Monitoring residues of pesticides in food in Brazil: A multiscale analysis of the main contaminants, dietary cancer risk estimative and mechanisms associated

Abstract

IntroductionPesticides pose a risk for cancer development and progression. People are continuously exposed to such substances by several routes, including daily intake of contaminated food and water, especially in countries that are highly pesticide consumers and have very permissive legislation about pesticide contamination as Brazil. This work investigated the relationship among pesticides, food contamination, and dietary cancer risk.MethodsAnalyzed two social reports from the Brazilian Government: the Program for Analysis of Residues of Pesticides in Food (PARA) and The National Program for Control of Waste and Contaminants (PNCRC).Results and discussionFirst, we characterized the main pesticide residues detected over the maximum limits allowed by legislation or those prohibited for use in food samples analyzed across the country. Based on this list, we estimated the dietary cancer risks for some of the selected pesticides. Finally, we searched for data about dietary cancer risks and carcinogenic mechanisms of each pesticide. We also provided a critical analysis concerning the pesticide scenario in Brazil, aiming to discuss the food contamination levels observed from a geographical, political, and public health perspective. Exposures to pesticides in Brazil violate a range of human rights when food and water for human consumption are contaminated.

Glyphosate as a Food Contaminant: Main Sources, Detection Levels, and Implications for Human and Public Health

“…Even given the crucial role of vegetables and fruits in nourishing and preventing chronic diseases, consuming contaminated food can have critical consequences. Conventional food cultivation, due to the extensive use of glyphosate, constitutes a chronic risk for the development of cancer, given the potential and frequent carcinogenic nature present, often exceeding maximum residue limits [ 115 ]. A dietary cancer risk estimative has been discussed concerning pesticides as food contaminants, based on these MRLs, as recently addressed by Valentim and Cols (2023) [ 115 ].…”

“…The impact reflects direct and indirect handling, with only the quantity and concentration of these products varying [ 148 , 149 ]. It should be noted that children are more vulnerable to glyphosate than adults and older adults due to their behavioral and physiological differences [ 115 ].…”

Utilization of Metarhizium as an insect biocontrol agent and a plant bioinoculant with special reference to Brazil

“…Brazil's boom in agriculture production is claimed to have started with the "Green Revolution" (Nehring, 2022). Although using fertilizers and pesticides represents a major part of the crop production landscape, insecticide/acaricide resistance and pesticide residue are consequential environmental and health risks in Brazil and worldwide (Deguine et al, 2021.;Valentim et al, 2023). These concerns can be traced back many decades when the Brazilian government started seeking sustainable and safer alternatives for arthropod pest control, including the use of entomopathogenic fungi.…”