Review and Meta-analysis of Risk Estimates for Prostate Cancer in Pesticide Manufacturing Workers

Abstract

The overall meta-analysis provides additional quantitative evidence consistent with prior reviews focusing on other groups exposed to pesticides (farmers, pesticide applicators). The results again point to occupational exposure to pesticides as a possible risk factor for prostate cancer but the question of causality remains unanswered. Epidemiological evidence did not allow identifying a specific pesticide or chemical class that would be responsible for the increased risk but the strongest evidence comes from workers exposed to phenoxy herbicides possibly in relation with dioxin and/or furan contamination.

Endocrine disruptors and prostate cancer risk

“…While several variables may contribute to higher prostate cancer rates in farmers, chronic or intermittent exposures to pesticides are the most likely explanation (Alavanja et al 2003, Van Maele-Fabry et al 2006. This is supported by a large epidemiology study (Agricultural Health Study) in a collaborative effort between the NCI, NIEHS, and EPA in the United States that has examined agricultural lifestyles and health in w90 000 participants in North Carolina and Iowa since 1993 (www.aghealth.org).…”

Correlação entre exposição ao óxido de etileno e câncer de próstata: doença ocupacional?

“…Entretanto, não foi possível demonstrar seguramente a associação entre pesticidas ou agentes químicos de grupos similares e CP 30,31 .…”

“…Estudos necroscópicos revelaram que 30% dos homens acima de 50 anos, os quais morreram por outras causas, apresentavam focos de adenocarcinoma na próstata 14 . Existem na literatura médica vários trabalhos que buscam a correlação entre o CP e fatores de risco ocupacionais relacionados a agentes químicos como os pesticidas, o álcool, o cromo, a fabricação de pneus e a borracha [15][16][17][18][19] e estudos que buscam agentes que poderiam reduzir o desenvolvimento desse câncer 20,21 . Porém, até a presente data, não se conseguiu confirmação de nenhum desses fatores ou agentes em trabalhos randomizados.…”

Health hazard evaluation report: HETA-2011-0045-3149, evaluation of prostate cancer, diesel exhaust exposures, and radio frequency exposures among employees at a rail yard - Alabama.

“…Exposure to certain substances, such as polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, pesticides, and cadmium have been suspected to increase the risk for prostate cancer, but study results conflict [Verougstraete et al 2003;Boers et al 2005;Sahmoun et al 2005;Van Maele-Fabry et al 2006;Huff et al 2007;Mink et al 2008]. In addition, a systematic review and meta-analysis of eight studies did not conclude that occupational exposure to whole-body vibration was a risk factor for prostate cancer [Young et al 2009].…”