Pesticide use in agri production linked to chronic kidney diseases, finds RMLIMS study

Lucknow: Doctors at Ram Manohar Lohia Institute of Medical Sciences (RMLIMS) have made an important discovery which shows that pesticides, commonly used in farming, may lead to serious kidney ailments.A study titled ‘Chronic Kidney Disease from Agricultural Communities — Association and Accumulation of Hexachlorobenzene, Malathion, and Parathion Pesticides', led by Prof Namrata Rao from the hospital's nephrology department, was published in a science journal in July.The study received special recognition from the hospital's director, Prof CM Singh, who termed it the best research paper.The research focused on 100 patients suffering from chronic kidney disease (CKD), most of whom were farmers from rural areas of Uttar Pradesh. Most CKD cases came from Lucknow, Barabanki, Gonda, Ambedkarnagar, and Azamgarh.The doctors measured pesticide levels in blood and urine of these patients and compared them with healthy individuals from the same communities. The findings showed that CKD patients had significantly higher levels of harmful pesticides, particularly malathion and parathion."When kidneys don't work properly, they struggle to remove these chemicals from the body, leading to their accumulation and worsening kidney damage," Prof Namrata Rao explained.The study focused on 150 different pesticides commonly used in farming. Doctors found high levels of dangerous chemicals like hexachlorobenzene, malathion, and parathion in CKD patients.These chemicals are frequently used to protect crops from pests, but when not handled carefully, they can be hazardous to human health. Farmers who mix, spray, or store these chemicals without proper protective gear are at greater risk of exposure.Prof Rao stressed the importance of using gloves, masks, and other safety gear when working with pesticides to avoid inhaling or absorbing toxic chemicals through the skin.The study revealed that CKD patients had nearly double the levels of malathion in their bodies as compared to healthy individuals. Similarly, they had significantly higher amounts of parathion and hexachlorobenzene in their blood and urine. The inability of their kidneys to properly filter out these toxins led to their accumulation, worsening the patients' health.Prof Rao emphasized that this discovery underlines the urgent need for increased awareness about the risks of pesticide use in farming. Farmers must be more cautious and use personal protective equipment (PPE) when handling these chemicals. The study also calls for better regulations and safer farming practices to prevent further health risks.Prof Abhilash Chandra, who was a part of the research, highlighted the dangers of pesticide exposure, especially for those in farming communities, and showed how this exposure can lead to serious conditions like kidney disease. "This important discovery emphasizes the need to take care when using chemicals that could harm our health," he added.Get the latest lifestyle updates on Times of India, along with Valentine's day wishes, messages and gift idea !