Grant: Operating Grant - Secondary Analysis of Databases

Pesticides are widely used, mainly to combat pest infestation in agriculture and homes. Pesticide residues are commonly detected on certain foods, particularly fruits and vegetables. Toxic effects are well-documented for highly exposed groups of the population, particularly on the nervous system. Children vulnerable to the neurotoxic effects of pesticides because of their developing brain, greater dose of exposure, and incompletely developed capacity to detoxify pesticides present in the body. Studies suggest that pesticides can have adverse effects on children's brain development. For instance, studies conducted in groups with high levels of exposure, such as agricultural communities, reported cognitive deficits and behavioral problems. Yet, few studies have examined risks of pesticide exposure for children from the general population, as opposed to highly exposed groups. The present study will examine whether exposure to pesticides is associated with behavioral problems in Canadian children. We will use the data collected in 2007-09 among 1717 children aged 6 to 17 years participating into the Canadian Health Measures Survey. For each child participating into the survey, the parent answered a questionnaire about their child's behavioral problems. In addition, the concentration of pesticide residues was measured in a sample of children's urine. This measure is an indicator of the level of exposure experienced by the child, and will be used to examine whether children more exposed present more behavioral problems. We will also consider the potential role of other factor known to be associated with behavioral problems in children, such as age, sex, and socioeconomic status. This survey is representative of the general population living in Canada, and therefore the findings are generalizable. The results will be applicable to guide further investigation on pesticide neurotoxicity, as well to carry out risk assessment for regulating pesticides.