Exposure to pesticides and renal function in agricultural workers in Rafsanjan, Iran: a case-control study

Spraying farmer are at increased risk of exposure to pesticides, which may negatively affect kidney function. Despite worldwide concern, there is limited research on occupational pesticide exposure in spraying farmer on the kidney impacts in Rafsanjan, Iran. This study aimed to investigate the association between occupational pesticide exposure and kidney function among agricultural workers in Rafsanjan, focusing on serum creatinine (Cr), blood urea nitrogen (BUN), sodium (Na), potassium (K), and glomerular filtration rate (GFR).

A 10-month case-control study was conducted in 2023, in which 150 participants were divided into three groups: 50 pesticide spraying farmers, 50 residents near pistachio orchards, and 50 urban controls who were not exposed to pesticides. Data collection included demographic information, medical history, and laboratory measurements of kidney function indicators. Pesticide exposure was determined by Intensity of exposure to pesticides, monthly pesticide exposure index and cumulative exposure index. Statistical analyses included MANOVA to adjust for age and assess group differences, and correlation analysis to examine relationships between exposure and kidney function index.

Serum Cr levels were significantly higher and GFR significantly lower in both sprayer farmers and residents near pistachio orchards compared to controls, indicating impaired kidney function in the direct and indirect exposure groups. BUN, Na, and K levels were increased in the at-risk groups, although these increases were not significant. Among sprayers, use of personal protective equipment was associated with lower BUN levels. Positive correlations were observed between cumulative exposure index and spraying years with BUN and negative correlations with GFR, indicating cumulative kidney impairment.

Occupational and environmental exposure to pesticides is associated with impaired kidney function among agricultural workers and residents near pistachio orchards in Rafsanjan. Use of PPE among spraying farmers was associated with reduced BUN-but not Cr or GFR-suggesting that any potential protective effect of PPE for the kidney may be limited and influenced by the sensitivity of BUN to non-renal factors.