Pulse Brain · Growing Health Evidence Index
Tier 1 — Meta-analysis / systematic reviewPeer-reviewed

Exposure to pesticides and human health effects: a review of epidemiologic studies

Kim, K.-H. et al.

2017

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Summary

This systematic review, published in the International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, synthesises epidemiological evidence on the health consequences of pesticide exposure across occupational, residential, and dietary exposure pathways. The paper likely identifies consistent associations between certain pesticide classes and increased risk of neurological, carcinogenic, and endocrine-related health outcomes, while acknowledging methodological heterogeneity across included studies. It contributes a structured evidence base relevant to public health risk assessment and regulatory decision-making regarding pesticide use.

UK applicability

Although not UK-specific, the findings are broadly applicable to UK public health and regulatory contexts, particularly given ongoing post-Brexit review of pesticide approvals under the Health and Safety Executive and the UK's commitments under the National Action Plan for the Sustainable Use of Pesticides.

Key measures

Disease incidence and risk ratios; odds ratios; relative risks for conditions including cancer, Parkinson's disease, diabetes, reproductive disorders, and neurodevelopmental outcomes

Outcomes reported

The review examined associations between pesticide exposure and a range of human health outcomes, including cancers, neurological disorders, reproductive effects, and endocrine disruption, as reported across epidemiological studies.

Theme
Nutrition & health
Subject
Pesticides & public health
Study type
Systematic Review
Study design
Systematic review
Source type
Peer-reviewed study
Status
Published
Geography
International
System type
Human clinical
Catalogue ID
XL0100

Topic tags

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