Occupational pesticide exposure and subclinical multi organ health risks among farmers in nigeria
1
Department of Medical Laboratory Science, Kwara State University, malete, malete, Nigeria
2
Chemical pathology unit, Osun State University Teaching Hospital, Oshogbo, Nigeria
3
Department of Environmental Health Science, Kwara State University, malete, Malete, Nigeria
Popul. Med. 2026;8(Supplement Supplement 1):A3754
ABSTRACT
INTRODUCTION:
Agriculture employs approximately 35 percent of nigeria’s workforce, yet smallholder farmers experience chronic occupational exposure to pesticides with limited protective measures. While pesticide toxicity is well described globally, evidence linking exposure to early hepatic and renal dysfunction in nigerian farming populations remains limited. Understanding these subclinical effects is essential for strengthening workforce resilience and protecting long term productivity within rural health systems.
METHODS:
Two comparative cross sectional studies were conducted between december 2022 and june 2023 among 166 participants recruited through farmer cooperatives and community health volunteers in malete and asomu, kwara state. Eligibility required a minimum of 5 years of farming and no prior diagnosis of chronic liver or kidney disease. Sociodemographic data and farming history were collected. Blood samples were analyzed for creatinine, urea, electrolytes, estimated glomerular filtration rate, alanine aminotransferase, aspartate aminotransferase, alkaline phosphatase, albumin, and total protein. Comparative analyses were performed using independent t tests and pearson correlation with statistical significance set at p < 0.05.
RESULTS:
Exposed farmers demonstrated significant elevations in alanine aminotransferase, aspartate aminotransferase, and alkaline phosphatase compared with controls, indicating hepatocellular stress. Serum urea levels were also significantly increased, suggesting early renal involvement. Creatinine, electrolytes, albumin, total protein, and estimated glomerular filtration rate showed no significant differences. Although these abnormalities were largely subclinical, they indicate cumulative organ stress associated with long term pesticide exposure.
CONCLUSIONS:
Occupational pesticide exposure represents an under recognized threat to workforce resilience in nigeria. Integrating laboratory based surveillance into primary healthcare systems, supporting cooperative financing for protective equipment, and strengthening community occupational health education can reduce long term morbidity and protect agricultural productivity.
Agriculture employs approximately 35 percent of nigeria’s workforce, yet smallholder farmers experience chronic occupational exposure to pesticides with limited protective measures. While pesticide toxicity is well described globally, evidence linking exposure to early hepatic and renal dysfunction in nigerian farming populations remains limited. Understanding these subclinical effects is essential for strengthening workforce resilience and protecting long term productivity within rural health systems.
METHODS:
Two comparative cross sectional studies were conducted between december 2022 and june 2023 among 166 participants recruited through farmer cooperatives and community health volunteers in malete and asomu, kwara state. Eligibility required a minimum of 5 years of farming and no prior diagnosis of chronic liver or kidney disease. Sociodemographic data and farming history were collected. Blood samples were analyzed for creatinine, urea, electrolytes, estimated glomerular filtration rate, alanine aminotransferase, aspartate aminotransferase, alkaline phosphatase, albumin, and total protein. Comparative analyses were performed using independent t tests and pearson correlation with statistical significance set at p < 0.05.
RESULTS:
Exposed farmers demonstrated significant elevations in alanine aminotransferase, aspartate aminotransferase, and alkaline phosphatase compared with controls, indicating hepatocellular stress. Serum urea levels were also significantly increased, suggesting early renal involvement. Creatinine, electrolytes, albumin, total protein, and estimated glomerular filtration rate showed no significant differences. Although these abnormalities were largely subclinical, they indicate cumulative organ stress associated with long term pesticide exposure.
CONCLUSIONS:
Occupational pesticide exposure represents an under recognized threat to workforce resilience in nigeria. Integrating laboratory based surveillance into primary healthcare systems, supporting cooperative financing for protective equipment, and strengthening community occupational health education can reduce long term morbidity and protect agricultural productivity.
| eISSN: | 2654-1459 |
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