Impact of agricultural chemicals on thyroid health in India

Agricultural practices in India have undergone significant transformation over the past decades, with increasing reliance on pesticides, herbicides, and fertilizers. This review examines the potential impact of agricultural chemicals on thyroid health in India, where agricultural practices increasingly rely on pesticides, herbicides, and fertilizers amid a high prevalence of thyroid disorders. We synthesize epidemiological and laboratory evidence linking various agricultural chemicals to thyroid disruption. Organochlorine pesticides (OCPs) show consistent associations with hypothyroidism in agricultural workers, with specific compounds like endosulfan, chlordane, and lindane demonstrating significant effects. Organophosphates, particularly malathion and chlorpyrifos, have been linked to altered thyroid hormone levels. Herbicides such as pendimethalin show associations with subclinical hypothyroidism, while nitrogen fertilizers may contribute to thyroid dysfunction through nitrate contamination of water sources. In the Indian context, several factors warrant special consideration: varying iodine status across regions, which may modify vulnerability to thyroid disruptors; multiple exposure pathways, including occupational and environmental routes; and complex mixture effects from multiple agrochemicals. Future research should address India-specific exposure patterns, potential genetic susceptibilities, and nutritional interactions. Policy recommendations include stricter regulation of thyroid-disrupting agrochemicals, enhanced biomonitoring, promotion of Integrated Pest Management approaches, improved farmer education on safe handling practices, and increased awareness among healthcare providers about environmental contributions to thyroid disorders. This interdisciplinary review highlights the need for collaborative research to develop evidence-based strategies that protect thyroid health in agricultural communities while supporting sustainable agricultural practices.