This is a topic that few people talk about, perhaps because there is a global opinion that organic products bring no real benefit and that it doesn’t make sense to pay more when we can buy the conventional alternative. But is it really irrelevant? Let’s look at what the scientific literature tells us about this topic.
Farmers have nearly 5x more DNA damage compared to non-farmers, according to a meta-analysis of 42 studies.
The results of this meta-analysis highlight the seriousness of DNA damage in rural workers exposed to pesticides in all studies included in the analysis. [4]
Another meta-analysis of 52 studies, from 1998 to 2021, showed that farmers working on pesticide-treated crops had a more than 20% higher risk of developing brain cancer, and also suggested a 13% increase in mortality risk from brain cancer. [5]
The cancer morbidity in a large group of German agricultural workers exposed to pesticides was investigated in a study. It was found that farmers exposed to pesticides had higher mortality from lung cancer compared to the general population. [29]
There is a significant association between farmers exposed to pesticides and the risk of developing prostate and colorectal cancer. [30] [31]
Farmers working on pesticide-treated crops are significantly associated with a higher prevalence of developing Parkinson’s disease. [14][15][16][17]
There are also strong associations between farmers exposed to pesticides and the development of diabetes. [18][19]
The literature suggests that cumulative exposure to pesticides throughout life can generate long-lasting toxic effects on the central nervous system and contribute to the development of Alzheimer’s disease.
Subgroup analyses revealed that high-quality studies tended to show significant relationships. The present meta-analysis suggested a positive association between pesticide exposure and Alzheimer’s, confirming the hypothesis that pesticide exposure is a risk factor for Alzheimer’s disease. [32]
This study analyzed data from 1,139 children aged between 8 and 15 years. It was found that higher concentrations of pesticides in urine—especially dimethyl alkylphosphates (DMAP)—were associated with a higher probability of being diagnosed with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Specifically, a tenfold increase in DMAP concentration was associated with a 55% greater probability of ADHD. [20]
This study aimed to investigate the impact of pesticide exposure in pregnant women on the neurodevelopment of children up to 7 years old. Analyzing the data, the researchers found that higher levels of prenatal pesticide exposure were associated with a decrease in children’s cognitive functioning and IQ. These results reveal the potential long-term cognitive consequences of early exposure to CPF (a pesticide), highlighting the importance of monitoring pesticide exposure, particularly in vulnerable populations such as children. [21]
Another study found that pesticide exposure during pregnancy was correlated with the occurrence of tremors during middle childhood (6–12 years), suggesting a potential impact of insecticides on nervous system functioning. [22]
This meta-analysis of 40 studies showed that the risk of lymphoma and leukemia increased significantly in children when the mother was exposed to pesticides during the prenatal period. The risk of brain cancer was correlated with paternal exposure before or after birth. The probability of leukemia and lymphoma was higher when the mother was exposed to pesticides (through domestic use or occupational exposure) [32]. Despite some limitations of this study, the incidence of childhood cancer appears to be associated with parental exposure during the prenatal period.
The growing scientific evidence highlights the dangers associated with pesticide exposure, both for agricultural workers and final consumers. Organic products offer a safe and healthy alternative, significantly reducing exposure to these harmful chemical products.
