Health risks related to crop farming in Europe

Aim: The article aims at describing and summarizing specific risk factors and occupational adverse health effects of agriculture related to typical European crops. Subjects and conclusion: A systematic literature review applying a standardized electronic literature search strategy (Medline, Toxnet, EMBASE, AGRICOLA, Science Citation Index) was conducted until February 2007. Studies on specific work-related health risks were included as well as comprehensive reviews summarizing specific adverse health effects on organ systems. Studies that describe adverse health effects of agriculture outside of Europe but deal with typical crops of the European region were also included. The overview includes studies that provide epidemiological descriptions on the association of risk factors and special diseases like cancer, cardiovascular diseases, hearing loss, infections, injuries, mental health disorders, musculoskeletal disorders, reproductive and developmental health, respiratory disorders and diseases of the skin. Results: Concerning adverse health effects and risk factors, farming is mostly related to numerous risks. Various studies were mainly carried out to depict an epidemiologic description of risk factors of pesticide exposure and the occurrence of cancer. Possible health problems due to pesticide exposure, physical hazards as well as strong mental stress in agricultural settings especially in farming have also been shown. Conclusion: There is a growing awareness of farmers' needs among providers of occupational health and safety services. In the future, the farming community will require better information on health risks in special production types like crop production to give them suitable information for avoiding health risks. © 2007 Springer-Verlag.