Living Near Pesticides in Arizona Linked to Higher Risk of Stillbirths, Study Finds
New research from the Mel and Enid Zuckerman College of Public Health and the Southwest Environmental Health Sciences Centre suggests that living less than 0.3 miles from areas where pesticides are used before getting pregnant and during the first trimester may increase the risk of stillbirths.
The study, published in the American Journal of Epidemiology, found that certain pesticides, especially organophosphates, were linked to stillbirths during the first trimester and a 90-day preconception window.
Key Findings
First author Melissa Furlong, PhD, an assistant professor and environmental epidemiologist, highlighted that specific pesticide ingredients were significantly associated with stillbirth risk. The study emphasizes the importance of considering individual pesticides rather than just the overall class.
Researchers linked Arizona pesticide use records for 27 different pesticides with state birth certificate data, which included 1,237,750 births and 2,290 stillbirths from 2006 to 2020. They found that living within 0.31 miles of specific pesticide applications during a 90-day pre-conception window or the first trimester was associated with an increased risk of stillbirth.
Specific Pesticides Linked to Stillbirths
| Pre-Conception | First Trimester |
|---|---|
| Cyfluthrin | Fenpropathrin |
| Zeta-cypermethrin | Permethrin |
| Organophosphates | Organophosphates |
| Malathion | Acephate |
| Carbaryl | Formetanate hydrochloride |
| Propamocarb hydrochloride |
Co-author Paloma Beamer, PhD, noted that acephate exposure in the first trimester was associated with a doubling of stillbirth risk. Cyfluthrin exposure during the 90 days prior to conception almost doubled the risk of stillbirth.
Importance of Further Research
Pesticides are used to control pests in various settings and are categorized into classes like organophosphates, pyrethroids, and carbamates. The primary exposure route is through diet, but household use, agricultural drift, and occupational exposure are also significant pathways.
Pregnant women may be particularly vulnerable to pesticide exposure due to physiological changes during pregnancy. The developing fetus may also be more susceptible to the toxic effects of pesticides during rapid growth and development.
Furlong emphasized the need for further research to fully understand the safety profiles of various pesticides and the mechanisms of pesticide-induced stillbirth. The study highlights the importance of developing strategies to mitigate exposure to protect maternal and fetal health.
Doubts Revealed
Pesticides -: Pesticides are chemicals used to kill insects and other pests that can harm crops. They help farmers grow more food but can be harmful to humans if not used carefully.
Arizona -: Arizona is a state in the United States of America. It is known for its desert climate and the Grand Canyon.
Stillbirths -: A stillbirth is when a baby is born without signs of life after 20 weeks of pregnancy. It is a very sad event for families.
Mel and Enid Zuckerman College of Public Health -: This is a school that is part of the University of Arizona. It focuses on teaching and researching how to keep people healthy.
Southwest Environmental Health Sciences Centre -: This is a research center that studies how the environment affects people’s health. It is also part of the University of Arizona.
0.3 miles -: 0.3 miles is a distance that is about half a kilometer. It is a short distance, like walking from your home to a nearby shop.
First trimester -: The first trimester is the first three months of pregnancy. It is a very important time for the baby’s development.
American Journal of Epidemiology -: This is a scientific magazine where researchers publish their studies about how diseases spread and can be controlled.
Organophosphates -: Organophosphates are a type of pesticide. They are used to kill insects but can be very dangerous to humans if they are not handled properly.
Maternal and fetal health -: Maternal health refers to the health of the mother, and fetal health refers to the health of the baby before it is born. Both are very important during pregnancy.
