Chronic bronchitis and pesticide exposure: a case-control study in Lebanon

Pesticides are widely used toxics. The objective of the study is to evaluate the odds of exposure to pesticides in chronic bronchitis patients. Methods: Using the American Thoracic Society standardized questionnaire confirmed by medical diagnosis of chronic bronchitis, a case-control study was performed in Lebanon. Pesticide exposure was estimated and between groups comparison was made. Results: The study involved 262 controls and 110 chronic bronchitis outpatient subjects from 10 medical centers. Any exposure to pesticides was associated to chronic bronchitis (OR = 2.46 [1.53-3.94]; 10(-4)). Occupational use presented the highest association (15.92 [3.50-72.41]; < 10(-4)), followed by regional exposure (3.70 [2.05-6.70]; < 10(-4). Results were confirmed by multivariate and subgroup analysis. Conclusions: Pesticide exposure was associated with chronic bronchitis in Lebanese adults. Pesticides toxicological effects may explain chronic respiratory effects associations found with all exposure types.