Journal or Publishing Institution: Environmental Toxicology and Pharmacology
Study: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/40350108/
Author(s): de Carvalho-Gonçalves, L.C.T., de Góis Santos, P.B., da Silva, G.A., Pinheiro, L.M.B., Olinto, T.M.G., de Abreu Junior, A.R., Pontieri, M.H., de Vasconcelos, S.M., de Lima, J.P., de Andrade Sobrinho, L.G. and de Queiroz, A.L.M.
Article Type: Peer Reviewed Study
Abstract:
Pesticide use has transformed agriculture, but improper handling poses serious health and environmental risks. Brazil, a top global pesticide consumer, faces alarming unapproved usage-nearly 80 % of pesticides sold lack approval in at least three OECD countries. This study investigates genotoxic effects on farmers in Paraíba, Brazil, analyzing buccal mucosa cells for DNA and cellular damage. Using the Buccal Micronucleus Cytome (BMCyt) assay and comet assay, we compared 33 pesticide-exposed farmers to 29 controls. The findings revealed significantly higher frequencies of cellular alterations and DNA damage among exposed farmers relative to the control group, with no significant impact from factors such as smoking, alcohol consumption, or family cancer history. These results underscore the genotoxic risks linked to prolonged pesticide exposure and highlight the necessity for stricter regulatory measures as well as the need for further large-scale studies to mitigate health risks within agricultural communities.
Keywords: Biomonitoring; DNA damage; Genotoxicity; Micronuclei; Pesticides
Citation:
de Carvalho-Gonçalves, L.C.T., de Góis Santos, P.B., da Silva, G.A., Pinheiro, L.M.B., Olinto, T.M.G., de Abreu Junior, A.R., Pontieri, M.H., de Vasconcelos, S.M., de Lima, J.P., de Andrade Sobrinho, L.G. and de Queiroz, A.L.M., 2025. Assessment of genetic damage levels in agricultural workers exposed to pesticides in Paraíba, Brazil. Environmental Toxicology and Pharmacology, 116, p.104715.
Category:
- Health effects
Record ID: 2888
