New U of A study links pesticide exposure to increased stillbirth risk

A new study led by researchers at the University of Arizona’s Mel and Enid Zuckerman College of Public Health and Southwest Environmental Health Sciences Center has found a concerning link between pesticide exposure and stillbirth risk.

The research, published in the American Journal of Epidemiology, suggests that living within approximately one-third of a mile from areas where certain pesticides are used during early pregnancy or just before conception could increase the risk of stillbirths.

Key findings

The study analyzed Arizona pesticide use records and birth certificate data from 2006 to 2020, covering over 1.2 million births and 2,290 stillbirths. Researchers found that exposure to specific pesticides within 500 meters (.31 miles) during the 90 days before conception or the first trimester of pregnancy was associated with an increased risk of stillbirth.

Dr. Melissa Furlong, the study’s lead author, emphasized the importance of considering individual pesticides rather than broad pesticide classes. She stated, “These findings underscore the importance of considering individual pesticides rather than just the overall pesticide class, as specific chemical compounds may pose unique risks.”

Specific pesticides of concern

The study identified several pesticides associated with increased stillbirth risk:

• Pre-conception: cyfluthrin, zeta-cypermethrin, organophosphates (as a class), malathion, carbaryl, and propamocarb hydrochloride
• First trimester: fenpropathrin, permethrin, organophosphates (as a class), acephate, and formetanate hydrochloride

Dr. Paloma Beamer, a co-author of the study, noted that “Among organophosphates, acephate showed the strongest effect estimates on stillbirth, so that exposure to acephate in the first trimester was associated with a doubling of risk.”

Implications and future research

The researchers stress the need for further investigation to fully understand the safety profiles of various pesticides and the mechanisms behind pesticide-induced stillbirth. Dr. Furlong concluded, “This study underscores the need to develop strategies for mitigating exposure to protect maternal and fetal health.”

This research highlights the potential risks of pesticide exposure during pregnancy and emphasizes the importance of considering environmental factors in maternal and fetal health.