Evaluation of thyroid disorders in cotton growers exposed to pesticides in Satiri department

Cotton farmers are exposed to a variety of pesticide formulations, some of which contain active endocrine disrupting substances. The objective of this study was to investigate the link between pesticide exposure and thyroid disorders in cotton growers.

This was a longitudinal prospective study among cotton producers during and after the 2018/2019 cotton season in the Satiri department. Surveys have been conducted on a cohort of 50 producers to collect socio-demographic and professional information on the producers and the pesticides used. A medical examination of the producers followed by blood samples were carried out during and after the cotton season. The thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH), Free tetra- iodo-thyronine (FT4) and Free tri-iodo-thyronine (FT3) biomarkers were measured on the Cobas®6000 automaton. During the cotton campaign, an overall frequency of 12.00% of dysthyroidism, of which 8.00% of hypothyroidism and 4.00% of hyperthyroidism were recorded. After the campaign, 14.00% dysthyroidism was observed, including 8.00% of hypothyroidism and 6.00% of hyperthyroidism. Also, a significant decrease in TSH concentrations; a significant increase in FT4 and a non-significant decrease in FT3 were observed.

This study does not establish a specific link between exposure to pesticides and thyroid disorders due to the complexity and cocktail effect of pesticides. Rational use of these products is essential to avoid health effects linked to endocrine disruption.