Pesticide workers face higher risk of lung illness

Workers exposed to pesticides may face a greater risk of respiratory illness, with many cases potentially going undiagnosed, according to new research from the Health and Safety Executive (HSE).

The study, led by Prof David Fishwick at the HSE Science and Research Centre, initially examined the health of 5,807 workers and followed up with 2,578 of them five years later.

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The findings, published in the Occupational Medicine journal, highlight significant associations between pesticide exposure and respiratory symptoms.

The average age of participants was in their mid-50s, with 98% being male. Researchers assessed working practices, exposure levels, and both self-reported and doctor-diagnosed health conditions.

At follow-up, respiratory symptoms were common: 21% reported nasal allergies, 14% regular coughing, and 13% chest tightness.

While work-related chest tightness was reported by only 1.8%, it was notably associated with pesticide exposure.

“Work-related chest tightness, potentially suggestive of asthma or occupational asthma was significantly associated with high pesticide exposure,” said Prof Fishwick.

Stephanie Berkeley from Yellow Wellies safety foundation said: “We are deeply aware of the serious risks associated with working with chemicals in farming.

“The long-term effects of pesticide exposure on farmers’ respiratory health represent yet another significant hazard within an industry that holds the poorest safety record of any occupation in the UK.

“We welcome any research that can help us refine and strengthen our safety messaging, particularly for those farmers who are just beginning their journey into this vital, but high-risk, profession.”

Retired workers

The study also found higher rates of chest tightness among retired workers and suggested that those no longer working with pesticides may have ceased exposure due to developing symptoms.

Although links between pesticide use and respiratory symptoms were reinforced, levels of doctor-diagnosed conditions such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, hypersensitivity pneumonitis and chronic bronchitis remained low.

“This suggests that a significant proportion of the respiratory ill-health within this group may be under diagnosed. If exposure can be reduced, ill-health can be reduced,” the researchers concluded.

Health support

Prof Neil Greenberg, president of the Society of Occupational Medicine, emphasised the importance of specialised health support: “The study illustrates the importance of specialist occupational health practitioners being involved in ongoing health surveillance of farmworkers where appropriate, especially as this type of worker can often slip under the health radar.

“This study reinforces the need for vigilance in monitoring the health of all pesticide workers on an ongoing basis and, where possible, mitigating or managing the risk of exposure,” he added.