25
Nov
Pesticide Exposure Triggers Headaches and Other Cognitive Issues Among Youth in Farms Areas
(Beyond Pesticides, November 25, 2020) New research from the Centre for Environment and Occupational Health Research at the University of Cape Town (UCT), South Africa, finds a link between pesticide exposure and adverse neurological symptoms among children and adolescents living in agricultural areas. Considering the etiology (cause) of many brain and neurological disorders are unknown, research like this is significant for understanding how pesticide exposure promotes disease development, especially among vulnerable populations. Researcher notes, “Children who indicate activities related to pesticide exposure may be at higher risk for developing headaches and lower cognitive performance in the domains of attention, memory and processing speed. […]Given [the] history and socio-economic divide to the farm laborers, […]future interventions should aim to reduce the health risks of these vulnerable populations, including their children.”
The study demonstrates that there is a relationship between pesticide exposure from various farm-related and leisure activities and headaches and neurocognitive functioning (i.e., autism, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), lower intelligence (IQ), and harmful social behavior and behavioral regulation) in children and adolescents. To assess which farm-related/leisure activities concerning pesticide exposure cause cognitive symptoms, researchers administered a questionnaire addressing child pesticide handling, direct consumption of field crops, interaction with field adjacent water sources, and noticeable pesticide spraying events. Researchers used the Cambridge Automated Neuropsychological Battery (CANTAB)—an iPad-based cognitive assessment tool— to assess neurocognitive performance (i.e., memory, attention, and processing speed). Headache severity measurements used the standard Headache Impact Test (HIT-6) tool.
The results demonstrate a link between headache severity and pesticide exposure-related farm activities as all activities increase the severity score. Neurocognitive results show an overall negative association with pesticide exposure-related activities, lowering multitasking skills, with direct fieldwork contributing to lower spatial memory, and impaired associated learning. Individuals who eat crops grown with chemical-intensive practices have slower motor-visual functioning and processing.
Pesticide use is widespread and direct exposure from applications or indirect exposure from residues pose a threat to human health. Children are more vulnerable to the impact of pesticides as their bodies are still developing. Many studies demonstrate that exposure to pesticides, such as organophosphate insecticides like chlorpyrifos, have endocrine disruption properties that induce neurotoxicity via acetylcholinesterase (AChE) inhibition. Furthermore, a mother’s exposure to environmental toxicants while pregnant can increase the likelihood of developmental disabilities as most developmental disabilities begin before birth. A plethora of studies not only link childhood pesticide exposure to lower IQ but prenatal pesticide exposure, even more so. The number of children with neurodevelopmental disabilities is increasing in the U.S., and many children in rural areas—where pesticide use is most prevalent—have a higher rate of neurological disabilities. Therefore, it is essential to effectively monitor and assess pesticide exposure for the sake of human health.
This study adds to the growing body of research supporting a link between cognitive performance among children with frequent exposure to pesticides. Furthermore, this study is one of the first of its kind to address activities associated with pesticide exposure among youth. Children living on or in proximity to farms are more likely to encounter these toxic chemicals from performing farm-related activities (i.e., storing/handling pesticides, fieldwork) or leisure activities around farms (i.e., swimming in nearby contaminated water, eating crops from the field). Pesticides can have various impacts on cognitive function that are not easily classifiable with exposure-response. Headaches are the most common symptom of pesticide applications, but exposure can have confounding impacts on human health as headaches often accompany other pesticide poising symptoms.
The authors of the study conclude that the results warrant “stricter control on management, storage, packaging, and several processes after sales of pesticide. . . Given that these participants are not in occupation, a recommendation is to implement an educational program on pesticide-related activities in schools and to learn from current interventions and their effectiveness.”
It is essential to know and understand the implications that pesticide use and exposure have on human health, especially if pesticides increase the risk of developing chronic diseases, particularly among vulnerable individuals. Studies related to pesticides and brain/nervous system disorders can aid in future hearth health research to understand the underlying mechanisms that cause changes in neurological function or structure. Protect vulnerable communities by telling your congressional representative and senators that EPA must protect farmworkers and their children from toxic pesticide exposure. To learn more about farmworker protection, please visit Beyond Pesticide’s Agricultural Justice page.
Beyond Pesticides tracks the most recent news and studies related to pesticides through the Daily News Blog and Pesticide Induced Diseases Database (PIDD). This database supports the clear need for strategic action to shift away from pesticide dependency. For more information on the multiple health harms pesticides can cause, see PIDD pages on brain and nervous system disorders, endocrine disruption, cancer, and other diseases.
Additionally, buying, growing, and supporting organic can help eliminate the extensive use of pesticides in agriculture and the environment. Organic agriculture has many health and environmental benefits, which curtail the need for chemical-intensive agricultural practices. For more information on how organic is the right choice for both consumers and the farmworkers who grow our food, see Beyond Pesticides webpage, Health Benefits of Organic Agriculture. Support organic agriculture today by telling the Biden transition team to harness the power of organic to combat climate change.
All unattributed positions and opinions in this piece are those of Beyond Pesticides.
Source: UCT
Hi, a great piece of content with good knowledge… Thanks
December 16th, 2020 at 9:22 amI really appreciate your work and helpful guidance and awareness that is very helpful to everyone!
January 6th, 2021 at 10:43 amIt is imperative.
Anyone know how long the headaches last?
September 5th, 2022 at 8:46 pmThank you.