(NaturalHealth365) Nearly a third of all pesticides used in the world are classified as “pyrethroids.”  These are used with increasing regularity over the past several years due to a decline in organophosphates for household use.

Now, a new study published in JAMA Internal Medicine indicates that these popular insecticides increase the risk of death due to all causes, including cardiovascular disease.

Study reveals the true dangers linked to typically used pesticides

Does long-term environmental exposure to household pesticides pose hazardous to human health? A growing body of ressearch says “yes!”

The new JAMA study, which included a nationally representative sample of 2,116 U.S. adults, revealed that having a higher urine concentration of 3-phenoxybenzoic acid (a metabolite of pyrethroids) increased a person’s risk of death within the study follow up period – which had a median of about 14 years.

And compared to people in the lowest third concentration of urine acid levels, people with the highest third concentration were 56 percent more likely to die of all-cause mortality, cardiovascular disease, and cancer – even after adjusting for “age, sex, race/ethnicity, socioeconomic status, dietary and lifestyle factors, body mass index, and urinary creatinine levels.”

The authors also point to prior research linking pyrethroids exposure to other human health problems including diabetes, Parkinson’s disease, reproductive impairments, and neurodevelopmental problems.

While the robustness of this and prior studies could be improved, the authors of the new paper do conclude that there is a significantly scientific association between “environmental exposure to pyrethroid insecticides” and an increased risk of dying.

“Further studies,” they add, “are needed to replicate the findings and determine the underlying mechanisms.”

Millions at risk: Aerial spraying of toxic chemicals funded by local and state governments

As the authors of the JAMA paper point out, communities in New York City and elsewhere are routinely subjected to widespread aerial spraying of pyrethroids and other pesticides. While the intent may be laudable – to “protect people” against West Nile virus and other serious mosquito-borne diseases – the approach is misguided and dangerously under-evaluated.

And even the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention acknowledges that “repeat aerial applications” are typically necessary, meaning that exposure is even greater.

We already know that widespread pesticide use harms millions of people every year in this country, sometimes fatally. And though 100 percent reduction of your exposure to these chemicals may not be possible, there are ways to reduce your family’s risk.

Here are three tips to get you started:

1. If you work with or around pesticides and herbicides, or live in an area close to where these chemicals are used, avoid wearing shoes in the house and wash your hands with warm soap and water thoroughly when you enter your home.
2. Buy locally grown (organic) produce whenever possible, and thoroughly wash fruits and veggies before consuming them.
3. Opt for natural insect repellents, including essential oils of lemon eucalyptus, cinnamon, tea tree, and citronella.

Bottom line, we are all surrounded by toxins – on a daily basis.  But, there are many things we can do to minimize our burden.  And, the efforts will greatly improve the quality of our life.  Get started today.

Sources for this article include:

Medicalnewstoday.com
JAMAnetwork.com
Girlshealth.gov
LAcooperativa.org
CDC.gov
NaturalHealth365.com