Objectives Pesticides are crucial for agricultural development but can be harmful to humans. We conducted a study to investigate the association between pesticide use and liver injury. Methods We recruited participants ≥40 years from a district with two agricultural regions where water caltrops and mangoes are cultivated. A random sample of 200 residents from each region was selected, and prevalence ratios (PR) for abnormal liver tests were compared. Results A total of 331 individuals participated (participation rate: 82.8%), with 151 from the water caltrop region and 180 from the mango region. Most participants were ≥60 years and predominantly females. Pesticide users had a higher risk of abnormal liver tests PR 1.74, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.15–2.62. Stratified analyses showed higher risks among those with a positive HBsAg test (PR 2.50, 95% CI 1.34–4.64) or a positive anti-HCV Ab test (PR 10.61, 95% CI 6.00–18.77). Multivariable analysis identified a positive HBsAg test adjusted PR (PR adj ) 3.21, 95% CI 1.38–7.48, a positive anti-HCV Ab test (PR adj 23.52, 95% CI 11.30–48.96), and upward pesticide spraying (PR adj 3.39, 95% CI 1.52–7.54) as independent risk factors for abnormal liver tests. Conclusions Pesticide use was associated with a higher risk of liver injury, particularly among upward sprayers and those with hepatitis B or C infection. The abnormal liver test cases attributable to upward pesticide spraying in this population might be as large as hepatitis B, supporting the importance of pesticide exposure.
Liu et al. (Wed,) studied this question.