Organophosphate Pesticides Exposure Linked to Suicidal Thoughts
January 23rd, 2010 Posted in Green Living & News
Recent studies have suggested that relatively high exposure to organophosphate pesticides is directly correlated with an increase in the prevalence of suicidal thoughts. Organophosphate pesticides are incredibly toxic and have been banned by many Western countries; but use is still widespread in developing and Third World countries. For instance, the most commonly used pesticides in China are organophosphates.
It has been well known that intense over-exposure to organophosphate compounds is lethal, as these have been used as the foundations for many potent nerve agents over the years; but recent research from King’s College London is suggesting that chronic, low-grade exposure to organophosphates (which can be easily absorbed through the skin and lungs) has directly attributable negative impacts on mental health.
Dr. Robert Stewart, of King’s College, led the research effort by conducting a study in central/coastal rural China (Zhejiang Province) in areas that are relatively wealthy and expanding. In a mental health survey of 9,811 members of the community, participants were asked how they stored pesticides and if they had considered suicide within the last two years. The results indicated that those who stored dangerous pesticides in the household (those with relatively higher exposure) were more likely to report the occurrence of recent suicidal thoughts. As a sub-point, the survey indicated that the ease of accessibility to these dangerous organophosphates was also associated with increases in suicidal thoughts. As a group, the geographic areas that reported higher levels of home storage reported higher levels of suicidal thoughts and tendencies.
A separate study that took place in Sri Lanka also indicated that higher levels of suicide are associated with ease of accessibility to dangerous pesticides. In this case, restricting the flow of pesticides into the community had a direct and virtually immediate negative impact on Sri Lankan suicide rates.
Given the relatively high rate of organophosphate use in rural China and the high suicide rate in the same areas, the causal links between the exposure to these pesticides and the resulting mental health disorders should be something of major importance to public health policymakers.
Dr Robert Stewart said:
“Organophosphate pesticides are widely used around the world although are banned in many countries because of their risk to health. They are particularly lethal chemicals when taken in overdose and are a cause of many suicides worldwide. Our research findings that suggest that higher exposure to these chemicals might actually increase the risk of suicidal thoughts provides further support for calls for tighter international restrictions on agricultural pesticide availability and use.”
