The pesticide chlorpyrifos is one of the most used pesticides in the world to control agricultural and household pests. For decades, it was considered an efficient tool to protect crops and get rid of insects, but science has proved its benefits have a high cost for our health and the environment.
In particular, prenatal exposure to this pesticide is related to brain abnormalities in children, which increases global concern on its use on farming. So, let’s find out more about this pesticide.
Pesticide chlorpyrifos
This is an organophosphate insecticide that was widely used in households, gardens, and agricultural fields throughout the second half of the 20th century. This pesticide attacks insects’ nervous system, but this toxicity can also affect bigger organisms, like ours.
In 2001, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) banned the use of this product in households, but not for farming. Today, despite all restrictions, it is still used in many countries which leaves many rural communities exposed to this pesticide’s risks.
Impact on children’s brains
A research done in the U.S. found that prenatal exposure to chlorpyrifos pesticide is linked to:
- Structural brain abnormalities.
- Altered brain function and metabolism.
- Motor difficulties, such as reduced speed and coordination.
Researchers analyzed more than 200 boys and girls whose mothers had already been exposed to this pesticide during their pregnancies. By using MRI scans, they saw that the higher the prenatal exposure, the greater brain abnormalities were detected in their childhood and adolescence.
This proves what previous studies had already suggested: chlorpyrifos affects cognitive development, memory, and learning capacity. The most worrying aspect is that these effects seem to be permanent.
Vulnerable populations
Pregnant women, farmers and unborn babies are the ones who are more exposed to this pesticide. In rural areas, where crops are sprayed regularly, the risk is higher because particles can move through the air, water or reach the food.
According to the authors of the study, “the widespread disturbances observed in brain tissue and metabolism confirm the urgent need to minimize exposure during critical stages of human development.”
Study limitations
Even though the findings are alarming, it’s important to highlight that this study is observational. This shows clear relations, but it can’t prove a direct cause. Also:
- Postnatal exposure was not measured.
- Other pesticides commonly used alongside chlorpyrifos were not considered.
- The study sample was limited to specific demographic groups in New York City.
Yet, evidence throughout more than 20 years shows the risks of this pesticide can’t be ignored.
Current situation
Nowadays many countries have banned or limited the use of chlorpyrifos in agriculture. However, it is still used in many places around the world, which means millions of people are still at risk, mostly those in low-income rural communities.
The World Health Organization (WHO) and many more scientific institutions agree on the need to reduce organophosphate pesticides exposures as much as possible, since the developing brain is vulnerable to toxic chemicals.
To sum up
This pesticide case shows that no matter how efficient it is for agriculture, science makes a clear point: its effects on health (mostly in children) are serious. So, the best thing to do is reduce its use, reinforce regulations, and look for other safer and sustainable alternatives to protect farmers and future generations.
It’s important to stay informed and make conscious decisions because we all play a part in reducing the risks of dangerous pesticides and supporting healthier choices. I don’t know if you already knew something about this issue, but now that you have seen what the study says, what do you think should be done? Shouldn’t we avoid these toxic products in general?