The present study aims at evaluating potential genotoxic and cytotoxic effects caused by the occupational exposure of farmers to pesticide mixtures in the Aitoloakarnania Prefecture (Greece). The aforementioned assessment was conducted through in vivo Cytokinesis Block Micronucleus assay (CBMN assay) in peripheral blood lymphocytes, in relation to chemical analysis of pesticide residues in blood samples. The exposure of the farmers' population studied to different combinations of pesticides induced significant differences in the frequencies of micronuclei (MN) compared to those of the control group. Furthermore, our results indicated a possible clastogenic and aneugenic effect of pesticides on the genetic material of the farmers exposed. Five pesticides (trifluralin, chlorpyriphos methyl, metolachlor, fenthion and dimethoate) and three metabolites (fenthion sulfone, fenthion sulfoxide and 4,4' DDE) were detected in the 62.5% of blood samples, with mean concentrations ranging from 0.4 ng/ml to 48 ng/ml. Since the farmers studied probably exhibit detectable levels of systematic exposure to the pesticides applied, continuous educational programs focused on the rational and safe use of pesticides, together with implementation of risk communication strategies among farmers are highly recommended.

Download full-text PDF

Source
http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.envres.2020.109558DOI Listing

Publication Analysis

Top Keywords

exposure farmers
8
blood samples
8
farmers
5
pesticides
5
assessment genetic
4
genetic effects
4
effects pesticide
4
exposure
4
pesticide exposure
4
farmers greece
4

Similar Publications

Microplastics in Agricultural Crops and Their Possible Impact on Farmers' Health: A Review.

Int J Environ Res Public Health

December 2024

Department Innovative Technologies in Medicine and Dentistry, University "G. d'Annunzio", Via dei Vestini, 66100 Chieti, Italy.

The indiscriminate use of plastic products and their inappropriate management and disposal contribute to the increasing presence and accumulation of this material in all environmental zones. The chemical properties of plastics and their resistance to natural degradation lead over time to the production of microplastics (MPs) and nanoplastics, which are dispersed in soil, water, and air and can be absorbed by plants, including those grown for food. In agriculture, MPs can come from many sources (mulch film, tractor tires, compost, fertilizers, and pesticides).

View Article and Find Full Text PDF

Women constitute most of the global horticulture workforce, where pesticide use is prevalent. Protecting their health, particularly during pregnancy, is essential. However, knowledge about practices among pregnant employees that cause exposure to pesticides is limited.

View Article and Find Full Text PDF

Rift Valley fever (RVF) is an important viral zoonotic disease that not only affects ruminants but causes serious morbidity and mortality in humans. In humans, its symptoms range from mild flu-like signs to a severe form such as retinal damage, meningoencephalitis to haemorrhagic fever. In this study, 202 human serum samples were collected from central and western parts of Zambia and tested for RVF-specific antibodies using a commercially available ELISA kit.

View Article and Find Full Text PDF

Studies have shown that the presence of allergens, including insecticides, significantly increases the risk of occupational allergic diseases among solar greenhouse workers. However, no studies have yet investigated the relationship between organophosphorus pesticide use by greenhouse workers and allergic diseases, and the role of the flora in this context remains unclear. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the relationship between combined exposure to organophosphorus pesticides (OPs) and Glyphosate (GLY) and changes in total immunoglobulin E (IgE) levels, as well as to analyze the role of nasal flora in allergic status.

View Article and Find Full Text PDF

Since the turn of the century, there has been an increase in the frequency of chronic interstitial nephritis in agricultural communities. This is particularly evident in young farm workers from equatorial regions, where the prevalence of chronic kidney disease cannot be explained by classical risk determinants or exposure to heat stress alone. Potentially causal agents have included organic and inorganic drinking water contaminants.

View Article and Find Full Text PDF

Want AI Summaries of new PubMed Abstracts delivered to your In-box?

Enter search terms and have AI summaries delivered each week - change queries or unsubscribe any time!