Temporal Trends of Exposure to Organochlorine Pesticides in the United States: A Population Study from 2005 to 2016

Abstract

The current study aimed to investigate temporal trends of serum organochlorine pesticide (OCP) concentrations in the general United States population, approximately 30 years after the prohibition of OCP usage, by using National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey data. The least square geometric means and percent change in OCP concentrations were calculated by a survey weighted multiple linear regression model. Over 2005–2016, OCP concentrations showed significant downward temporal trends. Females had substantially higher concentrations of β-Hexachlorocyclohexane (β-HCH), p,p′-DDE and p,p′-DDT, but lower concentrations of Hexachlorobenzene (HCB) and trans-nonachlor. In addition, females had a more rapid decrease in p,p′-DDT levels over time than males. The overall OCP concentrations increased with age, and the two oldest age groups (aged 40–59 and 60+ years) had substantially lower rates of decrease than the younger age groups (aged 12–39 years). Concentrations and declines in OCPs (except for trans-nonachlor) were higher in Mexican Americans than both non-Hispanic Whites and non-Hispanic Blacks. There is a particular need for the ongoing monitoring of these banned chemicals, and measures should be taken to mitigate the exposure of vulnerable populations, including adults aged over 60, Mexican Americans, females for β-HCH, p,p′-DDE and p,p′-DDT, and males for HCB and trans-nonachlor.

Association between organochlorine pesticides and nonalcoholic fatty liver disease in the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey 2003–2004

“…Several studies have reported that the concentrations of OCP substances differed according to sex 9 , 25 , 26 ; however, in terms of the prevalence of NAFLD according to OCP exposure, previous studies did not observe a significant difference according to sex 15 , which is consistent with our results. In contrast, OCP exposure and the prevalence of NAFLD were shown to be different according to race 9 , 25 , 26 , which is often associated with differences in other living-environmental factors such as dietary habits, occupations, and socioeconomic status, or genetic susceptibility to OCP exposure. Further research is needed to determine the factors and mechanisms involved in the sex and ethnic difference in NAFLD prevalence according to OCP exposure.…”

Pesticide Exposure among Latinx Children in Rural Farmworker and Urban Non-Farmworker Communities: Associations with Locality and Season

“…All United States (US) residents, not only those working or living in agricultural communities, continuously experience pesticide exposure [12][13][14]. US residents who are members of minority groups or otherwise live in vulnerable communities may experience greater pesticide exposure than the remainder of the population.…”

Comparing Longitudinal Measures of Cholinesterase as Biomarkers for Insecticide Exposure Among Latinx Children in Rural Farmworker and Urban Nonfarmworker Communities in North Carolina

“…Other characteristics include the child's sex (girl or boy, as stated by a parent), whether the child was born in the United States or another country (eg, Mexico, Guatemala), whether both parents were present in the household, and the number of persons in the household, with the values 3-4, 5-6, and 7 or more. Baseline BMI was calculated as weight (kg)/height (m) 2 , using weight and height measured at baseline.…”

“…T he possibility of exposure to cholinesterase-inhibiting insecticides (eg, organophosphorus and carbamate pesticides) is widespread in agricultural communities. [1][2][3] Drift from fields into yards, vehicles, and homes and pesticides inadvertently brought home on clothing and tools by agricultural workers are established pathways. 4 Our previous research has found reduced cholinesterase activity during the agricultural season in adult farmworkers in the United States, 5,6 documenting that these adults have absorbed doses of these insecticides.…”

“…The possibility of exposure to cholinesterase-inhibiting insecticides (eg, organophosphorus and carbamate pesticides) is widespread in agricultural communities 1–3 . Drift from fields into yards, vehicles, and homes and pesticides inadvertently brought home on clothing and tools by agricultural workers are established pathways 4 .…”