A recent study published in the Indian Journal of Medical Research is raising concerns about the long-term effects of pesticide exposure on the cognitive and mental health of farmers in West Bengal. The research highlights a potential link between prolonged pesticide use and an increased risk of memory loss and depression among older farmers in the region.
The study, conducted by experts from several Kolkata-based institutions, screened 808 residents aged 50 and above in the Purba Bardhaman district. This district is representative of West Bengal's broader demographic profile, where a significant portion of the population resides in rural areas and depends on agriculture as their primary source of income. Participants had lived in the area for at least five years. The researchers aimed to identify the association between chronic pesticide exposure and common neuropsychiatric disorders.
The findings revealed that over one in five participants (180 individuals) exhibited signs of cognitive problems, depression, or possible movement disorders. Cognitive impairment included difficulties with memory, reasoning, attention, and overall thinking ability. Notably, 12.5% of the participants showed only cognitive impairment, a figure exceeding the prevalence reported in many urban elderly studies from southern and northern India. This suggests that rural populations may be equally, if not more, vulnerable to cognitive decline. The study also identified that pesticide exposure is a risk factor for the development of neurological disorders.
The study indicated that those handling pesticides experienced significant consequences. Factors such as male gender, more years of pesticide exposure (over 30 years), and more frequent use of pesticides (at least once a week) were significant risks. Agricultural workers who were exclusively engaged in agriculture had the lowest cognition scores and a higher risk of depression.
Furthermore, the study explored potential physiological markers. It found that Paraoxonase 1 (PON1) expression was significantly increased among workers engaged in agricultural activity for more than 8 hours a day and those who applied pesticides at least once a week. PON1 is likely to predict higher levels of pesticide use.
These findings align with a growing body of research that links pesticide exposure to adverse effects on the central nervous system and mental health. Studies have associated chronic exposure to even low levels of pesticides with various neurological diseases, including Alzheimer's, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), and Parkinson's disease. Pesticide exposure has been shown to increase the risk of depression among farmers. Acute exposure to chemicals found in pesticides has been linked to a greater risk of suicide in farmers compared to the general population.
The researchers emphasize that their findings are a "wake-up call" for rural India, where chemical-heavy farming practices are common with minimal safety measures. They caution that the hidden burden of neurological and mental health disorders could rapidly escalate without urgent preventive action. They advocate for further research and the implementation of stricter safety protocols to protect the health and well-being of farmers who are exposed to pesticides.
