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HERO ID
3013977
Reference Type
Journal Article
Subtype
Review
Title
Pyrethroids: exposure and health effects--an update
Author(s)
Saillenfait, AM; Ndiaye, D; Sabaté, JP
Year
2015
Is Peer Reviewed?
Yes
Journal
International Journal of Hygiene and Environmental Health
ISSN:
1438-4639
EISSN:
1618-131X
Volume
218
Issue
3
Page Numbers
281-292
Language
English
PMID
25648288
DOI
10.1016/j.ijheh.2015.01.002
Web of Science Id
WOS:000353097400001
Abstract
Synthetic pyrethroids are present in numerous commercial insecticide formulations and have extensive indoor and outdoor applications worldwide, including agricultural, public, residential, and veterinary usages for pest control. Pyrethroid use has increased continuously in recent years. The aim of this review is to provide updated and comprehensive information on human exposure and potential hazards associated with this class of pesticides. An initial keyword search in the PubMed database was conducted to identify relevant articles. Were taken into considerations only the studies published in the last decade that have assessed exposure and health effects of pyrethroids in human populations. Literature review shows that exposure evaluations increasingly focus on biomonitoring and that a large number of recent epidemiological studies pertain to the effects of pyrethroids on male fertility and prenatal development. The main metabolites of pyrethroids have frequently been detected in urine samples from the general population, confirming widespread exposure of children and adults to one or more pyrethroids. Non-occupational exposure to pyrethroids mainly occurs through ingestion of residues in food, or ingestion of or dermal contact with contaminated house dust or surface-adhering particles, following domestic use. Although clinical features resulting from acute accidental exposure to pyrethroids are well described (e.g., paraesthesiae, and respiratory, eye and skin irritation), information regarding their chronic effects at low concentrations is both limited and controversial. Several recent epidemiological studies have raised concerns about potentially adverse effects on sperm quality and sperm DNA, reproductive hormones, and pregnancy outcomes. Early neurobehavioural development after in utero exposure is discussed. Further research is needed to clarify the possible risks associated with long-term environmental exposure to pyrethroids.
Keywords
Pyrethroids; Insecticides; Human biomonitoring; Health; Male reproduction; Pregnancy
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