unreported cases [ 22 ]. In addition, the current federal government has adopted a permissive policy on the use of pesticides in Brazil, and 80% of pesticides authorized in the country are banned in at least three countries of the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) of the European Community [ 22 ].…”

“…Between 2007 and 2014, there were 25,000 cases of intoxication with agricultural pesticides in Brazil and 1186 deaths resulting from this contamination [ 21 ], but these numbers may be even higher, due to unreported cases [ 22 ]. In addition, the current federal government has adopted a permissive policy on the use of pesticides in Brazil, and 80% of pesticides authorized in the country are banned in at least three countries of the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) of the European Community [ 22 ]. Thus, it is very likely that there will be an increase in the number of cases and deaths associated with occupational or occasional exposure in Brazil.…”

“…Individuals who are exposed either chronically or acutely can experience side-effects that include cancer, endocrine disruption, reproductive effects, liver and kidney damage, birth defects, and neurotoxicity [ 22 ]. In the latter case, both the central nervous system (CNS) and the peripheral nervous system are affected, and a dataset has now extended this effect to the retina, a tissue belonging to the CNS.…”

Differences in Knowledge, Awareness, Practice, and Health Symptoms in Farmers Who Applied Organophosphates and Pyrethroids on Farms

“…As regards chronic health effects, the evidence is inconsistent, and the mechanisms involved are unclear (7,8). In several human studies, pesticides have been shown to be related to chronic adverse effects on the immune, neurological, respiratory, endocrine, and reproductive systems (7,(10)(11)(12)(13)(14)(15)(16). Symptoms indicating neurobehavioral, motor, and sensory dysfunction, have been reviewed in some symptom prevalence studies (11,(17)(18)(19).…”

Environmental Contaminants Modulate Breast Cancer Development and Outcome in TP53 p.R337H Carriers and Noncarriers

“…One major challenge preventing efficient sustainable development in industrial and agriculture sectors is a lack of necessary environmental management for tackling environmental degradation. Evidence of BC risk in Paraná and other Brazilian states has been reported for pesticides used in agriculture [ 15 ]. Additionally, in a rural region of Australia with high levels of organochlorines (OCs), higher rates of female BC have been reported compared with rates in the metropolitan area of Melbourne [ 16 ].…”