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A study conducted in Hawaii revealed that exposure to high levels of occupational pesticides can increase the risk of having heart diseases.
People may be exposed to occupational pesticides when their work requires the preparation and application of such chemicals or when they have to enter a place where pesticides are applied. Agricultural, factory, and industrial workers are usually the ones exposed to these harmful chemicals.
Researchers from the University of Hawaii found that these workers had about a 45% higher chance of developing heart diseases or stroke. According to the lead researcher, pesticides usually remain in the body for several years because they have a long half-life. Thus, the negative effects of pesticide exposure may still appear even after 10 to 20 years. In fact, the researchers found that the greatest effects manifested within 10 years of being exposed to the chemicals.
To come up with their findings, the researchers analyzed data gathered from 7,557 Japanese-American men born between 1900 and 1919 and lived in Oahu [oh-AH-hoo], Hawaii. The Occupational Safety Health Administration exposure scale was used to measure the amount of pesticide these workers encountered during work hours. The researchers also took into account the workers’ occupation, age, and years of work experience. They were able to monitor and collect the subjects’ medical and employment records for up to 34 years.
In line with these findings, the lead researcher said that workers should prioritize their safety by always wearing appropriate gear and clothing. It is also crucial for workers to keep medical records of any possible pesticide exposures they may have encountered at work.