A systematic review of pesticide exposure, associated risks, and long-term human health impacts

Abstract

Pesticides are widely used to control pests, but their widespread use raises concerns regarding potential health risks for humans. There are several routes through which pesticides can be ingested, inhaled, and absorbed, resulting in acute and long-term health consequences. This systematic review synthesizes the available evidence regarding the health risks and long-term effects of pesticide exposure, with a particular focus on epidemiological and toxicological studies. A systematic review was conducted by searching scientific databases i.e. Scopus, and Web of Science for peer-reviewed articles published between 2000 and 2024. Studies were selected based on their focus on pesticide exposure, health risks, and long-term effects. Meta-analysis was conducted where sufficient homogeneity of outcomes allowed. This review identified consistent associations between chronic pesticide exposure and non-communicable diseases, including cancer, neurological disorders, and endocrine disruptions. An increased incidence of respiratory issues and neurodegenerative diseases was often associated with occupational exposure to pesticides. People exposed for a prolonged or high intensity time period, particularly agricultural workers, were more likely to experience long-term health effects. There are a number of factors that influences the ability to draw definitive conclusions, including variations in pesticide types, exposure levels, and health outcomes. Chronic exposure to pesticides presents significant health risks, particularly for individuals in high-exposure environments like agriculture. While evidence indicates strong associations with several long-term health conditions, additional research is necessary to elucidate dose-response relationships and mechanisms of action. This review underscores the necessity for enhanced regulatory measures and improved safety protocols to mitigate pesticide-related health risks.

Keywords: Health risks; Long-term effects; Pesticide; Pesticide regulation; Safety protocols.

Graphical abstract

Fig. 1

Systematic methodology of the current study.

Fig. 2

Pesticide based on Application.

Fig. 3

Pesticide based on Chemical Composition.

Fig. 4

Diagrammatical Representation of Transmission of Pesticide Residue.

Fig. 5

Mechanism of pesticide toxicity on the nervous system , , .

Fig. 6

Mechanism of pesticide’s toxicity on reproductive health (Sampaio et al., 2020) (Wu et al., 2023) .

Fig. 7

Mechanism of pesticides toxicity causing Diabetes , .