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Environmental Pyrethroid Exposure and Cognitive Dysfunction in U.S. Older Adults: The NHANES 2001-2002
Ui-Jin Kim1, Myeongjin Hong2, Yoon-Hyeong Choi2,3
1Department of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, Gachon University Gil Medical Center, Incheon 21565, Korea.
International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health
|November 27, 2021
Summary
Exposure to pyrethroids, common in pesticides, is linked to cognitive decline in older adults. Higher levels of 3-phenoxybenzoic acid (3-PBA), a pyrethroid metabolite, correlated with poorer performance on cognitive tests.
Area of Science:
- Environmental Health
- Neuroscience
- Gerontology
Background:
- Pyrethroid compounds are prevalent in household insecticides and agricultural pesticides.
- Emerging research indicates pyrethroid exposure may negatively impact neurobehavioral function in animals and neurocognitive development in children.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the association between pyrethroid exposure and cognitive dysfunction in an elderly general population.
- To utilize urinary 3-phenoxybenzoic acid (3-PBA) as a biomarker for pyrethroid exposure.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of data from 336 adults aged 60-84 from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (2001-2002).
- Measurement of urinary 3-PBA concentrations as a marker of pyrethroid exposure.
- Assessment of cognitive function using the digit-symbol coding test.
Main Results:
- Higher concentrations of urinary 3-PBA (above the median of 0.30 μg/g creatinine) were significantly associated with lower cognitive function scores.
- This association remained significant after adjusting for sociodemographic factors, physical activity, smoking history, BMI, hypertension, and diabetes.
Conclusions:
- Pyrethroid exposure is associated with cognitive dysfunction in older adults.
- These findings highlight a potential environmental risk factor for cognitive decline in aging populations.
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