Pesticide Exposure Associated with Headaches in Children

South Africa has the highest application rates of pesticides in Sub-Saharan Africa. Photo credit: Samuel Fuhrimann, Swiss TPH - Children living in agricultural areas are likely to be exposed to a variety of pesticides during their daily lives, which may impair their neurodevelopment. The most vulnerable populations are families and farmworkers in lowand middle-income countries. In a study published in Environment International by Swiss TPH and partners at the University of Cape Town, researchers found that children in South Africa who engage in pesticide-related farm activities often have more headaches and possibly lower cognitive performance. Children and adolescents living in agricultural areas are likely to be exposed to a mixture of pesticides during their daily lives, which may impair their cognitive performance. The most vulnerable populations are the farmworkers and families in lowand middle-income countries. A new study by Swiss TPH and partners published in Environment International found that children in South Africa who engage in pesticide-related farm activities are at a higher risk for developing headaches and having a lower cognitive performance in relation to attention, memory and processing speed.