A global review on health risks of pesticide contamination in rice-based agricultural systems

As a staple food, rice remains one of the most widely cultivated crops in most Asian countries. The excessive use of pesticides on rice crops has raised concerns about possible risks to human health. Although pesticide poisoning in agricultural soils is a significant worldwide issue, limited studies are available on pesticide contamination in rice plants and the risk assessment through rice intake. To fill this gap, a comprehensive review of the risk assessment of pesticides through the dietary intake of rice has been conducted. This review summarizes (1) pesticide contamination in agricultural soils and rice grain, (2) risk assessment of pesticides to human health via rice consumption, and (3) preventative measures to reduce their harmful impacts. The scope of this study contains pesticide contamination in various rice-growing areas worldwide, related health effects, and mitigation strategies. A systematic literature search was conducted for this review using Scopus and Web of Science databases. The findings of this review showed that both recent and historical pesticide applications are the primary sources of pesticide contamination in agricultural soil. DDTs and HCHs are more prevalent pesticides in both agricultural soil and rice grain than other OCP (organochlorine pesticide) isomers. Higher DDT levels are most likely the result of farmers’ unawareness or unauthorized utilization of these inexpensive and potent insecticides in rice fields. The adverse effects of pesticides can be mitigated by using natural and biopesticides, promoting organic farming, applying pesticides sparingly, and effectively implementing and revising legislation related to pesticides.