Agricultural Pesticide Use and Hypospadias in Eastern Arkansas
Author Information
Author(s): Kristy J. Meyer, John S. Reif, D.N. Rao Veeramachaneni, Thomas J. Luben, Bridget S. Mosley, John R. Nuckols
Primary Institution: Colorado State University
Hypothesis
We assessed the relationship between hypospadias and proximity to agricultural pesticide applications using a GIS-based exposure method.
Conclusion
Except for diclofop-methyl, we did not find evidence that estimated exposure to pesticides known to have reproductive, developmental, or endocrine-disrupting effects increases risk of hypospadias.
Supporting Evidence
- Gestational age at birth and parity were significantly associated with hypospadias.
- Risk of hypospadias increased by 8% for every 0.05-pound increase in estimated exposure to diclofop-methyl.
- Pesticide applications in aggregate were negatively associated with hypospadias.
Takeaway
This study looked at whether being near farms that use pesticides affects the chances of boys being born with a condition called hypospadias, and found that only one pesticide, diclofop-methyl, seemed to increase the risk.
Methodology
The study used a case-control design, comparing 354 cases of hypospadias with 727 controls, assessing pesticide exposure based on proximity to agricultural fields.
Potential Biases
Potential selection bias due to incomplete ascertainment of cases and exposure misclassification from geocoding errors.
Limitations
The study population was relatively homogeneous with respect to race, limiting the ability to detect race-specific effects, and lacked data on several factors that might influence hypospadias development.
Participant Demographics
Most case and control mothers were Caucasian, with similar mean ages and gestational ages at birth.
Statistical Information
P-Value
p<0.05
Confidence Interval
95% CI, 0.70–0.96
Statistical Significance
p<0.05
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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