Evidence on Human Exposure to Pesticides and the Occurrence of Health Hazards in the Brazilian Population: A Systematic Review.

Brazil is among the biggest pesticide consumers in the world, with its population severely exposed to tons of such substances, both because of environmental contamination and occupational use. The health consequences of pesticide exposure are well-documented, but still sparse regarding Brazilian population. This study systematically reviewed the Brazilian studies published that address the relationship between exposure to pesticides and health problems in the Brazilian population. Also, information about pesticide use in Brazil is provided. The included studies showed that exposure to pesticides has a relevant impact on the health of the Brazilian population, regardless of age and gender, and on workers in rural areas or not. Most poisoning events seem to result from the continuous use of pesticides, whether occupationally or environmentally, characterizing a public health problem. The major consequences reported in literature were damage to the central nervous system, cancer, deleterious effects on rural workers' health, intoxications, malformations, and endocrine changes. These findings point out the need to understand the impact of chronic exposure to pesticides on severely exposed people and highlight the importance of creating public policies to protect them and avoid disease occurrence.

Critical review of cancer mortality using hospital records and potential years of life lost.

Objective To determine and discuss cancer mortality rates in southern Brazil between 1988 and 2012. Methods This was a critical review of literature based on analysis of data concerning incidence and mortality of prostate cancer, breast cancer, bronchial and lung cancer, and uterine and ovarian cancer. Data were collected from the online database of the Brazil Instituto Nacional de Câncer José Alencar Gomes da Silva. Results The southern Brazil is the leading region of cancer incidence and mortality. Data on the cancer profile of this population are scarce especially in the States of Santa Catarina and Paraná. We observed inconsistency between data from hospital registers and death recorded. Conclusion Both cancer incidence and the mortality are high in Brazil. In addition, Brazil has great numbers of registers and deaths for cancer compared to worldwide rates. Regional risk factors might explain the high cancer rates.

Critical review of cancer mortality using hospital records and potential years of life lost / Revisão crítica da mortalidade por câncer usando registros hospitalares e anos potenciais de vida perdidos

ABSTRACT Objective To determine and discuss cancer mortality rates in southern Brazil between 1988 and 2012. Methods This was a critical review of literature based on analysis of data concerning incidence and mortality of prostate cancer, breast cancer, bronchial and lung cancer, and uterine and ovarian cancer. Data were collected from the online database of the Brazil Instituto Nacional de Câncer José Alencar Gomes da Silva. Results The southern Brazil is the leading region of cancer incidence and mortality. Data on the cancer profile of this population are scarce especially in the States of Santa Catarina and Paraná. We observed inconsistency between data from hospital registers and death recorded. Conclusion Both cancer incidence and the mortality are high in Brazil. In addition, Brazil has great numbers of registers and deaths for cancer compared to worldwide rates. Regional risk factors might explain the high cancer rates.

RESUMO Objetivo Investigar e discutir os indicadores de mortalidade por câncer na Região Sul do Brasil entre 1988 e 2012. Métodos Revisão crítica da literatura baseada na análise de dados referentes às estimativas de incidência e mortalidade dos cânceres de próstata, mama feminina, brônquios e pulmões, colo de útero e ovário, realizada por meio de consulta na base de dados online do Instituto Nacional de Câncer José Alencar Gomes da Silva. Resultados A Região Sul lidera no país a incidência e a mortalidade das neoplasias estudadas. Há escassez de dados sobre o perfil do câncer nesta população, especialmente nos Estados de Santa Catarina e Paraná. Notou-se, ainda, incoerência entre os dados de registros hospitalares e registros de óbito no período estudado. Conclusão Tanto a incidência quanto a mortalidade decorrentes dos cânceres estudados ainda são muito elevadas no Brasil, com significante número de registros da doença e de óbitos, quando comparado às taxas mundiais. Fatores de risco regionais podem explicar as elevadas taxas.