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Cytotoxic and Genotoxic Effects of Pesticide Exposure in Male Coffee Farmworkers of the Jarabacoa Region, Dominican Republic

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  • Hans-Peter Hutter

    (Department of Environmental Health, Center for Public Health, Medical University Vienna, Kinderspitalgasse 15, 1090 Vienna, Austria)

  • Abdul Wali Khan

    (Department of Environmental Health, Center for Public Health, Medical University Vienna, Kinderspitalgasse 15, 1090 Vienna, Austria)

  • Kathrin Lemmerer

    (Department of Environmental Health, Center for Public Health, Medical University Vienna, Kinderspitalgasse 15, 1090 Vienna, Austria)

  • Peter Wallner

    (Department of Environmental Health, Center for Public Health, Medical University Vienna, Kinderspitalgasse 15, 1090 Vienna, Austria)

  • Michael Kundi

    (Department of Environmental Health, Center for Public Health, Medical University Vienna, Kinderspitalgasse 15, 1090 Vienna, Austria)

  • Hanns Moshammer

    (Department of Environmental Health, Center for Public Health, Medical University Vienna, Kinderspitalgasse 15, 1090 Vienna, Austria)

Abstract

Intensive agrochemical use in coffee production in the Global South has been documented. The aim of this study was to investigate cytotoxic and genotoxic effects of pesticide exposure in male farmworkers in the Dominican Republic comparing conventional farming using pesticides to organic farming. Furthermore, feasibility of the buccal micronucleus cytome assay (BMCA) for field studies under difficult local conditions was tested. In a cross-sectional field study, pesticide exposed (sprayers) and non-exposed male workers on coffee plantations were interviewed about exposure history, and pesticide application practices. Buccal cells were sampled, and BMCA was applied to assess potential effects on cell integrity. In total, 38 pesticide-exposed and 33 non-exposed workers participated. Eighty-four and 87%, respectively, of the pesticide-exposed respondents did not use masks or gloves at all. All biomarkers from the BMCA were significantly more frequent among exposed workers—odds ratio for micronucleated cells: 3.1 (95% confidence interval: 1.3–7.4) or karyolysis: 1.3 (1.1–1.5). Buccal cells as sensitive markers of toxic oral or respiratory exposures proved feasible for challenging field studies. Our findings indicate that the impact of pesticide use is not restricted to acute effects on health and wellbeing, but also points to long-term health risks. Therefore, occupational safety measures including training and protective clothing are needed, as well as encouragement towards minimal application of pesticides and more widespread use of organic farming.

Suggested Citation

  • Hans-Peter Hutter & Abdul Wali Khan & Kathrin Lemmerer & Peter Wallner & Michael Kundi & Hanns Moshammer, 2018. "Cytotoxic and Genotoxic Effects of Pesticide Exposure in Male Coffee Farmworkers of the Jarabacoa Region, Dominican Republic," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 15(8), pages 1-11, August.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jijerp:v:15:y:2018:i:8:p:1641-:d:161673
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Mustapha F.A. Jallow & Dawood G. Awadh & Mohammed S. Albaho & Vimala Y. Devi & Binson M. Thomas, 2017. "Pesticide Knowledge and Safety Practices among Farm Workers in Kuwait: Results of a Survey," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 14(4), pages 1-15, March.
    2. Wilson, John S. & Otsuki, Tsunehiro, 2004. "To spray or not to spray: pesticides, banana exports, and food safety," Food Policy, Elsevier, vol. 29(2), pages 131-146, April.
    3. Murray, Douglas L. & Hoppin, Polly, 1992. "Recurring contradictions in agrarian development: Pesticide problems in Caribbean basin nontraditional agriculture," World Development, Elsevier, vol. 20(4), pages 597-608, April.
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    Cited by:

    1. Hans-Peter Hutter & Michael Poteser & Kathrin Lemmerer & Peter Wallner & Michael Kundi & Hanns Moshammer & Lisbeth Weitensfelder, 2021. "Health Symptoms Related to Pesticide Use in Farmers and Laborers of Ecological and Conventional Banana Plantations in Ecuador," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 18(3), pages 1-12, January.
    2. Hans-Peter Hutter & Hanns Moshammer, 2018. "Pesticides Are an Occupational and Public Health Issue," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 15(8), pages 1-3, August.
    3. Hans-Peter Hutter & Michael Poteser & Kathrin Lemmerer & Peter Wallner & Shifra Shahraki Sanavi & Michael Kundi & Hanns Moshammer & Lisbeth Weitensfelder, 2020. "Indicators of Genotoxicity in Farmers and Laborers of Ecological and Conventional Banana Plantations in Ecuador," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 17(4), pages 1-10, February.
    4. Pornpimol Kongtip & Noppanun Nankongnab & Mathuros Tipayamongkholgul & Ariya Bunngamchairat & Jutharak Yimsabai & Aranya Pataitiemthong & Susan Woskie, 2018. "A Cross-Sectional Investigation of Cardiovascular and Metabolic Biomarkers among Conventional and Organic Farmers in Thailand," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 15(11), pages 1-12, November.
    5. Hans-Peter Hutter & Michael Kundi & Kathrin Lemmerer & Michael Poteser & Lisbeth Weitensfelder & Peter Wallner & Hanns Moshammer, 2018. "Subjective Symptoms of Male Workers Linked to Occupational Pesticide Exposure on Coffee Plantations in the Jarabacoa Region, Dominican Republic," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 15(10), pages 1-10, September.

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