Pesticide exposure found in high levels among children in U.S. and South Africa

Recent studies have highlighted significant pesticide exposure among children in both the United States and South Africa.

A study published in Environment and Health involving 187 U.S. infants and young children found residues of 215 different pesticides in urine samples. On average, individual children contained 31 different pesticides, with some samples containing as many as 50. Sixteen specific pesticides were detected in over 60% of the children sampled. Researchers noted that chronic low-dose exposure is associated with adverse health outcomes, including cancer, diabetes, reproductive disorders, and impaired neurodevelopment.

In South Africa, a two-year study conducted by researchers from the University of Cape Town and other institutions focused on 533 children in the Western Cape agricultural regions. The research found that more than 60% of the children were exposed to pesticides. The study indicated that exposure is not limited to agricultural work but is significantly linked to household pesticide use and spray drift. Recent household use was associated with increases of up to 57% in levels of 12 pesticide biomarkers, while spray drift was associated with increases of up to 30% in eight biomarkers.