Health and Environmental Effects of Organochlorine Pesticides in Developing Countries
Journal Title: Open Access Journal of Environmental and Soil Sciences - Year 2019, Vol 2, Issue 2
Abstract
Organochlorine pesticide (OCP) was first synthesized in 1884, however, its use became evident during the 2nd World war when it was used as an insecticide in controlling various vector borne diseases such as malaria and typhus [1]. The post war era saw OCP being used extensively in the agricultural sector as a potent pesticide in addition to its use in indoor residual sprays (IRS) for vector control [1]. The adverse effects on human health and environment caused by OCP led to an international call for its ban in late 1960s [2]. Though this ban was implemented in most developed countries, OCP is still widely used in developing countries because of its low cost, easy availability and effectiveness as pesticides and vector control [2]. India alone uses over 88,000 metric tons of pesticide annually out of which 70% constitutes of OCP [3]. The persistent use of OCP in developing countries could be due to the belief that the immediate benefits brought by the pesticide in saving human lives from vector borne diseases is far important than the long-term consequences caused by it. This paper aims to explore the various health and environmental impacts that are attributed to OCP use. It is estimated by WHO that globally 3 million new cases of pesticide poisoning occur yearly with more than 10 percent deaths [3]. Dichloro diphenyl tri choloethane (DDT), a form of OCP is still the most common pesticide used in many developing countries. OCP is a stable compound that is easily soluble in fats and saturated oils, insoluble in water and has a very long shelf life making it last longer in the environment creating a prolonged and persistent threat to the ecosystem [1]. Although OCP was banned in China in 1983, considerable amounts of the chemical can still be found in the environment even today [4]. OCP has an ability to constantly accumulate without disintegration in the fats and the adipose tissues of the human body over a period of time, therefore, even minimal exposure continuously over time may still result into potential health problems [5]. The exposure to OCP can be through various routes. It may be high transient direct exposure in farmers, workers involved in OCP production, supply and IRS spraying or indirect exposure to people through drinking water, food, air or contact [3]. It is reported that approximately 25 million agricultural workers are exposed to pesticide poisoning globally [6]. The toxicity of OCP depends upon the human doses and time. In case of doses around 280mg/ kg people get acute toxicity such as nausea, vomiting, convulsions, fatigue, flu like symptoms whereas chronic exposures affect various organ systems such as liver, kidney, nerves and immunity resulting into cancers, neurologic symptoms, infertility, and other diseases [1].
Authors and Affiliations
Kiran Raj Awasthi, Mamata Sherpa Awasthi
Keywords
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- EP ID EP574604
- DOI 10.32474/OAJESS.2019.02.000135
- Views 105
- Downloads 0
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Health and Environmental Effects of Organochlorine Pesticides in Developing Countries
Organochlorine pesticide (OCP) was first synthesized in 1884, however, its use became evident during the 2nd World war when it was used as an insecticide in controlling various vector borne diseases such as malaria and t...