Summary
A recent study has found that farmers who have used some agricultural pesticides frequently risk developing neurological disorders whether they stop using them or not. The symptoms can run anywhere from headaches and fatigue to dizziness, nausea, hand tremors, and numbness.
The pesticides involved in the study include organophosphates and organochlorines used by 18,782 farmers in Iowa and North Carolina. Some of the pesticides, including DDT, have been banned, but others are still on the market. However, this new study may help urge farmers to cut down on their pesticide use, if for no other reason than their own health.
Original source:
http://washingtontimes.com/upi-breaking/20050429-090819-1743r.htm
Details
U.S. farmers exposed to agricultural insecticides are at risk for neurological problems even if the products no longer are used, government researchers said.
A study by the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, the National Cancer Institute and the Environmental Protection Agency is available online and will be included in the print June edition of the journal Environmental Health Perspectives.
The study included data from 18,782 North Carolina and Iowa farmers and linked use of insecticides, including organophosphates and organochlorines, to reports of reoccurring headaches, fatigue, insomnia, dizziness, nausea, hand tremors, numbness and other neurological symptoms.
Some of the insecticides in the study are still on the market, but some, including DDT, have been banned or restricted.
Researchers found nearly 3,000 study participants had a high lifetime exposure to insecticides -- they used insecticides more than 500 days in their lifetime.
Nearly 800 of these farmers reported more than 10 neurological symptoms compared to those using insecticides fewer than 50 days.
The researchers did not find a significant association between neurological symptoms and other chemicals, including herbicides or fungicides.
About the author: Mike Adams is a consumer health advocate and award-winning journalist with a passion for sharing empowering information to help improve personal and planetary health He has authored more than 1,800 articles and dozens of reports, guides and interviews on natural health topics, and he has authored and published several downloadable personal preparedness courses including a downloadable course focused on safety and self defense. Adams is an honest, independent journalist and accepts no money or commissions on the third-party products he writes about or the companies he promotes. In 2010, Adams launched TV.NaturalNews.com, a natural health video site featuring videos on holistic health and green living. He also launched an online retailer of environmentally-friendly products (BetterLifeGoods.com) and uses a portion of its profits to help fund non-profit endeavors. He's also a veteran of the software technology industry, having founded a personalized mass email software product used to deliver email newsletters to subscribers. Adams volunteers his time to serve as the executive director of the Consumer Wellness Center, a 501(c)3 non-profit organization, and practices nature photography, Capoeira, martial arts and organic gardening. Known by his callsign, the 'Health Ranger,' Adams posts his missions statements, health statistics and health photos at www.HealthRanger.org
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Wednesday, May 11, 2005
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