Changes in Pest Infestation Levels, Self-Reported Pesticide Use, and Permethrin Exposure during Pregnancy after the 2000–2001 U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Restriction of Organophosphates

Abstract

BackgroundWidespread residential pesticide use throughout the United States has resulted in ubiquitous, low-level pesticide exposure. The mix of active pesticide ingredients is changing in response to 2000–2001 regulations restricting use of the organophosphorus insecticides chlorpyrifos and diazinon.ObjectivesWe aimed to determine the impact of U.S. Environmental Protection Agency regulations on pest infestation levels, pesticide use, and pesticides measured in indoor air samples. METHODOLOGY: 511 pregnant women from innercity New York were enrolled between 2000 and 2006. Permethrin, a pyrethroid insecticide; piperonyl butoxide (PBO), a pyrethroid synergist; chlorpyrifos; and diazinon were measured in 48-hr prenatal personal air samples. Data on pest infestation and pesticide use were collected via questionnaire.ResultsEighty-eight percent of women reported using pesticides during pregnancy; 55% reported using higher-exposure pesticide applications (spray cans, pest bombs and/or professional pesticide applicators). Self-reported pest sightings and use of higher-exposure applications increased significantly after the regulations were implemented (p < 0.001). PBO, cis-, and trans-permethrin were detected in 75, 19, and 18% of personal air samples, respectively. Detection frequencies of PBO and cis- and trans-permethrin increased significantly over time (p < 0.05 controlling for potential confounders). Levels and/or detection frequencies of these compounds were significantly higher among mothers reporting use of high exposure pesticide applications (p ≤ 0.05). Chlorpyrifos and diazinon levels decreased significantly over time (p < 0.001).ConclusionIn this cohort, pest infestations, use of pesticides, and use of permethrin appear to increase after the residential restriction of organophosphorus insecticides. This is one of the first studies to document widespread residential exposure to PBO.

Impact of Prenatal Exposure to Piperonyl Butoxide and Permethrin on 36-Month Neurodevelopment

“…Previous data showed a significant increase in PBO in maternal personal air samples after the residential restriction on OP insecticides and also a significant association between personal air PBO levels and use of spray insecticides within the home during pregnancy. 12 To our knowledge, no previous data suggest an adverse effect of PBO exposure on neurocognitive development.…”

“…9 With increasing pesticide regulations, residential exposures to organochlorine and OP insecticides have decreased. [10][11][12] Current data from sales and environmental monitoring suggest that pyrethroid insecticides replaced OP insecticides for residential pest control as uses of chlorpyrifos and other OP insecticides were phased out. 12,13 Pyrethroid insecticides have not been evaluated for long-term neurotoxic effects after low-level exposure in humans, but experimental data raise concerns about the safety of prenatal and early childhood exposures.…”

“…[10][11][12] Current data from sales and environmental monitoring suggest that pyrethroid insecticides replaced OP insecticides for residential pest control as uses of chlorpyrifos and other OP insecticides were phased out. 12,13 Pyrethroid insecticides have not been evaluated for long-term neurotoxic effects after low-level exposure in humans, but experimental data raise concerns about the safety of prenatal and early childhood exposures. 14 We examined associations between prenatal exposure to pyrethroid insecticides and 36-month neurodevelopment among children in the CCCEH cohort, using the Bayley Scales of Infant Development, second edition (BSID-II).…”

Effects of exposure to pyrethroid cyfluthrin on serotonin and dopamine levels in brain regions of male rats

“…Pyrethroid insecticides account for more than 30% of insecticides used worldwide (Barr et al, 2010). Because of they are generally more toxic to insects than nontarget species (Soderlund et al, 2002), the use of pyrethroids has increased dramatically over the past decade and will likely increase further as they are replacing other pesticides (e.g., organophosphate pesticides) that are considered to have higher mammalian toxicity (Williams et al, 2008).…”

Childhood Leukemia: A Preventable Disease

“…Integrated pest management has proven to be cost effective and at times more effective at long-term control of pests while reducing pesticide exposure (including during pregnancy). 81,82 …”