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Article
Synthetic Pesticides and Health in Vulnerable Populations: Agricultural Workers
Synthetic Chemicals and Health
  • Cynthia L. Curl, Boise State University
  • Meredith Spivak, Boise State University
  • Rachel Phinney, Boise State University
  • Luke Montrose, Boise State University
Document Type
Article
Publication Date
3-1-2020
Abstract

Purpose of Review: This review aims to summarize epidemiological literature published between May 15, 2018 and May 14, 2019 that examines the relationship between exposure to synthetic pesticides and health of agricultural workers.

Recent Findings: Current research suggests that exposure to synthetic pesticides may be associated with adverse health outcomes. Agricultural workers represent a potentially vulnerable population, due to a combination of unique social and cultural risk factors as well as exposure to hazards inherent in farm work. Pesticide exposure among agricultural workers has been linked to certain cancers, DNA damage, oxidative stress, neurological disorders, as well as respiratory, metabolic, and thyroid effects.

Summary: This review describes literature suggesting that agricultural workers exposed to synthetic pesticides are at an increased risk of certain cancers and neurological disorders. Recent research on respiratory effects is sparse, and more research is warranted regarding DNA damage, oxidative stress, metabolic outcomes and thyroid effects.

Copyright Statement

This is a post-peer-review, pre-copyedit version of an article published in Synthetic Chemicals and Health. The final authenticated version is available online at doi: 10.1007/s40572-020-00266-5

Citation Information
Cynthia L. Curl, Meredith Spivak, Rachel Phinney and Luke Montrose. "Synthetic Pesticides and Health in Vulnerable Populations: Agricultural Workers" Synthetic Chemicals and Health (2020)
Available at: http://works.bepress.com/cynthia_curl/28/