Pesticide Exposure and the Risk of Asthma Among Agricultural Workers: A Literature Review

Abstract

Farmers are potentially at increased risk of respiratory disorders, including asthma, due to chronic exposure to pesticides. Many pesticide formulations contain chemical compounds with irritant or neurotoxic properties that may induce airway inflammation and bronchial hyperresponsiveness. This risk may be further amplified by inadequate use of personal protective equipment (PPE) and poor ventilation during pesticide application. This review aims to examine the association between pesticide exposure and the incidence of asthma among farmers based on recent scientific evidence. A literature review was conducted using articles published between 2020 and 2025 retrieved from PubMed, ScienceDirect, and Springer databases. The search strategy employed the keywords “pesticide exposure” OR “pesticide poisoning” AND “asthma” AND “farmer.” Eligible studies were selected through a screening process based on relevance, study quality, and publication credibility. The reviewed literature consistently indicates an association between pesticide exposure and an increased risk of asthma among farmers. Several studies report that exposure to specific classes of pesticides is linked to airway inflammation, impaired lung function, and exacerbation of asthma symptoms, particularly with prolonged or high-intensity exposure.Current evidence suggests that pesticide exposure is associated with a higher incidence of asthma among farmers. These findings underscore the importance of strengthening occupational health interventions, including improved risk communication, proper use of PPE, and strategies to minimize pesticide exposure, particularly among vulnerable agricultural populations.