Increased risk of lung cancer in pesticide‐exposed male agricultural workers

Abstract

The cancer morbidity in a large group of male German agricultural workers exposed to pesticides was investigated through a retrospective cohort study. A total of 169 malignant tumors were diagnosed in 1658 men who began to work with pesticides between 1948 and 1972, and who continued this type of activity for at least 5 yr. The SMR (standardized mortality ratio) of 2.0 for lung cancer morbidity (mortality) in these pesticide-exposed subjects was significantly higher than that for the general male population of the German Democratic Republic. A positive correlation between the duration of employment and the mortality due to lung cancer (mainly undifferentiated and small-cell carcinomas) suggested a dose-effect relation. The smoking habits of the exposed men did not differ from those of the general male population of the German Democratic Republic. Because the subjects had been exposed to many different substances, the study does not permit any conclusions to be drawn in respect to the carcinogenicity of individual pesticides. The increased mortality due to lung cancer is presumably the result of an additive effect of different pesticide ingredients or of by-products whose carcinogenic effect has been definitely or tentatively established through experimental or epidemiologic studies (e.g. arsenic, asbestos, chlorinated dibenzodioxins, DDT). The results of the present investigation emphasize the need for effective measures to protect workers during occupational contact with pesticides.

Health Effects of Chronic Pesticide Exposure: Cancer and Neurotoxicity

“…In a survey of 1600 agricultural applicators in East Germany, Barthel (18) observed almost a twofold excess mortality from lung cancer. The risk increased to 3.0 among those with 20 or more years of exposure (18). The relationship between exposure to phenoxy herbicides and/or contaminants (dioxins and furans) was also observed for overall cancer and lung cancer mortality, specifically, among a cohort of workers from four manufacturing plants in Germany (21).…”

Cancer among farmers. A review.

“…Twenty-five percent may have been applied by commercial applicators (52), who may have considerable contact with pesticides. Studies of pesticide applicators suggest that these workers may experience high risks for certain cancers, particularly cancer of the lung (5,8), which is not excessive among farmers. Slight excesses of leukemia have also been reported among some pesticide-exposed populations (8,27,83), but other studies have failed to uncover significant excesses (66,91,92).…”

Adverse Health Effects of Pesticides Exposure in Agricultural and Industrial Workers of Developing Country

“…A study documented significant genotoxic exposure of pesticides on the basis of significant decrease in the level of serum ChE among workers involved in pesticide manufacturing industry (Bhalli et al, 2006). There was an increased risk of lung cancer reported in German agricultural workers, which also increased with the length of exposure (Barthel, 1981).…”