Title : Neurodevelopmental implications of carbamate pesticide exposure: A systematic review
Abstract:
Pesticide exposure has been increasingly recognized for its significant neurological impact on human health, particularly in children. Organophosphates and carbamates, two widely used pesticide classes, have been linked to cognitive impairment and neurobehavioral changes. However, understanding both their combined and individual effects remains challenging, especially when considering exposure duration and developmental stage. This review consolidates available evidence on the neurodevelopmental and neurobehavioral effects of carbamate pesticides. This review consolidates available evidence on the neurodevelopmental and neurobehavioral effects of carbamate pesticides. A comprehensive literature search was conducted using MEDLINE, EMBASE, and CINAHL, supplemented by relevant grey literature. Studies were systematically screened by two independent reviewers using Covidence. A total of 23 papers were included based on the inclusion criteria, examining the association between carbamate exposure and neurological outcomes. Emerging evidence suggests that carbamate exposure is associated with neurodevelopmental deficits, including impairments in learning, memory, and intelligence quotient. Additionally, developmental delays have been observed in children exposed to these pesticides. However, research on the specific effects of carbamate subclasses remains limited. Differences in study design, exposure assessment, and outcome measures contribute to inconsistencies in the literature. Given the potential risks, further studies are needed to clarify the long-term neurological consequences of carbamate exposure during critical developmental periods. Strengthening epidemiological and mechanistic research will be essential in guiding public health policies and regulatory measures to mitigate potential harm.
