Use of pesticides doubles brain tumour risk for farm workers

AGRICULTURAL workers are more than doubling their risk of developing brain tumours due to the high levels of pesticides they are using.

Research in France found that all agricultural workers exposed to pesticides had a slightly elevated brain tumour risk. However, the risk was more than doubled for those exposed to the highest levels.

It also found the risk of glioma, a type of central nervous system tumour, was more than three times the risk in the general population.

The study also indicated a possible higher risk among people who used pesticides on houseplants.

The researchers said: “It is a matter of concern that they are sprayed in closed dwellings and that they are recommended for use every week.”

The findings were based on an analysis of 121 cases of brain tumours by the French Institute of Public Health, Epidemiology and Development.

The sample was made up of 95 men and 26 women with 400 control cases.

The research took place in the Bordeaux wine-growing region, where 80% of all pesticides used are fungicides.

The chemicals are mixed and sprayed in a mist to protect vines from fungal attack.

The study focused on newly diagnosed cases of brain tumours between May 1999 and April 2001 in adults aged 16 and over, in Gironde in south-western France.

However, according to the BBC, researchers were unable to get specific data to pin down exactly which types of pesticide were associated with the development of brain tumours.