Document Type
Journal Article
Publication Date
7-6-2016
Journal
Environmental Health Perspectives
DOI
10.1289/EHP515
Abstract
BACKGROUND: Numerous studies have identified detectable levels of neonicotinoids (neonics) in the environment, adverse effects of neonics in many species including mammals, and pathways through which human exposure to neonics could occur, yet little is known about the human health effects of neonic exposure.
OBJECTIVE: This systematic review sought to identify human population studies on the health effects of neonics.
METHODS: Studies published in English between 2005 and 2015 were searched using PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science databases. No restrictions were placed on the type of health outcome assessed. Risk of bias was assessed using guidance developed by the National Toxicology Program's Office of Health Assessment and Translation.
RESULTS: Eight studies investigating the human health effects of exposure to neonics were identified. Four examined acute exposure: three neonic poisoning studies reported two fatalities (n=1280 cases) and an occupational exposure study of 19 forestry workers reported no adverse effects. Four general population studies reported associations between chronic neonic exposure and adverse developmental or neurological outcomes, including tetralogy of Fallot (AOR 2.4, 95% CI: 1.1-5.4), anencephaly (AOR 2.9, 95% CI: 1.0-8.2), autism spectrum disorder (AOR 1.3, 95% CrI: 0.78-2.2), and a symptom cluster including memory loss and finger tremor (OR 14, 95% CI: 3.5-57). Reported odds ratios were based on exposed compared to unexposed groups.
CONCLUSIONS: The studies conducted to date were limited in number with suggestive but methodologically weak findings related to chronic exposure. Given the wide-scale use of neonics, more needs to be known about their human health effects.
Creative Commons License
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APA Citation
Cimino, A., Boyles, A., Thayer, K., & Perry, M. J. (2016). Effects of Neonicotinoid Pesticide Exposure on Human Health: A Systematic Review.. Environmental Health Perspectives, (). http://dx.doi.org/10.1289/EHP515
Peer Reviewed
1
Open Access
1
Included in
Environmental Public Health Commons, Occupational Health and Industrial Hygiene Commons, Pharmacology, Toxicology and Environmental Health Commons
Comments
EHP is a U.S. Government publication and its content lies in the public domain. Reproduced with permission of Environmental Health Perspectives.