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An Ecologic Analysis of Congenital Anomalies and Agricultural Chemicals in Colorado, 1989-1991
Published by the American Society of Agricultural and Biological Engineers, St. Joseph, Michigan www.asabe.org
Citation: Journal of Agricultural Safety and Health. 2(4): 197-206. (doi: 10.13031/2013.19449) @1996
Authors: D. L. Merchant, Lorann Stallones, S. M. Keefer, R. S. Rickard
Keywords: Birth defects, Pesticides, Farming activities
Objectives The purpose of this article is to describe the distribution of congenital
anomalies in relation to pesticide application, crop type, and farming methods in
Colorado.
Methods Birth defects data, assigned to the county of residence of the mother,
were obtained from Colorados Registry for Children with Special Needs for the years
19891991. Counties were grouped by crop reporting districts; these crop reporting
districts were classified as high, medium or low based on total acres of each
agricultural activity as a ratio of the total acres in the district. Rates were calculated for
high, medium, and low districts for 10 different farming practices.
Results Rate ratios for Down syndrome and other chromosomal anomalies were
elevated in areas high in herbicide application (3.02, 2.04), irrigated pastureland (2.83,
2.59), and fungicide application (2.39, 2.02). Rate ratios for patent ductus arteriosus
were elevated in areas with irrigated pastureland (1.26) and irrigated cropland (1.22).
Conclusions Districts in Colorado high in application of herbicides and
fungicides, and areas using irrigation methods have elevated rates of certain birth
defects, including chromosomal defects and heart anomalies. A more detailed
evaluation of these relationships are needed.
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