Brain Cancer and Pesticide Exposure in Orchard Farmers of Kashmir
Author Information
Author(s): Bhat Abdul Rashid, Wani Muhammed Afzal, Kirmani A. R.
Primary Institution: Sher-i-Kashmir Institute of Medical Sciences
Hypothesis
Is there a relationship between primary malignant brain tumors and occupational pesticide exposure among orchard farmers in Kashmir?
Conclusion
The study found a significant association between pesticide exposure and high-grade brain tumors in orchard farmers.
Supporting Evidence
- 90.04% of patients with brain tumors were orchard workers exposed to pesticides.
- The relative risk of developing brain tumors for pesticide-exposed individuals was 10.6.
- 12% mortality was observed in pesticide-exposed patients compared to 7% in non-exposed patients.
- 54.7% of patients had higher serum cholinesterase levels.
- Familial gliomas were reported in three families among the orchard residents.
Takeaway
Farmers who work with pesticides in Kashmir have a much higher chance of getting brain cancer compared to those who don't use pesticides.
Methodology
The study analyzed case files of 432 patients with primary malignant brain tumors and 457 controls over four years, focusing on pesticide exposure.
Potential Biases
Potential bias due to reliance on historical exposure data and self-reported pesticide use.
Limitations
The study lacks serum AChE levels in hospitalized controls.
Participant Demographics
The study included 432 patients, predominantly adult males (71.7%), with a range of ages from infants to 75 years.
Statistical Information
P-Value
0.000001
Confidence Interval
>25-40
Statistical Significance
p<0.05
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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