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A groundbreaking study published in Scientific Reports has found a significant association between exposure to certain pesticides and an increased risk of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) among farmers. The study analyzed data from the Agricultural Health Study, which tracked nearly 89,000 licensed pesticide applicators in North Carolina and Iowa.
Rheumatoid Arthritis and Occupational Risk
Rheumatoid arthritis is a chronic autoimmune disease characterized by joint inflammation and potential damage to multiple organs, leading to long-term disabilities. While established risk factors include genetics, smoking, and exposure to silica dust, this study sheds light on the role of occupational pesticide exposure.
The researchers focused on a subset of older, predominantly white male pesticide applicators aged 67 and older, assessing their lifetime use of 45 different pesticides.
Key Findings
The study identified nine pesticides significantly linked to increased RA risk:
- Insecticides: Malathion, phorate, carbaryl, and carbofuran.
- Herbicides: Alachlor, metolachlor, S-ethyl dipropyl thiocarbamate (EPTC), and metribuzin.
- Fungicide: Benomyl.
Notably, the study highlighted exposure-response trends for malathion and carbofuran, with higher exposure levels correlating to greater RA risk. Malathion posed the highest risk among non-smokers, while carbofuran showed stronger effects at median exposure levels.
Additionally, a subgroup analysis revealed that smoking could amplify the risks associated with certain pesticides, including carbofuran and alachlor. However, malathion exhibited a slightly higher impact on non-smokers.
Insights on Combination Exposure
The study also examined the combined effects of frequently co-used pesticides, such as atrazine with alachlor or metolachlor. The findings showed an elevated RA risk only in participants exposed to these mixtures.
Broader Implications
While benomyl is no longer used in the United States, its metabolite carbendazim remains in use, raising concerns about ongoing health risks. The study’s authors call for further research to explore the mechanisms by which pesticide exposure contributes to immune dysregulation, endocrine disruption, and epigenetic changes, potentially triggering RA.
Call to Action
This study underscores the importance of occupational safety in agriculture and the need for regulatory measures to mitigate pesticide exposure. Scientists also emphasize the necessity of replicating these findings across diverse populations and investigating potential intervention strategies.
Reference
The full study is available in Scientific Reports:
Parks, C. G., et al. (2024). Associations between pesticide use and rheumatoid arthritis among older farmers in the Agricultural Health Study. DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-76179-2.
