Pesticide Exposure- Depression and Suicidal Thinking

Exposure to pesticides from agricultural or home applications can cause a wide range of health problems.  Earlier studies have linked pesticide exposure to many forms of cancer, birth defects, neurological problems, asthma, headaches, sleep apnea, chronic fatigue, multiple chemical sensitivity, and reproductive and sexual problems in men and women.  Exposure to pesticides may also cause psychological problems such as depression.  Pesticides of the organophosphate and carbamate class usually cause the most significant health problems.

A recent study of 9,811 rural Chinese adults reported that suicidal thinking was 2.1 more common in persons exposed to household pesticides than those not exposed to pesticides.  Results were statistically significant and were adjusted for such factors as income, marital status, age, gender, education and physical health.  Most of the pesticides used by these rural Chinese were of the organophosphate class such as methamidophos (also known as Monitor, Swipe and Tam). The pesticide exposed subjects also had significantly higher rates of depression and other mental problems. This research is published in the October 2009 Bulletin of the World Health Organization.

Indoor spraying of pesticides should be avoided if at all possible.  Insects can often be treated by less toxic measures including indoor cleanliness, use of pesticide traps instead of sprays and use of less toxic pesticides like boric acid.  While harmful amounts of pesticides can be absorbed through the digestive track from food and water, the majority of people get their biggest pesticide exposure through the skin or the lungs from indoor or outdoor exposures.  Many pesticides can readily enter the body through the skin or lungs.  Reducing exposure to pesticides sprayed indoors and outdoors is critical for maintaining good health.