Aminata Sarr from CHU Limoges reveals the impact of pesticides on maternal health in Senegal

Aminata Sarr, a researcher at CHU Limoges, has demonstrated that exposure to pesticides affects maternal-fetal health in Senegal, highlighting residues in cord blood and breast milk. This research, supported by the P&T laboratory, underscores the urgency of adopting sustainable agricultural practices to protect public health.

Aminata Sarr's study, conducted at the P&T laboratory, addresses a concerning issue: the impact of pesticides on maternal-fetal health in Senegal. With agricultural intensification, dependence on pesticides has increased, leading to environmental contamination that threatens the health of mothers and newborns. The country's fragile health systems make this issue even more pressing.

The research methodology combined human biosurveillance and in vivo mechanistic validation, revealing pesticide residues in cord blood, meconium, and breast milk. This co-exposure to multiple chemical families of pesticides raises concerns about harmful effects on fetal and neonatal development, thus confirming maternal-fetal transfer.

The results of this research open up investment perspectives in sustainable agricultural practices and biosurveillance solutions. Policymakers must act to encourage the transition to agriculture that respects public health, while considering regulatory challenges and potential farmer resistance to new practices.

« « Our analyses revealed pesticide residues in cord blood and breast milk, confirming maternal-fetal transfer, which raises concerns for public health. » - Aminata Sarr »

« « Aminata Sarr's research highlights crucial issues for public health and emphasizes the importance of accessing knowledge that can influence political and economic decisions. » - Lektaris team »