Epidemiologic studies of occupational pesticide exposure and cancer: regulatory risk assessments and biologic plausibility.
Epidemiologic studies frequently show associations between self-reported use of specific pesticides and human cancers. These findings have engendered debate largely on methodologic grounds. However, biologic plausibility is a more fundamental issue that has received only superficial attention. The purpose of this commentary is to review briefly the toxicology and exposure data that are developed as part of the pesticide regulatory process and to discuss the applicability of this data to epidemiologic research. The authors also provide a generic example of how worker pesticide exposures might be estimated and compared to relevant toxicologic dose levels. This example provides guidance for better characterization of exposure and for consideration of biologic plausibility in epidemiologic studies of pesticides.
Acquavella
John
J
Monsanto Company/F3WB, 800 North Lindbergh Boulevard, St. Louis, MO 63167, USA. john.f.aquavella@monsanto.com
Doe
John
J
Tomenson
John
J
Chester
Graham
G
Cowell
John
J
Bloemen
Louis
L
D000382:Agricultural Workers' Diseases / Q000453:epidemiology*; D000818:Animals; D015197:Carcinogenicity Tests; D004812:Epidemiologic Methods; D006801:Humans; D007880:Legislation, Drug; D009369:Neoplasms / Q000453:epidemiology*; D019055:No-Observed-Adverse-Effect Level; D016273:Occupational Exposure / Q000009:adverse effects*; D010575:Pesticides / Q000009:adverse effects*; D018570:Risk Assessment; D014481:United States / Q000453:epidemiology
D010575:Pesticides