Pesticide Exposure: What I’ve Observed in My Practice

This has been one of the worst summers I have experienced with my patients. My colleagues across the U.S. have reported concerns with their patients as well.

During this particular summer, I saw a number of patients experiencing significant health concerns, including gastrointestinal symptoms and other issues. Pesticide exposure was one of the environmental factors I considered when reviewing some of these patients’ histories.

Some of the pesticides and environmental exposures I have considered in my practice include:

• Glyphosate-based herbicides, including 2,4-D Roundup products

• Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt)

• Dicamba

• Paraquat

• Diquat

  
  

Over the years, lawsuits have been filed involving Roundup and allegations about potential health effects associated with glyphosate exposure.

I believe consumers should be more aware of the products being used around their homes and understand what they are being exposed to. Just because a product is readily available does not mean that we shouldn't educate ourselves about its ingredients, directions for use, and potential risks.

The same consideration applies to products we use on our pets. I personally choose to limit my own dog's exposure to certain pesticide-based flea and tick products when possible. I check my dog regularly for fleas and ticks and consider other approaches to reducing his exposure.

What Is Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt)?

Bacillus thuringiensis, commonly known as Bt, is a naturally occurring bacterium that has been used in agriculture and mosquito-control programs because certain strains produce substances that are toxic to particular insects.

In my practice, I have also evaluated patients for a variety of environmental exposures. During one period of my practice, I observed positive test findings for Bt among several patients I was working with, which led me to explore the subject further.

These observations made me increasingly interested in the potential relationship between environmental exposures and overall health.

At the same time, observations from individual patients do not establish that Bt caused their symptoms or health conditions. The significance of any test result also depends on what was tested, how the testing was performed, and how the results were interpreted.

Pesticides in Our Environment

My concern about pesticides extends beyond what we intentionally use in our own yards.

Pesticides and other pest-control products may be used in agriculture, landscaping, mosquito-control programs, and other environments we encounter regularly.

Some agricultural practices also use Bt-based products for pest control, including some forms of organic agriculture. Bt proteins are also used in certain genetically engineered crops to protect the plants from specific insects.

These different applications are not necessarily equivalent, which is why I believe it is important to understand the particular product and type of exposure being discussed.

I have also become concerned over the years about the effects pesticides can have beyond their intended targets. Pollinators such as honey bees are essential to our agricultural system, and pesticide exposure is one of several environmental factors researchers consider when studying pollinator health.

What I’ve Learned From My Patients

Over the years, I have become increasingly interested in the different sources of chemical and pesticide exposure we may encounter in everyday environments.

My experiences with patients have made me more aware of what is being used in our homes, yards, food-production systems, communities, and other environments.

I believe consumers should ask questions and learn about the products they choose to use.

For patients who are experiencing unexplained symptoms and believe they may have had significant pesticide or chemical exposure, I believe that exposure history can be an important part of the overall health conversation.

Most importantly, suspected pesticide poisoning or significant exposure should be evaluated by an appropriately qualified healthcare professional.

Medical Note: This article describes Dr. Hinkle’s historical clinical observations and concerns regarding environmental exposures. Individual patient experiences and test findings do not establish that a particular pesticide or environmental exposure caused a medical condition. This information is educational and should not be interpreted as a diagnosis or treatment recommendation.