Link Between Pesticide Exposure and Risk of Stillbirth
Researchers discovered that residing in close proximity to areas where agricultural pesticides are used may double the chances of stillbirths in some cases.
The study, conducted by researchers at Mel and Enid Zuckerman College of Public Health (EZCPH) and Southwest Environmental Health Sciences Center (SEHSC), disclosed that living within one-third of a mile from agricultural pesticide use 90 days prior to conception or during the first trimester of pregnancy could potentially double the risk of stillbirths.
Potentially Risky Pesticides
The research, as published in the American Journal of Epidemiology (AJE), involved analyzing Arizona pest control records and birth certificates from 2006 to 2020 to estimate the stillbirth risks associated with living close to the use of 27 different pesticides within a 90-day preconception period or the first trimester.
Notable pesticides within certain classes were linked to an elevated risk of stillbirths with exposure during preconception or the first trimester:
- Organophosphate
- Pyrethroid
- Carbamate pesticide
Furthermore, specific pesticides within these classes were associated with higher stillbirth risks:
- Organophosphates, especially malathion
- Cyfluthrin and zeta-cypermethrin from the pyrethroid class
- Propamocarb hydrochloride and carbaryl from the carbamate class
In addition, exposure to certain pesticides was linked to increased stillbirth risks:
- Organophosphates, particularly acephate
- Fenpropathrin and permethrin from the pyrethroid class
- Formetanate hydrochloride from the arachnid pesticide subclass
Acephate and cyfluthrin were highlighted as posing notably high risks. Coauthor Paloma Beamer, a professor and interim associate dean at the EZCPH, explained that exposure to acephate during the first trimester doubled the risk of stillbirth, while exposure to cyfluthrin within 90 days before conception nearly doubled the risk.
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It’s worth noting that while some pesticides were specifically identified, others could still pose a threat to maternal and fetal health, as stated by the researchers.
Furthermore, Furlong mentioned to The Epoch Times via email that some participants in the study might have resided even closer than one-third of a mile or had more direct contact with pesticides, thus the increased risk applies to everyone within that radius.
Understanding the Fetal Risks of Pesticides
Pesticide exposure can occur through skin absorption, inhalation, or ingestion of food contaminated with pesticide residues.
Drift from pesticide application can explain how even residing one-third of a mile away from an agricultural site can result in significant exposure.
Robert E. Herron, an independent researcher unrelated to the study, explained how before conception or early in pregnancy, a mother may have high levels of pyrethroids, organophosphates, and/or carbamates, along with other pesticides and chemicals in her system. Herron highlighted that during pregnancy, these chemicals can enter the mother’s bloodstream and reach the developing fetus through the placental wall or the umbilical cord.
Once inside the fetus, pesticides typically disrupt neural function and neurotransmitters. Furlong emphasized that certain pesticides like organophosphates and carbamates interfere with the enzyme responsible for breaking down acetylcholine, leading to its accumulation between nerve cells. These pesticides can also harm DNA and cause nerve cell death, potentially resulting in a stillbirth due to developmental neurotoxin exposure.
Additional Pregnancy Risks Related to Pesticides
Aside from stillbirths, research has associated pesticide exposure during pregnancy with various other health risks.
2 Strategies to Minimize Risk
Furlong and Herron offer suggestions to reduce exposure to pesticides and aid in detoxification.
1. Reduce Exposure
Furlong recommends several measures to reduce exposure to pesticides, as many agricultural pesticides identified in the AJE study are commonly found in household pest control products, such as foggers, insect sprays, and some weed-control items. Additionally, residues of agricultural pesticides can be present in household items like clothing and tampons made from cotton.
“Implementing air filters, regular vacuuming and dusting, and preventing the entrance of outdoor dust and dirt by using doormats are effective practices,” Furlong stated.
- Avoiding indoor bug sprays and foggers for pest control
- Using controlled bait traps indoors if necessary
- Maintaining yards to prevent pests from entering homes
- Avoiding chemical herbicides in gardens or lawns
- Choosing organic or pesticide-free produce when feasible
- Washing fruits and vegetables before consumption
2. Panchakarma
Herron suggests that women looking to conceive could benefit from panchakarma to detoxify their bodies from toxins and potential harm caused by pesticides and other hazardous chemicals. Panchakarma is an Ayurvedic cleansing technique designed to promote wellness by eliminating impurities from the body.
“These chemicals not only cause direct harm but can also interact with one another,” Herron stated. “Being a fetus in a world full of toxic chemicals is likely the most vulnerable and dangerous phase of life due to their fragile and defenseless state.”
