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Public health experts found that there was sufficient evidence that prenatal exposure to widely used insecticides, called organophosphates, exposed children to a risk of neurodevelopmental disorders.
In a scientific journal and call for action published in PLOS Medicineresearchers are asking for immediate government intervention to eliminate all organophosphates.
"There is convincing evidence that exposure of pregnant women to very low levels of organophosphate pesticides is associated with low IQ and learning, memory or attention difficulties in their children. "said lead author Irva Hertz-Picciotto, professor of public health sciences, director of the UC Davis Environmental Health Sciences Center, and researcher at the UC Davis MIND Institute.
"Although only one organophosphate – chlorpyrifos – has been under the national spotlight, our review involves the full class of these compounds," added Hertz-Picciotto.
Originally developed as nerve gas and weapons of war, organophosphates are now used to control insects on farms, golf courses, shopping malls and schools. They kill parasites by blocking nerve signaling.
People can come into contact with these chemicals through the foods they consume, the water they drink and the air they breathe. As a result, organophosphate pesticides are detected in the vast majority of US residents, according to Hertz-Picciotto.
High risks, even with low exposures
Although existing limitations on organophosphates have reduced exposures, the review authors stated that this was not enough. Based on more than 30 epidemiological studies and numerous experimental studies on animals and cell cultures, they believe that the evidence is clear: Exposure to organophosphorus before birth, even at levels currently considered safe, is associated with weaker cognitive, behavioral and social development.
"It should not be surprising that studies confirm that these chemicals impair brain development because they were originally designed to negatively affect the central nervous system," Hertz-Picciotto said.
Despite mounting evidence of harm and recommendations from US Environmental Protection Agency scientists and scientists, many organophosphates remain in use. This may be partly due to the fact that low-level permanent exposures generally do not cause clinically visible symptoms in the short term, leading to the mistaken assumption that these exposures are unimportant, according to Hertz- Picciotto.
"Acute intoxications are tragic, although the studies we examined suggest that low-intensity chronic exposures to brain function persist throughout childhood and up to adolescence and early childhood. can last a lifetime, which is tragic, "said Hertz-Picciotto.
Recommendations to protect children
In addition to conducting the scientific review, the authors made recommendations to significantly reduce exposures to organophosphates, including:
- Elimination of organophosphorus from agricultural and non-agricultural uses and products
- Proactive control of drinking water sources for organophosphate levels
- Establishment of a system for reporting the use of pesticides and diseases
Until a ban can occur, critics recommend:
- Best Medical Training and Nurse on Organophosphates to Improve Treatment and Education of Patients on Exposure Prevention
- Training of agricultural workers in their language in the proper handling and application of organophosphate pesticides
- Increased use of less toxic alternatives and transition to sustainable pest management measures
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