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Agricultural industry

Chronic Exposure to Pesticides and Air Pollution Harms Rural Farmers in Thailand

Strategic Insights

— 2 min read

Research has been conducted on the negative effects of chronic exposure to pesticides and air pollution on the neurobehavioral performance of farmers in rural Thailand. A study published in the Journal of Exposure Science & Environmental Epidemiology details the findings of a study conducted in Northern Thailand, where farmers are exposed to organophosphate pesticides and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons through agricultural activities and seasonal biomass burning.

The study involved 115 farmers aged 20-70 years, who underwent a series of tests to assess their neurobehavioral performance. The results showed that higher levels of urinary dimethylphosphate (DMP) metabolites, which are biomarkers of exposure to organophosphate pesticides, were significantly associated with lower digit span test forward scores and maximum forward digit span scores. Similarly, increased levels of 1-hydroxypyrene (1-OHP), a biomarker of exposure to polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, were significantly correlated with lower visual-motor integration test scores. Notably, significant interaction effects were observed between DMP and 1-OHP on forward digit span and visual-motor integration test scores, suggesting that co-exposure may amplify neurobehavioral deficits.

Key Takeaways:

  • 115 farmers aged 20-70 years were recruited for the study.
  • Higher urinary DMP levels were significantly associated with lower digit span test forward scores (b ± SE = -0.807 ± 0.284) and maximum forward digit span scores (b ± SE = -0.350 ± 0.159).
  • Increased 1-OHP levels were significantly correlated with lower visual-motor integration test raw scores (b ± SE = -0.529 ± 0.236) and standard scores (b ± SE = -3.188 ± 1.239).
  • Significant interaction effects were observed between DMP and 1-OHP on forward digit span (b ± SE = -0.244 ± 0.104) and visual-motor integration test raw scores (b ± SE = -0.311 ± 0.121).
  • The study underscores the need for integrated interventions through improved pesticide safety, consistent use of personal protective equipment, and air pollution mitigation strategies.

Statistics:

  • 115 farmers participated in the study.
  • 20-70 years was the age range of the participants.
  • 4 tests were conducted to assess neurobehavioral performance: digit span test, Purdue pegboard test, visual-motor integration test, and digit span test.
  • The study found significant correlations between DMP and 1-OHP levels with lower neurobehavioral performance scores.

Sources:

  • NewsRx. Researchers from University of Phayao Describe Findings in Agriculture (Neurobehavioral performance of dual exposure to organophosphate pesticides and PAHs among farmers in rural agriculture communities). Agriculture Week. October 30, 2025; p 4075.
  • Journal of Exposure Science & Environmental Epidemiology. Neurobehavioral performance of dual exposure to organophosphate pesticides and PAHs among farmers in rural agriculture communities. 2025.

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