The Toxicity of Mancozeb Used in Viticulture in Southern Brazil: A Cross-Sectional Study

TL;DR

This study shows that vineyard workers in Southern Brazil exposed to Mancozeb have higher oxidative stress and DNA damage, suggesting health risks from the fungicide.

Contribution

The study proposes a specific biological exposure limit for ETU, a Mancozeb metabolite, based on ROC curve analysis.

Findings

Mancozeb-exposed workers had significantly higher oxidative stress markers and DNA damage compared to controls.

Urinary ETU levels were elevated, with 69.3 ng/mL identified as a discriminative exposure threshold.

The study highlights the need for regulatory limits and preventive strategies for Mancozeb exposure.

Abstract

Background: Viticulture in Southern Brazil heavily relies on fungicides, such as Mancozeb, to manage fungal diseases. Increasing concern has emerged regarding the chronic health effects of Mancozeb exposure among vineyard workers, particularly its potential to induce oxidative stress and genotoxicity. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted between July and November 2023 involving 94 participants: 50 vineyard workers occupationally exposed to Mancozeb and 44 organic farmers with no history of pesticide exposure, who served as the control group. Eligible participants were aged 18 years or older, and exposed individuals had at least 5 years of documented Mancozeb use. Data on demographics, health status, occupational history, and use of personal protective equipment (PPE) were collected through structured interviews. Blood and urine samples were analyzed to determine hematological and biochemical parameters, oxidative stress biomarkers, genotoxicity (via comet assay and micronucleus test), and urinary ethylene thiourea (ETU), the primary metabolite of Mancozeb. Results: Workers exposed to Mancozeb exhibited significantly elevated levels of oxidative stress markers (p < 0.001) and DNA damage in both genotoxicity assays (p < 0.001). Urinary ETU concentrations were also markedly elevated, and a threshold of 69.3 ng/mL was identified as a discriminative marker of exposure. Conclusions: This study offers a novel contribution by proposing a specific biological exposure limit for ETU concentrations, derived from ROC curve analysis, representing a significant advancement in occupational health. The findings underscore the urgent need for regulatory biological exposure limits and the implementation of effective preventive strategies.

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