Study on Mortality Among Pesticide Applicators Exposed to Chlorpyrifos
Author Information
Author(s): Lee Won Jin, Alavanja Michael C.R., Hoppin Jane A., Rusiecki Jennifer A., Kamel Freya, Blair Aaron, Sandler Dale P.
Primary Institution: National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences
Hypothesis
Is agricultural chlorpyrifos exposure associated with mortality among pesticide applicators?
Conclusion
The study suggests a possible link between chlorpyrifos use and increased risk of death from external causes, such as suicide and non-motor-vehicle accidents.
Supporting Evidence
- 1,851 deaths were observed during the study period, with 588 among chlorpyrifos users.
- The relative risk of death from all causes combined among applicators exposed to chlorpyrifos was slightly lower than that for nonexposed applicators.
- Relative risks for mortality from suicide and non-motor-vehicle accidents were increased 2-fold in the highest category of chlorpyrifos exposure days.
Takeaway
Farmers who used a pesticide called chlorpyrifos might have a higher chance of dying from accidents and suicide.
Methodology
The study analyzed mortality data from 55,071 pesticide applicators using Poisson regression to evaluate exposure-response relationships.
Potential Biases
Potential for exposure misclassification and confounding by other pesticides.
Limitations
The findings are based on small numbers for some causes of death and may not account for all confounding factors.
Participant Demographics
Most participants were male private applicators, with about 60% under 50 years of age, primarily from Iowa.
Statistical Information
P-Value
0.026
Confidence Interval
0.81–1.01
Statistical Significance
p<0.05
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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