Link between Chronic Pesticides Exposure and Reproductive Problems in Male Farmers

Abstract

The demand for potent and new pesticides increases day by day because of pest resistant and more food production. The objective of this study was to find out the effects of chronic pesticides exposure on the reproductive health of poor and reckless farmers.A 5 mL blood was drawn from 80 men (40 farmers, 40 controls) and was analyze for serum total testosterone using Biocheck (USA) kit. A detail questionnaire was designed about socio-demographic, occupational activities and clinical characteristics.In farmer group the Mean±SEM of total serum testosterone was 546±10 ng/dl and in control was 664±17 ng/dl. Total serum testosterone was significantly lowered (P< 0.0001) in farmers at 95% confidence interval as compared to control group. Reproductive health problems like infertility, erectile dysfunction, ejaculatory problems, decreased libido, absent morning and nocturnal erection and general health problems like asthma, rheumatoid arthritis, hypertension, Parkinson and diabetes mellitus were more common in farmers.

Pesticides negatively affect the physiology of endocrine system. It reduces the serum total testosterone concentration in farmers significantly.This low testosterone produces negative effects on the reproductive as well as general health.