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People exposed to pesticides on
a regular basis, such as farmers and gardeners, may have 5 times or more
the normal risk of developing subtle neurological impairments or learning
problems categorized as mild cognitive dysfunction
(MCD), researchers in the Netherlands report.
The authors note that currently "Little is
known about the adverse effects of substances, such as pesticides and
metals, on the development of mild cognitive dysfunction."
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MCD includes problems with
verbal learning, word fluency and recall, among others.
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The investigators evaluated
exposure histories for 791 individuals.
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"Of the 17 people who
reported pesticide exposure, six (35%) had mild cognitive dysfunction
at baseline, whereas only 85 (11%) of 774 individuals in the unexposed
group had MCD," the researchers write.
The authors note that "Exposure to pesticides
was consistently associated with the separate neuropsychological test
results and the longitudinal changes thereof." Interestingly, they
state that "Results did not differ significantly or consistently
between currently and previously employed (eg, retired) people. This may
indicate long-term adverse effects of pesticide exposure."
The study authors conclude that additional larger
studies are needed to more accurately evaluate the risk of these types
of pesticide exposures leading to subtle cognitive impairments.
The Lancet September
9, 2000;356:912-913
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