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Modos de producción rural, exposición a agrotóxicos e impactos sobre el neurodesarrollo en población escolar rural de Usme y Sumapaz

Colombia is one of the largest pesticide consumers in South America. These products have a variety of negative consequences on the health of rural populations, especially neurocognitive disorders in children. In this work, the prenatal and postnatal exposure to pesticides was evaluated and the association between the cognitive capacity of school-age children in rural areas of the city of Bogotá, Colombia, investigated. Separate multiple linear regression models were used to evaluate associations of pesticide exposure measures and WISC-IV scales, adjusted for child sex, maternal educational attainment, growth retardation, and effect modification explored by sex, using a cross products term of 232 children between the ages of 7 and 10. It was found that among all children, pesticide exposure at school was associated with a worse working memory index (ß = -3.40; 95%CI; -6.6; -0.2) and a worst verbal comprehension index (ß = -3.2; 95%CI; -6.5; -0.2). Among girls, pesticide use at home was associated with a worse processing speed index (ß = -5.1; 95% CI; -10.1; -0.20) but not among boys (ß = 1.73; 95% CI; -2.6; 6.9). This revealed an association between the prenatal and postnatal exposure reported and some IQ sub-indices of children aged between 7 and 10 years residing in the rural areas of Usme and Sumapaz in the city of Bogotá, Colombia.

BACKGROUND: Multiple epidemiological studies have shown that exposure to pesticides is associated with adverse health outcomes. However, the literature on pesticide-related health effects in the Latin American and the Caribbean (LAC) region, an area of intensive agricultural and residential pesticide use, is sparse. We conducted a scoping review to describe the current state of research on the health effects of pesticide exposure in LAC populations with the goal of identifying knowledge gaps and research capacity building needs. METHODS: We searched PubMed and SciELO for epidemiological studies on pesticide exposure and human health in LAC populations published between January 2007 and December 2021. We identified 233 publications from 16 countries that met our inclusion criteria and grouped them by health outcome (genotoxicity, neurobehavioral outcomes, placental outcomes and teratogenicity, cancer, thyroid function, reproductive outcomes, birth outcomes and child growth, and others). RESULTS: Most published studies were conducted in Brazil (37%, n = 88) and Mexico (20%, n = 46), were cross-sectional in design (72%, n = 167), and focused on farmworkers (45%, n = 105) or children (21%, n = 48). The most frequently studied health effects included genotoxicity (24%, n = 62) and neurobehavioral outcomes (21%, n = 54), and organophosphate (OP) pesticides were the most frequently examined (26%, n = 81). Forty-seven percent (n = 112) of the studies relied only on indirect pesticide exposure assessment methods. Exposure to OP pesticides, carbamates, or to multiple pesticide classes was consistently associated with markers of genotoxicity and adverse neurobehavioral outcomes, particularly among children and farmworkers. DISCUSSION: Our scoping review provides some evidence that exposure to pesticides may adversely impact the health of LAC populations, but methodological limitations and inconsistencies undermine the strength of the conclusions. It is critical to increase capacity building, integrate research initiatives, and conduct more rigorous epidemiological studies in the region to address these limitations, better inform public health surveillance systems, and maximize the impact of research on public policies., Fil: Zúñiga-Venegas, Liliana A. Universidad Católica del Maule. Centro de Investigaciones de Estudios Avanzados del Maule; Chile, Fil: Hyland, Carly. University of California. School of Public Health. Center for Environmental Research and Community Health; Estados Unidos, Fil: Hyland, Carly. Boise State University. School of Public Health and Population Science; Estados Unidos, Fil: Muñoz-Quezada, María Teresa. Universidad Católica del Maule. Facultad de Ciencias de la Salud. Centro de Investigación en Neuropsicología y Neurociencias Cognitivas; Chile, Fil: Quirós-Alcalá, Lesliam. John Hopkins University. Bloomberg School of Public Health. Department of Environmental Health and Engineering; Estados Unidos, Fil: Quirós-Alcalá, Lesliam. University of Maryland. School of Public Health. Maryland Institute of Applied Environmental Health; Estados Unidos, Fil: Butinof, Mariana. Universidad Nacional de Córdoba. Facultad de Ciencias Médicas; Argentina, Fil: Buralli, Rafael. Universidade de São Paulo. Faculdade de Saúde Pública. Departamento de Saúde Ambiental; Brasil, Fil: Cardenas, Andres. University of California. School of Public Health. Center for Environmental Research and Community Health; Estados Unidos, Fil: Fernandez, Ricardo A. Universidad Católica de Córdoba. Facultad de Ciencias de la Salud; Argentina, Fil: Foerster, Claudia. Universidad de O’Higgins. Instituto de Ciencias de la Agroalimentarias, Animales y Ambientales; Chile, Fil: Gouveia, Nelson. Universidade de São Paulo. Faculdade de Medicina. Departamento de Medicina Preventiva; Brasil, Fil: Jara, Juan P. Gutiérrez. Universidad Católica del Maule. Centro de Investigaciones de Estudios Avanzados del Maule; Chile, Fil: Lucero, Boris A. Universidad Católica del Maule. Facultad de Ciencias de la Salud. Centro de Investigación en Neuropsicología y Neurociencias Cognitivas; Chile, Fil: Muñoz, María Pía. Universidad de Chile. Facultad de Medicina. Escuela de Salud Pública; Chile, Fil: Ramírez-Santana, Muriel. Universidad Católica del Norte. Facultad de Medicina. Departamento de Salud Pública; Chile, Fil: Smith, Anna R. University of California. School of Public Health. Center for Environmental Research and Community Health; Estados Unidos, Fil: Tirado, Noemi. Universidad Mayor de San Andrés. Facultad de Medicina. Instituto de Genética; Bolivia, Fil: de Joode, Berna van Wendel. Universidad Nacional. Central American Institute for Studies on Toxic Substances. Infants’ Environmental Health Study; Costa Rica, Fil: Calaf, Gloria M. Universidad de Tarapacá. Instituto de Alta Investigación; Chile, Fil: Calaf, Gloria M. Columbia University Medical Center; Estados Unidos, Fil: Handal, Alexis J. University of Michigan School of Public Health. Department of Epidemiology; Estados Unidos, Fil: da Silva, Agnes Soares. Pan American Health Organization. Estados Unidos, Fil: Cortés, Sandra. Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile. Departamento de Salud Pública. Centro de Desarrollo Urbano Sustentable. Centro Avanzado de Enfermedades Crónicas (ACCDiS); Chile, Fil: Mora, Ana M. University of California. School of Public Health. Center for Environmental Research and Community Health; Estados Unidos, Fil: Mora, Ana M. Universidad Nacional. Central American Institute for Studies on Toxic Substances. Infants’ Environmental Health Study; Costa Rica

Resumen (Introducción): El aprendizaje basado en estrategias lúdicas para la educación ambiental representa una estrategia de mediación pedagógica participativa, que considera las realidades socioambientales del entorno en que está inmerso el individuo. (Objetivo): Promover la educación ambiental, por medio de metodologías lúdicas, participativas y flexibles, para la generación de conocimiento para la prevención de la exposición a plaguicidas. (Metodología): Con sistemas de información geográfica se calculó proximidad entre escuelas y fincas bananeras. Se diseñó una metodología lúdica constructivista para la educación ambiental de estudiantes de primer ciclo de primaria (6 - 8.5 años), vinculando temas ambientales con la maya curricular. Además, se diseñaron actividades educativas para sus encargados. La metodología se aplicó en 37 escuelas rurales costarricenses a 2757 estudiantes y 387 personas adultas durante 148 encuentros. (Resultados): Un 38 % (n=14) de escuelas estaban ubicadas a

Despite the fact that several cases of unsafe pesticide use among farmers in different parts of Africa have been documented, there is limited evidence regarding which specific interventions are effective in reducing pesticide exposure and associated risks to human health and ecology. The overall goal of the African Pesticide Intervention Project (APsent) study is to better understand ongoing research and public health activities related to interventions in Africa through the implementation of suitable target-specific situations or use contexts. A systematic review of the scientific literature on pesticide intervention studies with a focus on Africa was conducted. This was followed by a qualitative survey among stakeholders involved in pesticide research or management in the African region to learn about barriers to and promoters of successful interventions. The project was concluded with an international workshop in November 2021, where a broad range of topics relevant to occupational and environmental health risks were discussed such as acute poisoning, street pesticides, switching to alternatives, or disposal of empty pesticide containers. Key areas of improvement identified were training on pesticide usage techniques, research on the effectiveness of interventions targeted at exposure reduction and/or behavioral changes, awareness raising, implementation of adequate policies, and enforcement of regulations and processes.

BackgroundLittle is known about the effects of pesticides on children’s respiratory and allergic outcomes. We evaluated associations of prenatal and current pesticide exposures with respiratory and allergic outcomes in children from the Infants’ Environmental Health Study in Costa Rica.MethodsAmong 5-year-old children (n=303), we measured prenatal and current specific gravity-corrected urinary metabolite concentrations of insecticides (chlorpyrifos, pyrethroids), fungicides (mancozeb, pyrimethanil, thiabendazole) and 2,4-D. We collected information from caregivers on respiratory (ever doctor-diagnosed asthma and lower respiratory tract infections (LRTI), wheeze and cough during last 12 months) and allergic (nasal allergies, itchy rash, ever eczema) outcomes. We fitted separate multivariable logistic regression models for high (≥75th percentile (P75)) vs low (ResultsChildren’s respiratory outcomes were common (39% cough, 20% wheeze, 12% asthma, 5% LRTI). High current pyrethroid metabolite concentrations (∑pyrethroids) were associated with wheeze (OR=2.37, 95% CI 1.28 to 4.34), itchy rash (OR=2.74, 95% CI 1.33 to 5.60), doctor-diagnosed asthma and LRTI. High current ethylene thiourea (ETU) (specific metabolite of mancozeb) was somewhat associated with LRTI (OR=2.09, 95% CI 0.68 to 6.02). We obtained similar results when modelling ∑pyrethroids and ETU as continuous variables. We saw inconsistent or null associations for other pesticide exposures and health outcomes.ConclusionsCurrent pyrethroid exposure may affect children’s respiratory and allergic health at 5 years of age. Current mancozeb exposure might contribute to LRTI. These findings are important as pyrethroids are broadly used in home environments and agriculture and mancozeb in agriculture.

ObjectivesThis research evaluates whether environmental exposures (pesticides and smoke) influence respiratory and allergic outcomes in women living in a tropical, agricultural environment.MethodsWe used data from 266 mothers from the Infants’ Environmental Health cohort study in Costa Rica. We evaluated environmental exposures in women by measuring seven pesticide and two polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons metabolites in urine samples. We defined ‘high exposure’ as having a metabolite value in the top 75th percentile. We collected survey data on respiratory and allergic outcomes in mothers as well as on pesticides and other environmental exposures. Using logistic regression models adjusted for obesity, we assessed the associations of pesticide exposure with multiple outcomes (wheeze, doctor-diagnosed asthma, high (≥2) asthma score based on symptoms, rhinitis, eczema and itchy rash).ResultsCurrent pesticide use in the home was positively associated with diagnosed asthma (OR=1.99 (95% CI=1.05 to 3.87)). High urinary levels of 5-hydroxythiabendazole (thiabendazole metabolite) and living in a neighbourhood with frequent smoke from waste burning were associated with a high asthma score (OR=1.84 (95%CI=1.05 to 3.25) and OR=2.31 (95%CI=1.11 to 5.16), respectively). Women who worked in agriculture had a significantly lower prevalence of rhinitis (0.19 (0.01 to 0.93)), but were more likely to report eczema (OR=2.54 (95%CI=1.33 to 4.89)) and an itchy rash (OR=3.17 (95%CI=1.24 to 7.73)).ConclusionsWhile limited by sample size, these findings suggest that environmental exposure to both pesticides and smoke may impact respiratory and skin-related allergic outcomes in women.

The aim of this study was to evaluate heat exposure, dehydration, and kidney function in rice workers over the course of three months, in Guanacaste, Costa Rica. We collected biological and questionnaire data across a three-month-period in male field (n = 27) and other (n = 45) workers from a rice company where chronic kidney disease of unknown origin (CKDu) is endemic. We used stepwise forward regression to determine variables associated with estimated glomerular filtration rate eGFR at enrollment and/or change in eGFR, and Poisson regression to assess associations with incident kidney injury (IKI) over the course of three months. Participants were 20–62 years old (median = 40 in both groups). Dehydration was common (≥37%) in both groups, particularly among other workers at enrollment, but field workers were more exposed to heat and had higher workloads. Low eGFR (

Increasingly, ecosystem services have been applied to guide poverty alleviation and sustainable development in resource-dependent communities. Yet, questions of access, which are paramount in determining benefits from the production of ecosystem services, remain theoretically underdeveloped. That is, ecosystem assessments typically have paid little attention to identifying real or hypothetical beneficiaries and the mechanisms by which benefits may be realized. This limits their ability to guide policy and interventions at the local scale. Through a qualitative mixed methods approach, this article analyzes how access to different aspects of the production of provisioning services is negotiated in Bribri communities (Costa Rica) of small-scale plantain farmers with alternative modes of agricultural production. The analysis considers access to land, labour, knowledge, tools, markets, and credit. Our analysis reveals how institutions of access are organized differently in traditional vs. conventional systems of agriculture and how these shape power dynamics and pathways to well-being. We conclude that understanding institutions regulating access to ecosystem services provides more useful insights for poverty alleviation than approaches that assume homogeneous access to benefits.

About 12 million workers are involved in the production of basic grains in Central America. However, few studies in the region have examined the occupational factors associated with inhalable dust exposure. About the objectives: (i) To assess the exposure to inhalable dust in workers from rice, maize, and wheat storage facilities in Costa Rica; (ii) to examine the occupational factors associated with this exposure; and (iii) to measure concentrations of respirable and thoracic particles in different areas of the storage facilities. As for the methods, we measured inhalable (

Little is known about how bystanders perceive risks from pesticide use in areas with frequent aerial spraying of pesticides. This research aims to better understand how bystanders (school workers) from three counties of the Limón province in Costa Rica, who did not have a contractual relationship with agricultural production, perceive risks of pesticides in the areas where they work and live. A face-to-face survey was carried out among 475 school workers, of whom 455 completed all 33 questions on pesticide risk perception. An exploratory factor analysis characterized underlying perceptions of pesticide exposure. Nine factors explained 40% of total variance and concerned severity and magnitude of perceived risk, manageability, benefits and support of pesticide use, amongst others. We subsequently analyzed what variables explained the five factors with satisfactory internal consistency, using separate multivariable linear regression models. Older school workers, (male) elementary teachers, and women school workers (particularly from schools situated near agricultural fields with aerial spraying of pesticides), felt greater severity and/or magnitude of risk from pesticide use. This study shows that bystanders are concerned about health risks from pesticide use. Their risk perceptions are not only shaped by gender and age like previously reported in the literature, but also by job title and geographical context. Understanding of what hazards people care about and how they deal with them is essential for successful risk management, bystanders should therefore be considered as a relevant actor in debates around pesticide issues and for informing the development of regulations and risk reduction strategies. Pouco se sabe sobre como os transeuntes percebem os riscos do uso de pesticidas em áreas com pulverização aérea frequente de pesticidas. Esta pesquisa visa compreender melhor como os transeuntes (trabalhadores escolares) de três municípios da província de Limón, na Costa Rica, que não tinham relação contratual com a produção agrícola, percebem os riscos dos agrotóxicos nas áreas onde trabalham e residem. Uma pesquisa cara a cara foi realizada entre 475 funcionários da escola, dos quais 455 responderam todas as 33 perguntas sobre percepção de risco de pesticidas. Uma análise fatorial exploratória caracterizou as percepções subjacentes da exposição a pesticidas. Nove fatores explicaram 40% da variância total e diziam respeito à gravidade e magnitude do risco percebido, gerenciabilidade, benefícios e suporte do uso de pesticidas, entre outros. Subseqüentemente, analisamos quais variáveis ​​explicaram os cinco fatores com consistência interna satisfatória, usando modelos de regressão linear multivariável separados. Trabalhadores mais velhos em escolas, professores primários (homens) e mulheres trabalhadoras (principalmente de escolas situadas perto de campos agrícolas com pulverização aérea de pesticidas), sentiram maior gravidade e / ou magnitude do risco do uso de pesticidas. Este estudo mostra que os transeuntes estão preocupados com os riscos para a saúde do uso de pesticidas. Suas percepções de risco não são moldadas apenas por gênero e idade, conforme relatado anteriormente na literatura, mas também pelo cargo e pelo contexto geográfico. A compreensão de quais perigos as pessoas se preocupam e como lidam com eles é essencial para uma gestão de risco bem-sucedida, os espectadores devem, portanto, ser considerados um ator relevante nos debates sobre questões de pesticidas e para informar o desenvolvimento de regulamentações e estratégias de redução de risco. Se sabe poco acerca de cómo los transeúntes perciben los riesgos del uso de plaguicidas en áreas con fumigación aérea frecuente de plaguicidas. Esta investigación tiene como objetivo comprender mejor cómo los transeúntes (trabajadores escolares) de tres provincias de la provincia de Limón en Costa Rica, que no tenían una relación contractual con la producción agrícola, perciben los riesgos de los plaguicidas en las áreas donde trabajan y viven. Se realizó una encuesta cara a cara entre 475 trabajadores escolares, de los cuales 455 completaron las 33 preguntas sobre percepción del riesgo de plaguicidas. Un análisis factorial exploratorio caracterizó las percepciones subyacentes de la exposición a plaguicidas. Nueve factores explicaron el 40% de la varianza total y se referían a la gravedad y magnitud del riesgo percibido, la manejabilidad, los beneficios y el apoyo del uso de plaguicidas, entre otros. Posteriormente, analizamos qué variables explicaban los cinco factores con una consistencia interna satisfactoria, utilizando modelos separados de regresión lineal multivariable. Los trabajadores escolares de mayor edad, los maestros de primaria (varones) y las trabajadoras escolares (en particular de las escuelas situadas cerca de los campos agrícolas con fumigación aérea de pesticidas) sintieron una mayor gravedad y / o magnitud de riesgo por el uso de pesticidas. Este estudio muestra que los transeúntes están preocupados por los riesgos para la salud derivados del uso de pesticidas. Sus percepciones de riesgo no solo están determinadas por el género y la edad, como se informó anteriormente en la literatura, sino también por el puesto de trabajo y el contexto geográfico. La comprensión de los peligros que preocupan a las personas y cómo los afrontan es esencial para una gestión de riesgos exitosa; por lo tanto, los espectadores deben ser considerados como actores relevantes en los debates sobre temas de plaguicidas y para informar el desarrollo de regulaciones y estrategias de reducción de riesgos. Universidad Nacional, Costa Rica National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences (NIEHS). Canada’s International Development Research Center Wageningen University (CERES/WASS), The Netherlands Instituto Regional en Estudios en Sustancias Tóxicas

Documento aceptado para publicación, no es la versión final publicada Programa Infantes y Salud Ambiental Programa ISA Infant´s Environmental Health Study Infant´s Environmental Health Program Early caregiving is one of the strongest influences on children's development, and among the most significant modifiable environmental factor. The aim of this study was to explore the association between quality of caregiver-infant interactions and neurodevelopment of infants living in banana-growing communities in rural Costa Rica characterized as having environmental toxic exposures. Home visits were conducted with 94 caregiver-infant dyads from the Infants’ Environmental Health Study (ISA), living within Matina county, Limón province. One-year infant neurodevelopmental outcomes were assessed using the Bayley Scales of Infant and Toddler Development®, Third Edition (Bayley-III). Quality of caregiver-infant interaction was assessed with a standardized observational task: Nursing Child Assessment Satellite Training Teaching scale (NCATS) at around two years of age. Multiple regression analyses examined associations between components of caregiver-infant interactions and neurodevelopmental outcomes, adjusting for mancozeb and manganese exposure and other potential confounders. Compared to NCATS normative data for U.S. Hispanic mothers, 35% of the sample had overall caregiving interaction scores ≤10th percentile cut-off, indicating less than optimal interactions. Higher quality of caregiver-infant interaction was associated with higher expressive communication ability in infants [ß = 0.03 (95% CI: 0.01, 0.06)], controlling for pesticide exposure and confounders. Aspects of caregiving such as stimulation and growth-fostering of infants were most strongly associated with language outcomes. Results suggest an association between positive caregiving on language development for infants living in a rural agricultural area in Costa Rica, and highlight aspects of caregiving that could be targeted to improve resilience of these children who live in vulnerable conditions El cuidado temprano es una de las influencias más fuertes en el desarrollo de los niños y uno de los factores ambientales modificables más importantes. El objetivo de este estudio fue explorar la asociación entre la calidad de las interacciones cuidador-bebé y el desarrollo neurológico de los bebés que viven en comunidades bananeras en las zonas rurales de Costa Rica caracterizadas por tener exposiciones tóxicas ambientales. Se realizaron visitas domiciliarias a 94 díadas de cuidadores-lactantes del Estudio de Salud Ambiental Infantil (ISA), residentes en el condado de Matina, provincia de Limón. Los resultados del desarrollo neurológico infantil de un año se evaluaron utilizando las Escalas de Bayley de Desarrollo Infantil y Infantil®, Tercera Edición (Bayley-III). La calidad de la interacción entre el cuidador y el bebé se evaluó con una tarea de observación estandarizada: la escala de enseñanza de capacitación satelital de evaluación del niño en enfermería (NCATS) alrededor de los dos años de edad. Los análisis de regresión múltiple examinaron las asociaciones entre los componentes de las interacciones entre el cuidador y el bebé y los resultados del desarrollo neurológico, ajustando la exposición al mancozeb y al manganeso y otros posibles factores de confusión. En comparación con los datos normativos de NCATS para las madres hispanas de EE. UU., El 35% de la muestra tuvo puntuaciones generales de interacción con el cuidador ≤ un punto de corte del percentil 10, lo que indica interacciones menos que óptimas. La mayor calidad de la interacción entre el cuidador y el bebé se asoció con una mayor capacidad de comunicación expresiva en los bebés [ß = 0.03 (IC del 95%: 0.01, 0.06)], controlando la exposición a pesticidas y los factores de confusión. Los aspectos de la prestación de cuidados, como la estimulación y el fomento del crecimiento de los bebés, se asociaron más fuertemente con los resultados del lenguaje. Los resultados sugieren una asociación entre el cuidado positivo en el desarrollo del lenguaje de los bebés que viven en un área agrícola rural en Costa Rica y destacan aspectos del cuidado que podrían tener como objetivo mejorar la resiliencia de estos niños que viven en condiciones vulnerables. O cuidado precoce é uma das influências mais fortes no desenvolvimento das crianças e um dos fatores ambientais modificáveis ​​mais importantes. O objetivo deste estudo foi explorar a associação entre a qualidade das interações cuidador-bebê e o desenvolvimento neurológico de bebês que vivem em comunidades bananeiras em áreas rurais da Costa Rica caracterizadas por apresentarem exposições ambientais tóxicas. Foram realizadas visitas domiciliares a 94 díades infantis-cuidadores do Estudo de Saúde Ambiental Infantil (ISA), residentes no município de Matina, província de Limón. Os resultados do neurodesenvolvimento infantil em um ano foram avaliados usando as escalas Bayley of Infant and Toddler Development®, Terceira edição (Bayley-III). A qualidade da interação entre o cuidador e o bebê foi avaliada por meio de uma tarefa de observação padronizada: a Nursing Child Assessment Satellite Training Teaching Scale (NCATS) por volta dos dois anos de idade. As análises de regressão múltipla examinaram as associações entre os componentes das interações cuidador-bebê e os resultados do neurodesenvolvimento, ajustando para exposições a mancozebe e manganês e outros fatores de confusão em potencial. Em comparação com os dados normativos do NCATS para mães hispânicas nos Estados Unidos, 35% da amostra teve pontuações gerais de interação com o cuidador ≤ um ponto de corte do 10º percentil, indicando interações abaixo do ideal. A maior qualidade da interação cuidador-bebê foi associada a uma maior capacidade de comunicação expressiva em bebês [ß = 0,03 (IC 95%: 0,01, 0,06)], controlando a exposição a pesticidas e fatores de confusão. Aspectos de cuidado, como estimulação e promoção do crescimento de bebês, foram mais fortemente associados aos resultados de linguagem. Os resultados sugerem uma associação entre o cuidado positivo no desenvolvimento da linguagem de bebês que vivem em uma área rural agrícola na Costa Rica e destacam aspectos do cuidado que podem ter como objetivo melhorar a resiliência dessas crianças que vivem em condições de vulnerabilidade. York University, Canada Universidad Nacional, Costa Rica Federal University of Bahia, Brazil National Institute of Perinatology, Mexico University of California, United States Lund University, Sweden Instituto Regional de Estudios en Sustancias Tóxicas

Certain pesticides may affect children's neurodevelopment. We assessed whether pesticide exposure was associated with impaired neurobehavioral outcomes in children aged 6–9 years. We conducted a cross-sectional study in 140 children living near banana plantations and plantain farms in the Talamanca County, Costa Rica and assessed their neurobehavioral performance. Exposure was determined by analyzing urinary metabolites of chlorpyrifos (3,5,6-trichloro-2-pyridinol, TCPy), mancozeb (ethylenethiourea, ETU), and pyrethroids (3-phenoxybenzoic acid, 3-PBA). Repeated urine samples were obtained for 36 children. We estimated associations of pesticide concentrations with neurobehavioral outcomes using multivariable linear and logistic regression models. Median (25th–75th percentiles) TCPy, ETU, and 3-PBA concentrations were 1.4 (.7–3.1), 1.2 (.7–3.0), and. 8 (.5–1.5) μg/L, respectively. Intraclass correlation coefficients (ICC) ranged between. 32 and. 67. After adjustment for potential confounders, higher urinary TCPy concentrations were associated with poorer working memory in boys (n = 59) (β per 10-fold increase in TCPy concentrations = −7.5, 95% CI: −14.4, −.7); poorer visual motor coordination (β = −1.4, 95% CI: −2.7, −.1); increased prevalence of parent-reported cognitive problems/inattention (adjusted OR per 10-fold increase in urinary concentrations = 5.8, 95% CI: 1.6, 22.9), oppositional disorders (aOR = 3.9, 95% CI: 1.0, 16.0), and ADHD (aOR = 6.8, 95% CI: 1.8, 28.6), and; decreased ability to discriminate colors (aOR = 6.6, 95% CI: 1.6, 30.3; the higher the score the worse). Higher ETU concentrations were associated with poorer verbal learning outcomes (β = −7.0, 95% CI: −12.7, −1.3). Higher 3-PBA concentrations were associated with poorer processing speed scores, particularly in girls (β = −8.8, 95% CI: −16.1, −1.4). Our findings indicate that children living near banana and plantain plantations are exposed to pesticides that may affect their neurodevelopment, which for certain domains may differ between boys and girls. We recommend the implementation of measures to reduce pesticide exposure in children living nearby banana plantations. (Less)

Elevated manganese (Mn) in drinking water has been reported worldwide. While, naturally occurring Mn in groundwater is generally the major source, anthropogenic contamination by Mn-containing fungicides such as mancozeb may also occur. The main objective of this study was to examine factors associated with Mn and ethylenethiourea (ETU), a degradation product of mancozeb, in drinking water samples from villages situated near banana plantations with aerial spraying of mancozeb. Drinking water samples (n ¼ 126) were obtained from 124 homes of women participating in the Infants' Environmental Health Study (ISA, for its acronym in Spanish), living nearby large-scale banana plantations. Concentrations of Mn, iron (Fe), arsenic (As), lead (Pb), cadmium (Cd) and ethylenethiourea (ETU), a degradation product of mancozeb, were measured in water samples. Only six percent of samples had detectable ETU concentrations (limit of detection (LOD) ¼ 0.15 mg/L), whereas 94% of the samples had detectable Mn (LOD ¼ 0.05 mg/L). Mn concentrations were higher than 100 and 500 mg/L in 22% and 7% of the samples, respectively. Mn was highest in samples from private and banana farm wells. Distance from a banana plantationwas inversely associated with Mn concentrations, with a 61.5% decrease (95% CI: 97.0, 26.0) in Mn concentrations for each km increase in distance. Mn concentrations in water transported with trucks from one village to another were almost 1000 times higher than Mn in water obtained from taps in houses supplied by the same well but not transported, indicating environmental Mn contamination. Elevated Mn in drinking water may be partly explained by aerial spraying of mancozeb; however, naturally occurring Mn in groundwater, and intensive agriculture may also contribute. Drinking water risk assessment for mancozeb should consider Mn as a health hazard. The findings of this study evidence the need for health-based World Health Organization (WHO) guidelines on Mn in drinking water. En todo el mundo se ha informado de la presencia de elevados niveles de manganeso (Mn) en el agua potable. Mientras que, en la naturaleza El Mn en las aguas subterráneas es generalmente la principal fuente, la contaminación antropogénica por el Mn que contiene También pueden aparecer fungicidas como el mancozeb. El principal objetivo de este estudio fue examinar los factores asociado con el Mn y la etilenotiourea (ETU), un producto de la degradación del mancozeb, en el agua potable muestras de aldeas situadas cerca de plantaciones de plátanos con fumigación aérea de mancozeb. El agua potable muestras (n ¼ 126) se obtuvieron de 124 hogares de mujeres que participan en el programa de Estudio de la Salud (ISA), viviendo cerca de plantaciones de bananas a gran escala. Las concentraciones de Mn, hierro (Fe), arsénico (As), plomo (Pb), cadmio (Cd) y etilenotiourea (ETU), una degradación producto del mancozeb, se midieron en muestras de agua. Sólo el seis por ciento de las muestras tenían ETU detectable (límite de detección (LOD) ¼ 0,15 mg/L), mientras que el 94% de las muestras tenían Mn detectable (LOD ¼ 0.05 mg/L). Las concentraciones de Mn fueron superiores a 100 y 500 mg/L en el 22% y 7% de las muestras, respectivamente. El Mn fue más alto en muestras de pozos privados y de granjas bananeras. La distancia de una banana La plantación se asoció inversamente a las concentraciones de Mn, con una disminución del 61,5% (IC del 95%: 97,0, 26,0) en las concentraciones de Mn por cada km de aumento de la distancia. Las concentraciones de Mn en el agua transportada con los camiones de una aldea a otra eran casi 1000 veces más altos que el Mn en el agua obtenida de los grifos en casas abastecidas por el mismo pozo pero no transportadas, lo que indica una contaminación ambiental de Mn. El Mn elevado en el agua potable puede explicarse en parte por la pulverización aérea de mancozeb; sin embargo, El Mn natural en las aguas subterráneas y la agricultura intensiva también pueden contribuir. El agua potable La evaluación del riesgo del mancozeb debe considerar el Mn como un peligro para la salud. Los hallazgos de este estudio evidencian la necesidad de directrices de la Organización Mundial de la Salud (OMS) basadas en la salud sobre el Mn en el agua potable. Universidad Nacional, Costa Rica Ecole Polytechnique de Montreal, Canada University of Montreal, CHUSJ Research Center, Canada Lund University, Lund, Sweden Universite du Quebec a Montreal, Pavillon des Sciences Instituto Regional de Estudios en Sustancias Tóxicas, Unviersidad Nacional, Costa Rica NSERC-Industrial Chair in Drinking Water, Department of Civil, Mining and Geological Engineering, Ecole Polytechnique de Montreal, Canada Department of Environmental and Occupational Health, University of Montreal, Canada Division of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, Lund University Centre de Recherche Interdisciplinaire sur la Biologie, la Santé, la Societe et l' Environnement (CINBIOSE), Universite du Quebec a Montreal

Programa Infantes y Salud Ambiental Programa ISA Infant´s Environmental Health Study Infant´s Environmental Health Program Background: Pesticides used in agriculture may expose populations living nearby. Costa Rica is a major bananaexporting country, its production depends on extensive pesticide use. Objectives: To evaluate environmental pesticide exposure, we measured levels of current-use pesticides in air and dust from 12 schools in Matina County, Costa Rica, with passive sampling methods. Methods: We selected ten proximal and two non-proximal schools and placed polyurethane foam passive air samplers outdoors at each school, during four consecutive periods. At three of these schools, we also placed an active air sampler during the first 24 h of each sampling period. We collected passive dust samples by placing a glass Petri Dish at the inside of each school. We subsequently performed a chemical analysis of 18 pesticides, using gas chromatography with mass detector. Results: With passive air samplers we detected ten different pesticides: two insecticides, two nematicides, and six fungicides, of which nine reported to be used on banana plantations. More than half of the samples contained at least five pesticides. Chlorpyrifos was detected most-frequently, in 98% of samples, followed by the nematicides etoprophos and the fungicide pyrimethanil that were both detected in 81% of samples. Chlorpyrifos concentrations were five times higher in proximal as compared to non-proximal schools: mean = 18.2 ng/m3 (range =6.1–36.1) and mean=3.5 ng/m3 (range=

Background: Pyrethroid insecticides may affect children's behavior, but data from prospective studies are rare. We examined whether prenatal pyrethroid exposure was associated with behavioral probl...

Background:Organophosphate insecticides may affect children’s respiratory health, however, data are scarce. We examined whether prenatal and current chlorpyrifos and pyrethroid insecticide ex...

Background: Results from cross-sectional studies have shown excess manganese (Mn) may adversely affect children's neurodevelopment. However, data from prospective studies are limited. We examined w...

Programa Infantes y Salud Ambiental Programa ISA Infant´s Environmental Health Study Infant´s Environmental Health Program BACKGROUND: Although growing evidence suggests that early-life excess manganese (Mn) impairs neurodevelopment, data on the neurodevelopmental effects of mancozeb, a fungicide containing Mn, and its main metabolite ethylenethiourea (ETU) are limited. OBJECTIVE: We examined whether prenatal mancozeb exposure and excess Mn were associated with neurodevelopment in 355 1-y-old infants living near banana plantations with frequent aerial mancozeb spraying in Costa Rica. METHODS: We measured urinary ETU, hair Mn, and blood Mn concentrations in samples collected 1–3 times during pregnancy from mothers enrolled in the Infants’ Environmental Health (ISA) study. We then assessed neurodevelopment in their 1-y-old infants using the Bayley Scales of Infant and Toddler Development, 3rd edition (BSID-III). We estimated exposure–outcome associations using linear regression models adjusted for maternal education, parity, gestational age at birth, child age, Home Observation for Measurement of the Environment score, and location of neurodevelopmental assessment. RESULTS: Median (P25–P75) urinary ETU, hair Mn, and blood Mn measured during pregnancy were 3:3 lg=L (2.4–4.9; specific gravity–corrected), 1:7 lg=g (0.9–4.1), and 24:0 lg=L (20.3–28.0), respectively. Among girls, higher ETU was associated with lower social-emotional scores [b per 10-fold increase= −7:4 points (95% CI: −15:2, 0.4)], whereas higher hair Mn was associated with lower cognitive scores [−3:0 (−6:1, 0.1)]. Among boys, higher hair Mn was associated with lower social-emotional scores [−4:6 (−8:5, −0:8)]. We observed null associations for blood Mn, language, and motor outcomes. CONCLUSIONS: Our findings indicate that maternal exposure to mancozeb and excess Mn during pregnancy may have adverse and sex-specific effects on infant neurodevelopment. ANTECEDENTES: Aunque la evidencia creciente sugiere que el exceso de manganeso (Mn) en las primeras etapas de la vida afecta el desarrollo neurológico, los datos sobre los efectos del desarrollo neurológico de mancozeb, un fungicida que contiene Mn, y su principal metabolito etilentiourea (ETU) son limitados. OBJETIVO: Examinamos si la exposición prenatal a mancozeb y el exceso de Mn estaban asociados con el desarrollo neurológico en 355 bebés de 1 año que vivían cerca de plantaciones de banano con fumigación aérea frecuente de mancozeb en Costa Rica. MÉTODOS: Medimos las concentraciones de ETU urinaria, Mn en el cabello y Mn en sangre en muestras recolectadas de 1 a 3 veces durante el embarazo de madres inscritas en el estudio Infants ’Environmental Health (ISA). Luego evaluamos el desarrollo neurológico en sus bebés de 1 año utilizando las Escalas de Bayley para bebés y niños pequeños Desarrollo, 3ª edición (BSID-III). Estimamos las asociaciones exposición-resultado utilizando modelos de regresión lineal ajustados por educación materna, paridad, edad gestacional al nacer, edad del niño, observación en el hogar para medir el puntaje ambiental y ubicación de la evaluación del desarrollo neurológico. RESULTADOS: La ETU urinaria mediana (P25-P75), el Mn del cabello y el Mn en sangre medidos durante el embarazo fueron 3: 3 lg = L (2.4-4.9; gravedad específica corregida), 1: 7 lg = g (0.9-4.1), y 24: 0 lg = L (20,3-28,0), respectivamente. Entre las niñas, una ETU más alta se asoció con puntuaciones socioemocionales más bajas [b por aumento de 10 veces = −7: 4 puntos (IC del 95%: −15: 2, 0,4)], mientras que una mayor Mn de cabello se asoció con puntuaciones cognitivas más bajas [−3: 0 (−6: 1, 0,1)]. Entre los niños, una mayor cantidad de cabello Mn se asoció con puntuaciones socioemocionales más bajas [−4: 6 (−8: 5, −0: 8)]. Observamos asociaciones nulas para Mn en sangre, lenguaje y resultados motores. CONCLUSIONES: Nuestros hallazgos indican que la exposición materna al mancozeb y el exceso de Mn durante el embarazo pueden tener efectos adversos y específicos del sexo en el desarrollo neurológico infantil. Universidad Nacional, Costa Rica Ministerio de Ciencia, Tecnología y Telecomunicaciones (MICITT), Costa Rica International Development Research Centre (IDRC), Canadá Health Canada, Canadá Swedish Research Council Formas, Suecia National Institutes of Health(NIH)/National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences (NIEHS), EE.UU Instituto Regional en Estudios en Sustancias Tóxicas

Objectives To examine the associations of inhalable grain dust exposure with respiratory health outcomes, rhinitis, and eczema reported by workers from rice, wheat, and maize storage facilities. Methods A cross-sectional study of 136 workers (73 operators and 63 administrative staff and other workers) from eight Costa Rican grain storage facilities was conducted in 2014-2015. Full-shift personal inhalable dust samples from all workers were collected. Study participants were administered a short version of the European Community Respiratory Health Survey questionnaire to identify symptoms of asthma, chronic bronchitis, rhinitis, and eczema. Associations between grain dust exposure and health outcomes were assessed using multivariable logistic and negative binomial regression models adjusted for age, smoking history, grain type, and presence of pets or farm animals in the home. Results The median inhalable grain dust concentration was 2.0 (25th to 75th percentile: 0.3-7.0) mg m-3. Higher concentrations of inhalable dust were associated with increased odds of (i) asthma symptoms or medication use [adjusted Odds ratio (ORa) per 10-fold increase in dust concentration 2.7; 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.3-6.7]; (ii) a score of at least two out of five symptoms suggestive of asthma (ORa 1.2; 95% CI: 1.0-1.3); and (iii) eczema (ORa 3.6; 95% CI: 1.7-9.6). No associations of inhalable grain dust exposure with chronic bronchitis and rhinitis were observed. Conclusions High exposure to inhalable dust in Costa Rican grain storage facilities was associated to asthma symptoms and eczema in workers.

IRET, CERCH Background: Mancozeb and its main metabolite ethylene thiourea (ETU) may alter thyroid function; thyroid hormones are essential for fetal brain development. In Costa Rica, mancozeb is aerially sprayed at large-scale banana plantations on a weekly basis. Objectives: Our goals were to evaluate urinary ETU concentrations in pregnant women living near large-scale banana plantations, compare their estimated daily intake (EDI) with established reference doses (RfDs), and identify factors that predict their urinary ETU concentrations. Methods: We enrolled 451 pregnant women from Matina County, Costa Rica, which has large-scale banana production. We visited 445 women up to three times during pregnancy to obtain urine samples (n = 872) and information on factors that possibly influence exposure. We determined urinary ETU concentrations using liquid chromatography mass spectrometry. Results: Pregnant women’s median urinary ETU concentrations were more than five times higher than those reported for other general populations. Seventy-two percent of the women had EDIs above the RfD. Women who lived closest (1st quartile, < 48m) to banana plantations on average had a 45% (95% CI: 23, 72%) higher urinary ETU compared with women who lived farthest away (4th quartile, ≥ 565m). Compared with the other women, ETU was also higher in women who washed agricultural work clothes on the day before sampling (11%; 95% CI: 4.9, 17%), women who worked in agriculture during pregnancy (19%; 95% CI: 9.3, 29%), and immigrant women (6.2%; 95% CI: 1.0, 13%). Conclusions: The pregnant women’s urinary ETU concentrations are of concern, and the principal source of exposure is likely to be aerial spraying of mancozeb. The factors predicting ETU provide insight into possibilities for exposure reduction. Antecedentes: el mancozeb y su principal metabolito etilen tiourea (ETU) pueden alterar la función tiroidea; Las hormonas tiroideas son esenciales para el desarrollo del cerebro fetal. En Costa Rica, mancozeb se fumiga por vía aérea en plantaciones de banano a gran escala semanalmente. Objetivos: Nuestros objetivos fueron evaluar las concentraciones urinarias de ETU en mujeres embarazadas que viven cerca de grandes plantaciones de banano, comparar su ingesta diaria estimada (EDI) con las dosis de referencia establecidas (RfD) e identificar factores que predicen sus concentraciones urinarias de ETU. Métodos: Inscribimos a 451 mujeres embarazadas del condado de Matina, Costa Rica, que tiene una producción bananera a gran escala. Visitamos a 445 mujeres hasta tres veces durante el embarazo para obtener muestras de orina (n = 872) e información sobre los factores que posiblemente influyen en la exposición. Determinamos las concentraciones urinarias de ETU mediante cromatografía líquida y espectrometría de masas. Resultados: Las concentraciones medias de ETU en orina de las mujeres embarazadas fueron más de cinco veces más altas que las informadas para otras poblaciones generales. Setenta y dos por ciento de las mujeres tenían EDI por encima de la RfD. Las mujeres que vivían más cerca (1er cuartil

Introduction: Growing evidence suggests that pesticide exposure may disrupt thyroid hormones, but data in humans are limited. We studied the association of pesticide exposure and thyroid hormones i...

Contains fulltext : 51497.pdf (Publisher’s version ) (Closed access) The aim of this study was to assess exposure to pesticides for a longitudinal epidemiological study on adverse reproduction effects among greenhouse workers. Detailed information on pesticide use among greenhouse workers was obtained on a monthly basis through self-administered questionnaires and subsequent workplace surveys. Questionnaires were filled in for a whole year. Dermal exposure rankings were developed for each task using the observational method Dermal Exposure Assessment Method (DREAM). Exposure scores were calculated for each worker for each month during the year, taking into account frequency, duration and exposure intensity for each task. A total number of 116 different active ingredients were used in the population, whereas a mean number of 15 active ingredients were applied per greenhouse. DREAM observations provided insight into the exposure intensity of 12 application techniques and three mixing and loading activities. Relatively high DREAM scores were obtained for scattering, fogging, dusting, and mixing and loading of powders. Observations with DREAM indicated that application with a horizontal ground-boom, motor driven boom, and bulb shower resulted in low dermal exposure. Exposure scores showed substantial variation between workers and over the year. It can be concluded that exposure variation between- and within greenhouses is very large, both in terms of chemical composition and exposure intensity. This may be a significant contributor to the inconsistent results of studies evaluating health effects of pesticide exposure.

Background: Manganese (Mn) is an essential nutrient, but is also neurotoxic at high doses. Few studies have examined the effects of prenatal Mn exposure on neurodevelopment in infants and young chi...

Introduction: Elevated manganese (Mn) in drinking water has been reported worldwide due to natural and anthropogenic contamination. Mancozeb is an ethylene-bis-dithiocarbamate (EBDC) fungicide cont...

Resumen de los resultados \nLos fungicidas etilenobisditiocarbamatos (EBDC, por sus siglas en inglés) mancozeb y maneb contienen cantidades sustanciales de Mn (21% en peso) y, consecuentemente, pueden constituir una fuente de exposición a Mn. Sin embargo, la exposición a Mn generada a partir de las fumigaciones con estos plaguicidas, ha sido poco investigada (Canossa, Angiuli, Garasto, Buzzoni, & De Rosa, 1993; Gunier et al., 2013; Takser, Lafond, Bouchard, St-Amour, & Mergler, 2004). En el estudio Infantes y Salud Ambiental (ISA), una cohorte de 451 mujeres embarazadas que viven cerca de las plantaciones bananeras fumigadas por vía aérea con mancozeb, en el cantón de Matina, Limón, se detectaron niveles de Mn en sangre (n=449) y cabello (n=449) más altos que los niveles observados en mujeres embarazadas de otros países (Abdelouahab et al., 2010; Claus Henn et al., 2011; Hambridge & Droegemueller, 1974; Kopp, Kumbartski, Harth, Bruning, & Kafferlein, 2012; Lin, Doyle, Wang, Hwang, & Chen, 2010; Ljung et al., 2009; Rollin, Rudge, Thomassen, Mathee, & Odland, 2009; Rudge et al., 2009; Takser, Mergler, Hellier, Sahuquillo, & Huel, 2003; Yu & Cao, 2013; Zota et al., 2009), entre ellas mujeres que vivían cerca de campos agrícolas tratados con plaguicidas (Gunier et al., 2014; Takser et al., 2004). Saltra- Iret Unión Europea

PURPOSE: To assess exposure-response relations between exposure to magnetic fields and neurobehavioral effects. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Twenty company volunteers completed a neurobehavioral test battery after they moved their heads with the magnetic field absent, and while they moved their heads in the inhomogenous stray fields of 1.5 and 3.0 T MRI magnets. RESULTS: The value of the stray fields at the position of the head of the volunteer was estimated to be 0.6 T and 1.0 T on the 1.5 T and 3.0 T systems, respectively. Exposure-response relations were found for visual (-2.1%/100 mT) and auditory (-1.0%/100 mT) working memory, eye-hand coordination speed (-1.0%/100 mT), and visual tracking tasks (-3.1%/100 mT). Eye-hand precision, scanning speed, and visual contrast sensitivity were apparently not influenced by the magnetic field strength. CONCLUSION: Additional research should focus on the potential side effects of interventional MR procedures because of the exposure to strong magnetic fields of these systems. (c) 2006 Wiley-Liss, Inc.

Charcoal cloth pads have been used to assess volatile chemicals on the skin in a laboratory setting; however, they have not yet been applied to measure dermal exposure in occupational settings. This study aimed at evaluating whether charcoal pads can be used to assess dermal exposure to benzene and toluene in workers of a petrochemical plant. Inhalation and dermal exposure levels to benzene and toluene were assessed for workers of a petrochemical plant performing different jobs. Benzene uptake was assessed by determining S-phenylmercapturic acid in workers' urine samples. Dermal exposure levels on the charcoal pads were adjusted for ambient air levels of benzene and toluene by subtracting the amount of benzene or toluene measured in personal air from the amount of benzene or toluene measured on the charcoal pad. In general, measured external and internal exposure levels were low. The estimated contribution of the dermal route to internal benzene exposure levels was less than 0.06% for all jobs. Toluene personal air concentrations and benzene and toluene dermal exposure levels differed statistically significantly between job titles. For benzene, differences between jobs were larger for adjusted dermal exposures (maximum 17-fold, P = 0.02) than for inhalation exposures (maximum two-fold, P = 0.08). Also for toluene, although less clear, differences between jobs were larger for adjusted dermal exposures (maximum 23-fold, P = 0.01) as compared to inhalation exposures (maximum 10-fold, P = 0.01). Charcoal pads appeared to measure dermal exposures to benzene and toluene in addition to ambient air levels. Future studies applying charcoal cloth pads for the dermal exposure assessment at workplaces with higher dermal exposure to organic solvents may provide more insight into the biological relevance of dermal exposure levels measured by charcoal cloth pads. In addition, the design of the dermal sampler might be improved by configuring a dermal sampler, where part of the sampler is protected against direct contact and splashes, but still permeable for the gas phase. This design would most likely result in a better ability to correct for airborne concentrations at a given body location.

Background: In many agricultural districts in Sri Lanka, pesticide poisoning is a leading cause of death. This study aims to evaluate the impact of pesticide use on Sri Lankan farmers' health. Methods: A total of 260 subjects were surveyed in both a low and a high exposure period. Acetylcholinesterase activity was measured and data on symptoms were collected with questionnaires. Results: Twenty-four percent of surveyed farmers had suffered at least once from acute pesticide poisoning. Farmers showed significantly more inhibition of cholinesterase activity than controls. Acute symptoms indicative for exposure to cholinesterase-inhibiting pesticides were associated with farming and a higher degree of cholinesterase suppression (more than 13% inhibition). Integrated Pest Management (IPM) training seemed to result in less insecticide use, and less cholinesterase inhibition. Conclusions: Our results suggest that occupational acetylcholinesterase-inhibiting insecticide exposures have a negative impact on Sri Lankan farmers' health. Overall reduction in pesticide use seems the best option to protect farmers from the adverse effects of pesticides. © 2003 Wiley-Liss, Inc.

IRET, CERCH, CINBIOSE Background: Animal studies have shown that both deficiency and excess manganese (Mn) may result in decreased fetal size and weight, but human studies have reported inconsistent results. Methods: We examined the association of blood and hair Mn concentrations measured at different times during pregnancy with fetal growth among term births and length of gestation in a cohort of 380 mother-infant pairs living near banana plantations aerially sprayed with Mn-containing fungicides in Costa Rica. We used linear regression and generalized additive models to test for linear and nonlinear associations. Results: Mean (± SD) blood Mn concentration was 24.4±6.6μg/L and geometric mean (geometric SD) hair Mn concentration was 1.8 (3.2) μg/g. Hair Mn concentrations during the second and third trimesters of gestation were positively related to infant chest circumference (β for 10-fold increase=0.62cm; 95% CI: 0.16, 1.08; and β=0.55cm; 95% CI: -0.16, 1.26, respectively). Similarly, average maternal hair Mn concentrations during pregnancy were associated with increased chest circumference (β for 10-fold increase=1.19cm; 95% CI: 0.43, 1.95) in infants whose mothers did not have gestational anemia, but not in infants of mothers who had gestational anemia (β=0.39cm; 95% CI: -0.32, 1.10; pINT=0.14). All these associations were linear. Blood Mn concentrations did not show consistent linear nor nonlinear relationships with any of the birth outcomes. Conclusions: Mn plays an important role in fetal development, but the extent to which environmental exposures may cause adverse health effects to the developing fetus is not well understood. Among women living near banana plantations in Costa Rica, we did not observe linear or nonlinear associations of Mn concentrations with lowered birth weight or head circumference, as reported in previous studies. However, we did find positive linear associations between maternal hair Mn concentrations during pregnancy and infant chest circumference Antecedentes: los estudios en animales han demostrado que tanto la deficiencia como el exceso de manganeso (Mn) pueden resultar en una disminución del tamaño y peso del feto, pero los estudios en humanos han informado resultados inconsistentes. Métodos: Examinamos la asociación de las concentraciones de Mn en la sangre y el cabello medidas en diferentes momentos durante el embarazo con el crecimiento fetal entre los nacimientos a término y la duración de la gestación en una cohorte de 380 parejas madre-hijo que viven cerca de plantaciones de banano fumigadas aéreamente con fungicidas que contienen Mn en Costa Rica. Usamos regresión lineal y modelos aditivos generalizados para probar las asociaciones lineales y no lineales. Resultados: La concentración media (± DE) de Mn en sangre fue de 24,4 ± 6,6 μg / L y la media geométrica (DE geométrica) de la concentración de Mn en el cabello fue de 1,8 (3,2) μg / g. Las concentraciones de manganeso en el cabello durante el segundo y tercer trimestre de gestación se relacionaron positivamente con la circunferencia torácica del lactante (β para un aumento de 10 veces = 0,62 cm; IC del 95%: 0,16; 1,08; y β = 0,55 cm; IC del 95%: -0,16; 1,26, respectivamente). De manera similar, las concentraciones promedio de Mn en el cabello materno durante el embarazo se asociaron con un aumento de la circunferencia del pecho (β para un aumento de 10 veces = 1,19 cm; IC del 95%: 0,43, 1,95) en bebés cuyas madres no tenían anemia gestacional, pero no en bebés de madres. que tenían anemia gestacional (β = 0,39 cm; IC del 95%: -0,32, 1,10; pINT = 0,14). Todas estas asociaciones fueron lineales. Las concentraciones de manganeso en sangre no mostraron relaciones lineales o no lineales consistentes con ninguno de los resultados del nacimiento. Conclusiones: El manganeso juega un papel importante en el desarrollo fetal, pero no se comprende bien hasta qué punto las exposiciones ambientales pueden causar efectos adversos para la salud del feto en desarrollo. Entre las mujeres que viven cerca de las plantaciones bananeras en Costa Rica, no observamos asociaciones lineales o no lineales de concentraciones de Mn con un menor peso al nacer o circunferencia de la cabeza, como se informó en estudios previos. Sin embargo, sí encontramos asociaciones lineales positivas entre las concentraciones de Mn en el cabello materno durante el embarazo y la circunferencia del tórax del lactante. Antecedentes: Estudos em animais demonstraram que tanto a deficiência como o excesso de manganês (Mn) podem resultar na diminuição do tamanho e peso fetal, mas estudos em humanos relataram resultados inconsistentes. Métodos: Nós examinamos a associação das concentrações de Mn no sangue e no cabelo medidas em diferentes momentos durante a gravidez com o crescimento fetal entre nascimentos a termo e duração da gestação em uma coorte de 380 pares de mães e bebês que viviam perto de plantações de banana pulverizadas por via aérea com fungicidas contendo Mn na Costa Rica. Usamos regressão linear e modelos aditivos generalizados para testar associações lineares e não lineares. Resultados: A concentração média (± DP) de Mn no sangue foi de 24,4 ± 6,6 μg / L e a concentração média geométrica (DP geométrica) de Mn no cabelo foi de 1,8 (3,2) μg / g. As concentrações de Mn no cabelo durante o segundo e terceiro trimestres da gestação foram positivamente relacionadas à circunferência torácica infantil (β para aumento de 10 vezes = 0,62 cm; IC de 95%: 0,16, 1,08; e β = 0,55 cm; IC de 95%: -0,16, 1,26, respectivamente). Da mesma forma, as concentrações médias de Mn no cabelo materno durante a gravidez foram associadas ao aumento da circunferência torácica (β para aumento de 10 vezes = 1,19 cm; IC 95%: 0,43, 1,95) em bebês cujas mães não tiveram anemia gestacional, mas não em bebês de mães que tinha anemia gestacional (β = 0,39 cm; IC 95%: -0,32, 1,10; pINT = 0,14). Todas essas associações foram lineares. As concentrações de Mn no sangue não mostraram relações lineares nem não lineares consistentes com nenhum dos resultados do nascimento. Conclusões: o Mn desempenha um papel importante no desenvolvimento fetal, mas não é bem compreendido até que ponto as exposições ambientais podem causar efeitos adversos à saúde do feto em desenvolvimento. Entre as mulheres que vivem perto de plantações de banana na Costa Rica, não observamos associações lineares ou não lineares das concentrações de Mn com peso ao nascer ou perímetro cefálico reduzido, conforme relatado em estudos anteriores. No entanto, encontramos associações lineares positivas entre as concentrações de Mn nos cabelos maternos durante a gravidez e a circunferência torácica infantil Universidad Nacional, Costa Rica University of California, United States Université du Québec à Montréal, Canada Federal University of Bahia, Brazil Instituto Regional de Estudios en Sustancias Tóxicas

Objectives Mesoamerican nephropathy is an epidemic of chronic kidney disease (CKD) unrelated to traditional causes, mostly observed in sugarcane workers. We analysed CKD mortality in Costa Rica to explore when and where the epidemic emerged, sex and age patterns, and relationship with altitude, climate and sugarcane production. Methods SMRs for CKD deaths (1970–2012) among population aged ≥20 were computed for 7 provinces and 81 counties over 4 time periods. Time trends were assessed with age-standardised mortality rates. We qualitatively examined relations between mortality and data on altitude, climate and sugarcane production. Results During 1970–2012, age-adjusted mortality rates in the Guanacaste province increased among men from 4.4 to 38.5 per 100 000 vs 3.6–8.4 in the rest of Costa Rica, and among women from 2.3 to 10.7 per 100 000 vs 2.6–5.0 in the rest of Costa Rica. A significant moderate excess mortality was observed among men in Guanacaste already in the mid-1970s, steeply increasing thereafter; a similar female excess mortality appeared a decade later, remaining stable. Male age-specific rates were high in Guanacaste for age categories ≥30, and since the late 1990s also for age range 20–29. The male spatiotemporal patterns roughly followed sugarcane expansion in hot, dry lowlands with manual harvesting. Conclusions Excess CKD mortality occurs primarily in Guanacaste lowlands and was already present 4 decades ago. The increasing rates among Guanacaste men in hot, dry lowland counties with sugarcane are consistent with an occupational component. Stable moderate increases among women, and among men in counties without sugarcane, suggest coexisting environmental risk factors.

Manganese (Mn), an essential nutrient, is a neurotoxicant at high concentrations. We measured Mn concentrations in repeated blood and hair samples collected from 449 pregnant women living near banana plantations with extensive aerial spraying of Mncontaining fungicide mancozeb in Costa Rica, and examined environmental and lifestyle factors associated with these biomarkers. Mean blood Mn and geometric mean hair Mn concentrations were 24.4 μg/L (8.9−56.3) and 1.8 μg/g (0.05−53.3), respectively. Blood Mn concentrations were positively associated with gestational age at sampling (β = 0.2; 95% CI: 0.1 to 0.2), number of household members (β = 0.4; 95% CI: 0.1 to 0.6), and living in a house made of permeable and difficult-to-clean materials (β = 2.6; 95% CI: 1.3 to 4.0); and inversely related to smoking (β = −3.1; 95% CI: −5.8 to −0.3). Hair Mn concentrations were inversely associated with gestational age at sampling (% change = 0.8; 95% CI: −1.6 to 0.0); and positively associated with living within 50 m of a plantation (% change = 42.1; 95% CI: 14.2 to 76.9) and Mn concentrations in drinking water (% change = 17.5; 95% CI: 12.2 to 22.8). Our findings suggest that pregnant women living near banana plantations aerially sprayed with mancozeb may be environmentally exposed to Mn. El manganeso (Mn), un nutriente esencial, es un neurotóxico en altas concentraciones. Medimos las concentraciones de Mn en muestras repetidas de sangre y cabello recogidas de 449 mujeres embarazadas que vivían cerca de plantaciones de plátanos con una amplia fumigación aérea de Mn que contenía el fungicida mancozeb en Costa Rica, y examinó factores ambientales y de estilo de vida asociados a estos biomarcadores. La media de las concentraciones de Mn en sangre y la media geométrica de Mn en pelo fueron 24,4 μg/L (8,9-56,3) y 1,8 μg/g (0,05-53,3), respectivamente. Sangre Las concentraciones de Mn se asociaron positivamente con la edad gestacional a muestreo (β = 0,2; IC 95%: 0,1 a 0,2), número de miembros del hogar (β = 0.4; 95% CI: 0.1 a 0.6), y viviendo en una casa hecha de permeable y materiales difíciles de limpiar (β = 2.6; 95% CI: 1.3 a 4.0); y inversamente relacionado con el tabaquismo (β = -3.1; 95% CI: -5.8 a -0.3). Cabello Las concentraciones de Mn estaban inversamente asociadas con la edad gestacional a de muestreo (cambio porcentual = 0,8; IC del 95%: -1,6 a 0,0); y se asocian positivamente con vivir a menos de 50 m de una plantación (cambio porcentual = 42,1; IC del 95%: 14,2 a 76,9) y las concentraciones de Mn en el agua potable (cambio porcentual = 17,5; IC del 95%: 12,2 a 22,8). Nuestros hallazgos sugieren que las mujeres embarazadas que viven cerca de las plantaciones de plátanos rociadas desde el aire con mancozeb pueden estar expuestas a Mn. Universidad Nacional, Costa Rica University of California, Berkeley, 1995 University Ave, Suite 265, Berkeley, California 94704, United States Universitédu Quebec a Montreal University of California, Santa Cruz, 1156 High Street, Santa Cruz, California 95064, United States Federal University of Bahia, Av. Barao de Jeremoabo s/n Campus Universita ̃ rio de ́ Ondina, 40170-115 Salvador, Bahia, Brazil Lund University, SE-221 85 Lund, Sweden Instituto Regional de Estudios en Sustancias Tóxicas, Universidad Nacional, Costa Rica Center for Environmental Research and Children’s Health (CERCH), School of Public Health, University of California Centre de Recherche Interdisciplinaire sur la Biologie, la Sante, la Socie ́ té ́et l′Environnement (CINBIOSE), Universitédu Quebec a ́ ̀ Montreal Microbiology and Environmental Toxicology, University of California Laboratory of Toxicology, College of Pharmacy, Federal University of Bahia Division of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, Institute of Laboratory Medicine, Lund University

This forum paper proposes a reflection on the "field of ecohealth" and on how best to sustain a supportive environment that enables the evolution of diverse partnerships and forms of collaboration in the field. It is based on the results of a preconference workshop held in October 2012, in Kunming, China at the fourth biennial conference of the International Association for Ecology and Health. Attended by 105 persons from 38 countries, this workshop aimed to have a large-group and encompassing discussion about ecohealth as an emerging field, touching on subjects such as actors, processes, structures, standards, and resources. Notes taken were used to conduct a qualitative thematic analysis combined with a semantic network analysis. Commonalities highlighted by these discussions draw a portrait of a field in which human health, complex systems thinking, action, and ecosystem health are considered central issues. The need to reach outside of academia to government and the general public was identified as a shared goal. A disconnect between participants' main concerns and what they perceived as the main concerns of funding agencies emerged as a primary roadblock for the future.

Programa Infantes y Salud Ambiental Programa ISA Infant´s Environmental Health Study Infant´s Environmental Health Program Background: Between 1992 and 2010 in the Costa Rican Caribbean, a social movement coalition called Foro Emau´s sought to change people’s view on problems of high pesticide use in banana production. Objective: To understand the formation and membership of Foro Emau´s, its success period, and its decline. Methods: Semi-structured interviews of 28 key actors; a questionnaire survey among school personnel (n5475) in Siquirres, Matina, and Talamanca counties; and secondary data from newspapers, leaflets, and movement documents were used. Results: Foro Emau´s developed activism around pesticide issues and put pressure on governmental agencies and banana companies and shaped people’s perception of pesticide risks. The success of the Foro Emau´s movement led to the reinforcement of a counteracting social movement (Solidarismo) by conservative sectors of the Catholic Church and the banana companies. We found that the participation of unions in Foro Emau´s is an early example of social movement unionism. Conclusions: Scientific pesticide risk analysis is not the only force that shapes emerging societal perceptions of pesticide risk. Social movements influence the priority given to particular risks and can be crucial in putting health and environmental risk issues on the political and research agenda. Antecedentes: Entre 1992 y 2010 en el Caribe costarricense, una coalición de movimientos sociales llamada Foro Emau's buscó cambiar la visión de la gente sobre los problemas del alto uso de pesticidas en la producción bananera. Objetivo: Comprender la formación y membresía del Foro Emau, su período de éxito y su declive. Métodos: entrevistas semiestructuradas de 28 actores clave; una encuesta por cuestionario entre el personal escolar (n5475) en los condados de Siquirres, Matina y Talamanca; y se utilizaron datos secundarios de periódicos, folletos y documentos de movimiento. Resultados: Foro Emau desarrolló el activismo en torno a los problemas de los pesticidas y presionó a las agencias gubernamentales y las empresas bananeras y moldeó la percepción de la gente sobre los riesgos de los pesticidas. El éxito del movimiento del Foro Emau condujo al fortalecimiento de un movimiento social de contraataque (Solidarismo) por parte de sectores conservadores de la Iglesia Católica y las empresas bananeras. Descubrimos que la participación de los sindicatos en el Foro Emau es un ejemplo temprano del sindicalismo del movimiento social. Conclusiones: El análisis científico del riesgo de los plaguicidas no es la única fuerza que da forma a las percepciones sociales emergentes del riesgo de los plaguicidas. Los movimientos sociales influyen en la prioridad que se le da a riesgos particulares y pueden ser cruciales para colocar los problemas de salud y riesgos ambientales en la agenda política y de investigación. Universidad Nacional, Costa Rica Wageningen School for Social Sciences (WASS, CERES-CEPIP fund), Holanda International Development Research Center (IDRC), Canadá Instituto Regional de Estudios en Sustancias Tóxicas

The US Environmental Protection Agency voluntary phased-out residential use of chlorpyrifos in 2001. In contrast, in Costa Rica, chlorpyrifos-treated bags are increasingly used to protect banana and plantain fruits from insects and to fulfill product standards, even in populated areas. Objectives: To evaluate children’s exposure to chlorpyrifos in villages situated nearby banana plantations and plantain farms in Costa Rica. Methods: The study targeted two villages with use of chlorpyrifos-treated bags in nearby banana plantations and plantain farms and one village with mainly organic production. For 140 children from these villages, mostly indigenous Ngabe and Bribri, parent-interviews and urine samples ( ¨ n¼207) were obtained. Urinary 3,5,6-trichloro-2-pyridinol (TCPy) levels were measured as a biomarker for chlorpyrifos exposure. In the banana and plantain village also environmental contamination to chlorpyrifos was explored. Results: Children from the banana and plantain villages had statistically significant higher urinary TCPy concentrations than children from the referent village; 2.6 and 2.2 versus 1.3 mg/g creatinine, respectively. Chlorpyrifos was detected in 30% of the environmental samples as well as in 92% of the hand/foot wash samples. For more than half of the children their estimated intake exceeded the US EPA chronic population adjusted dose. For some, the acute population adjusted dose and the chronic reference dose were also exceeded. Conclusions: Our results suggest that children living nearby plantations with chlorpyrifos-treated bags are exposed to chlorpyrifos levels that may affect their health. Interventions to reduce chlorpyrifos exposure Antecedentes La Agencia de Protección Ambiental de los Estados Unidos suprimió voluntariamente el uso residencial del clorpirifos en 2001. En cambio, en Costa Rica, las bolsas tratadas con clorpirifos se utilizan cada vez más para proteger las frutas de banano y plátano de los insectos y para cumplir las normas de producto, incluso en zonas pobladas. Objetivos Evaluar la exposición de los niños al clorpirifos en las aldeas situadas cerca de las plantaciones de bananas y de plátanos en Costa Rica. Métodos El estudio se centró en dos aldeas que utilizaban bolsas tratadas con clorpirifos en plantaciones de bananas y plátanos cercanas y una aldea con producción principalmente orgánica. Para 140 niños de estas aldeas, en su mayoría indígenas Ngäbe y Bribri, se obtuvieron entrevistas con los padres y muestras de orina (n=207). Se midieron los niveles urinarios de 3,5,6-tricloro-2-piridinol (TCPy) como biomarcador de la exposición al clorpirifos. En la aldea de bananas y plátanos también se exploró la contaminación ambiental por clorpirifos. Resultados Los niños de las aldeas de bananas y plátanos tenían concentraciones de TCPy urinario más altas estadísticamente significativas que los niños de la aldea de referencia; 2,6 y 2,2 frente a 1,3 μg/g creatinina, respectivamente. Se detectó clorpirifos en el 30% de las muestras ambientales y en el 92% de las muestras de lavado de manos y pies. En más de la mitad de los niños su ingesta estimada superó la dosis ajustada de la población crónica de la EPA de los EE.UU. Para algunos, la dosis ajustada para la población aguda y la dosis de referencia crónica también fueron excedidas. Conclusiones Nuestros resultados sugieren que los niños que viven cerca de las plantaciones con bolsas tratadas con clorpirifos están expuestos a niveles de clorpirifos que pueden afectar a su salud. Las intervenciones para reducir la exposición al clorpirifos probablemente mejoren la salud de los niños y el medio ambiente en las regiones de cultivo de bananas y plátanos. Instituto Regional de Estudios en Sustancias Tóxicas, Universidad Nacional, Costa Rica Wageningen University, the Netherlands University of California at Berkeley, USA Karolinska Institute, Stockholm, Sweden University of Quebec at Montreal, Canada Lund University Hospital, Lund, Sweden Universidad Nacional, Costa Rica Technology and Agrarian Development Group, Wageningen University, the Netherlands University of California at Berkeley, USA Institute of Environmental Medicine, Karolinska Institute, Stockholm, Sweden Center for Interdisciplinary Research in Biology, Health, Environment and Society (CINBIOSE), University of Quebec at Montreal, Canada Department of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, Lund University Hospital, Lund, Sweden

We established methods for monitoring pesticide use and associated health hazards in Central America. With import data from Belize, Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, Nicaragua, and Panama for 2000-2004, we constructed quantitative indicators (kg active ingredient) for general pesticide use, associated health hazards, and compliance with international regulations. Central America imported 33 million kg active ingredient per year. Imports increased 33% during 2000-2004. Of 403 pesticides, 13 comprised 77% of the total pesticides imported. High volumes of hazardous pesticides are used; 22% highly/extremely acutely toxic, 33% moderately/severely irritant or sensitizing, and 30% had multiple chronic toxicities. Of the 41 pesticides included in the Stockholm Convention on Persistent Organic Pollutants (POPs), the Rotterdam Convention on Prior Informed Consent (PIC), the Montreal Protocol on Substances that Deplete the Ozone Layer, the Pesticide Action Network (PAN) Dirty Dozen, and the Central American Dirty Dozen, 16 (17% total volume) were imported, four being among the 13 most imported pesticides. Costa Rica is by far the biggest consumer. Pesticide import data are good indicators of use trends and an informative source to monitor hazards and, potentially, the effectiveness of interventions.

Background and Aims: In Costa Rica, chlorpyrifos-treated plastic bags are used to protect the banana and plantain fruits from insects and to fulfil product standards. The aim of this study was to e...

Introduction: At banana plantations, weekly aerial applications of mancozeb, a ethylene bisdithiocarbamate (EBDC) fungicide, are performed to protect bananas from Sigatoka disease. This study aims ...

Background and Aims: In Costa Rica, pesticide use at large-scale banana plantations includes permanent use of chlorpyrifos-impregnated bags and weekly aerial spraying of mancozeb, an ethylene bisdi...