Potential developmental neurotoxicity of pesticides used in Europe

Abstract

Pesticides used in agriculture are designed to protect crops against unwanted species, such as weeds, insects, and fungus. Many compounds target the nervous system of insect pests. Because of the similarity in brain biochemistry, such pesticides may also be neurotoxic to humans. Concerns have been raised that the developing brain may be particularly vulnerable to adverse effects of neurotoxic pesticides. Current requirements for safety testing do not include developmental neurotoxicity. We therefore undertook a systematic evaluation of published evidence on neurotoxicity of pesticides in current use, with specific emphasis on risks during early development. Epidemiologic studies show associations with neurodevelopmental deficits, but mainly deal with mixed exposures to pesticides. Laboratory experimental studies using model compounds suggest that many pesticides currently used in Europe -including organophosphates, carbamates, pyrethroids, ethylenebisdithiocarbamates, and chlorophenoxy herbicides -can cause neurodevelopmental toxicity. Adverse effects on brain development can be severe and irreversible. Prevention should therefore be a public health priority. The occurrence of residues in food and other types of human exposures should be prevented with regard to the pesticide groups that are known to be neurotoxic. For other substances, given their widespread use and the unique vulnerability of the developing brain, the general lack of data on developmental neurotoxicity calls for investment in targeted research. While awaiting more definite evidence, existing uncertainties should be considered in light of the need for precautionary action to protect brain development.

Self-reported Health Effects among Short and Long-term Pesticide Sprayers in Arusha, Northern Tanzania: A cross Sectional Study

“…Endosulfan together with other modern pesticides that are frequently applied in the study area are likely to induce neurotoxic as well as other toxic effects in chronically exposed humans as previously described [37][38][39]. It is well documented that the nervous system represents a key target for both acute and chronic effects of pesticides [9,20]. Groups of pesticides with known effect on the nervous system include organochlorines, pyrethroids, organophosphates and carbamates.…”

“…Modern pesticides are reported to cause acute health effects in respondents exposed to high doses with unspecific symptoms such as headache, dizziness, respiratory problems, nausea, vomiting and eventually death. Furthermore, the data addressing potential adverse effects of long-term exposure to moderate pesticide levels suggest a wide variety of adverse health conditions, including central nervous-, reproductive-and immune system disorders, as well as cancers [8][9][10][11][12][13][14][15][16][17][18][19][20][21].…”

Morphogenetic Activities of Bendiocarb as Cholinesterase Inhibitor on Development of the Chick Embryo

“…Experimental, clinical, and epidemiologic evidence suggests that neurotoxic pesticides can also cause developmental neurotoxicity, and that the effects are more severe and lasting, and that they occur at much lower exposure levels. Given the likely environmental etiology of neurodevelopmental deficits and their importance to families and to society, prevention of exposures to neurotoxic pesticides should be made a public health priority (Bjørling-Poulsen et al, 2008).…”

Efficacy of Photogem® (Hematoporphyrin Derivative) as a Photoactivatable Larvicide against Aedes aegypti (Diptera: Culicidae) Larvae

“…Most widely used insecticides are powerful chemicals of three different classes, namely pyrethroids, carbamates and organophosphates, all are neurotoxic action. Some restrictions have been imposed on their use, since they contaminate the environment and present risks to human health [9,10]. Moreover, their prolonged use causes the appearance of resistant populations of Ae.…”