Study links agrochemical spraying to health risks in Argentina

An epidemiological study conducted by researchers from the Universidad Nacional de Rosario and other institutions has linked proximity to agrochemical spraying in Santa Fe, Argentina, to significant reproductive and endocrine health issues in women.

Analyzing data from nine agro-industrial localities between 2008 and 2018, the research found that women living within 400 meters of sprayed fields experienced a 2.4-fold increase in first-trimester miscarriages and a 2.5-fold increase in hypothyroidism rates. The study, which surveyed 6,497 women, noted that 13% of the 2,870 pregnancies recorded resulted in gestational loss.

Researchers observed that women with hypothyroidism were 40% more likely to suffer early spontaneous abortions. Damián Verzeñassi, director of the Institute of Socio-Environmental Health, stated that the findings represent a “defined pattern of damage” and highlight the sanitary costs of the current production model.