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Elements to increase translation in pyrethroid epidemiology research: A review
Carol J Burns1, Judy S LaKind2
1Burns Epidemiology Consulting, LLC, Sanford, MI 48657, USA.
The Science of the Total Environment
|December 26, 2021
Summary
This review of pyrethroid insecticide studies (2016-2021) found only 24% met criteria for risk assessment. Many studies lacked evidence that pyrethroid exposure preceded health outcomes or used robust exposure/outcome methods.
Area of Science:
- Environmental Health
- Epidemiology
- Toxicology
Background:
- Pyrethroid insecticides are widely used, prompting extensive epidemiological research over two decades.
- Evaluating the quality of this research is crucial for accurate risk assessment and public health decision-making.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess the methodological quality of pyrethroid epidemiology studies published between 2016 and 2021.
- To identify strengths and weaknesses in study designs, exposure characterization, and outcome ascertainment for translational use in risk assessment.
- To suggest future research directions for improved chemical safety evaluations.
Main Methods:
- A systematic literature search identified 74 pyrethroid epidemiology studies published from 2016 to 2021.
- Studies were evaluated based on three key methodological elements: exposure preceding outcome, reliable exposure characterization, and robust outcome ascertainment.
- Each element was categorized as 'Acceptable' or 'Supplemental'; studies with three 'Acceptable' elements were deemed 'Relevant' for risk assessment.
Main Results:
- Only 18 (24%) of the 74 studies were considered 'Relevant' for risk assessment.
- Key methodological limitations included insufficient evidence for exposure preceding outcomes (44 studies) and inadequate methods for exposure assessment and outcome ascertainment.
- Among relevant studies, 24 had confirmed exposure, 64 had confirmed outcomes, and 44 established exposure preceding outcomes. Three were birth cohort studies, and 15 focused on adults.
Conclusions:
- The majority of reviewed pyrethroid epidemiology studies exhibit methodological limitations hindering their direct use in risk assessment.
- There is a significant need for improved study designs incorporating translational approaches to better understand chemical exposure-outcome associations.
- Future research should prioritize robust exposure assessment and outcome ascertainment to enhance the utility of findings for regulatory and public health decisions.
