Pesticide exposure and all health outcomes: An umbrella review of meta-analyses of observational studies.
J Hazard MaterJul 16, 2026 (epub)
Min Seong Kim, Yeongtaek Hwang, Yejun Son et al.
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In 30 seconds
This umbrella review systematically analyzed 53 meta-analyses of observational studies to evaluate the health outcomes associated with pesticide exposure. The review found that 48.1% of the 77 main associations were statistically significant, with notable links to oncological, metabolic, neurological, and respiratory health issues. Specifically, organochlorine pesticides were linked to increased odds of non-Hodgkin lymphoma.
Key findings
- 48.1% of the 77 main associations with pesticide exposure were statistically significant.
- Exposure to organochlorine pesticides was associated with increased odds of non-Hodgkin lymphoma.
- Dichlorodiphenyldichloroethylenes exposure was linked to diabetes mellitus and non-Hodgkin lymphoma.
- Pesticide exposure was associated with childhood lower respiratory infections.
Why it matters
Understanding the health risks associated with pesticide exposure is crucial for clinicians, as it informs prevention strategies and patient education regarding potential environmental hazards that may affect health outcomes.