Brain cancer mortality among farm workers of the State of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil: A population-based case–control study, 1996–2005

BackgroundFarm workers seem to be at an increased risk of developing some cancers, notably in the brain. One of the hypotheses rose to explain such elevated risk is the intense exposure to pesticides.AimTo estimate the brain cancer mortality risk among agricultural workers exposed to pesticides in the State of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.MethodsA case–control study based on death certificates of males, 18 years or older, resident in the State Rio de Janeiro who died between 1996 and 2005. Cases (n = 2040) were defined as individuals with brain cancer as the underlying cause of death. For each case two controls (n = 4140) were randomly selected in the same database, matched for age group and region of residence. Besides the descriptive analysis, crude and adjusted odds ratios and mortality odds ratio (MOR) according to quartiles of potential exposure to pesticides, were calculated.ResultsAgricultural workers showed higher brain cancer mortality risk estimates when compared with non-farm workers (aOR: 1.82, 95% CI 1.21–2.71). In addition, the magnitude of this association was higher among white patients, with higher education, and residence in an agricultural region.ConclusionThis study suggests an association between agricultural work and brain cancer mortality in Rio de Janeiro state. It also suggests that pesticide exposure may play a role in such risk.