Pesticide Exposure Assessment in Argentinian Extensive Crops and its Potential Health Impact

Authors

  • Mariana Butinof Universidad Nacional de Córdoba (UNC)
  • Ricardo Fernández Universidad Católica de Córdoba.
  • Sonia Muñoz Instituto Nacional de Investigaciones en Ciencias de la Salud-CONICET, UNC
  • Daniel Lerda Universidad Católica de Córdoba
  • Marcelo Blanco Universidad Nacional de Córdoba (UNC).
  • María Josefina Lantieri Instituto Nacional de Investigaciones en Ciencias de la Salud-CONICET, UNC
  • Luciana Antolini Universidad Nacional de Córdoba (UNC)
  • Marbela Gieco Instituto Nacional de Investigaciones en Ciencias de la Salud-CONICET, UNC
  • Pablo Ortiz Universidad Nacional de Córdoba (UNC).
  • Iohanna Filippi Universidad Nacional de Córdoba (UNC).
  • Germán Franchini Instituto Nacional de Investigaciones en Ciencias de la Salud-CONICET, UNC
  • Mariana Eandi Universidad Nacional de Córdoba (UNC).
  • Franco Montedoro Universidad Nacional de Córdoba (UNC).
  • María del Pilar Díaz Instituto Nacional de Investigaciones en Ciencias de la Salud-CONICET, UNC

Keywords:

Pesticide Exposure, Indexes, Spatial Association, Genotoxic Damage;, Cancer

Abstract

INTRODUCTION: Pesticides are a key factor of agricultural practices. OBJECTIVES: To describe the spatial distribution of pesticide exposure in Argentina and its association with cancer burden indicators, build global exposure indices, and validate individual exposure indices with biomarkers of effect in occupationally exposed subjects. METHODS: Two global indices were developed (pesticide exposure [PEI] and total environmental impact [TEII]), their spatial distribution was studied and, by means of a nationwide ecological study, the association with total, breast and prostate cancer mortality rates was estimated, using departments as level of spatial disaggregation (n=564). Two exposure indices, built with (individual) information of pesticide applicators in Córdoba, were validated using biomarkers (butyrylcholinesterase and genotoxicity). RESULTS: The Pampas have a PEI which is higher than national average as well as the highest TEII, corresponding to 2.4-D and chlorpyrifos. The increase in both exposure indices was associated to increases in the mortality rates due to cancer at the departmental level. Genotoxic damage in applicators was not associated to levels of exposure; what was associated was the reduction of butyrylcholinesterase activity. CONCLUSIONS: The instruments —indices— and results obtained provide valuable elements for the surveillance of pesticide exposure in Argentina.

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Published

14-03-2018

How to Cite

Butinof , M., Fernández , R., Muñoz , S. ., Lerda , D. ., Blanco , M., Lantieri , M. J., … Díaz , M. del P. (2018). Pesticide Exposure Assessment in Argentinian Extensive Crops and its Potential Health Impact. Revista Argentina De Salud Pública, 8(33), 8–15. Retrieved from https://rasp.msal.gov.ar/index.php/rasp/article/view/604