Exposición a plaguicidas y su relación con enfermedades en la provincia de Loja

Abstract

Abstract: The intensive use of pesticides can cause harmful biological and even genetic effects through direct or indirect exposure in the population, and is associated with an increase in chronic non-communicable diseases (NCDs) such as cancer, neurodegenerative diseases, and metabolic diseases. The purpose of this study was to determine the correlation between pesticide exposure and the prevalence of NCDs in the province of Loja, Ecuador. The study used hospital morbidity databases from the National Institute of Statistics and Census (INEC) and the Potential Pesticides Exposure Index (PPEI). The results confirmed a positive and significant correlation between the pesticide exposure index and the prevalence of neoplasia and nervous system diseases. The highest prevalences of breast and prostate cancer were found in the cantons of Celica and Sozoranga, respectively, cantons where a high risk of pesticide exposure is also observed, as measured by PPEI.