Pesticides

Definition

• Substances intended to repel, kill or control any species designated a pest including weeds,
insects, rodents, fungi, bacteria or other organisms.

History

• The first known pesticide was elemental sulfur dusting used in ancient Sumer about 4,500 years
ago.
• By the 15th century, toxic chemicals such as arsenic, mercury, and lead were being applied to
crops to kill pests.
• In the 17th century, nicotine sulfate was extracted from tobacco leaves for use as an insecticide.
• The 19th century saw the introduction of two more natural pesticides, pyrethrum, which is
derived from chrysanthemums, and rotenone, which is derived from the roots of tropical
vegetables.
• Until the 1950s, arsenic-based pesticides were dominant.
• Paul Müller discovered that DDT was a very effective insecticide.
• Herbicides became common in the 1960s, led by "triazine and other nitrogen-based compounds,
carboxylic acids such as 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid, and glyphosate".
• In the 1960s, it was discovered that DDT was preventing many fish-eating birds from
reproducing, which was a serious threat to biodiversity.

Types

• According to the basis of target the types of pesticides are,

1. Insecticides
2. Herbicides
3. Rodenticides
4. Fungicides

Insecticides

• It’s a pesticide compound specifically used to kill or prevent the growth of insects.
• Some insecticides disrupt the nervous system, whereas others may damage their exoskeletons,
repel them or control them by some other means.
 • They can also be packaged in various forms including sprays, dusts, gels, and baits.

Herbicides

• It’s a type of pesticide designed to control or kill plants, weeds or grasses.

• Almost 70% of all pesticides used by farmers are ranchers are herbicides.
• These chemicals have wide – ranging effects on nontarget species.

Rodenticides

• A pesticide or other agent used to kill rats and other rodents or to prevent them from damaging
food, crops, or forage.
• Rodenticide baits can provide short-term control of rodent infestations.
• People, pets, and wildlife are very similar to rodents, so they can also be poisoned by
rodenticides.

Fungicides

• It’s a type of pesticide used to control fungi.

• They can be used to control fungi that damage plants, including rusts, mildews and blights.
• They might also be used to control mold and mildew in other settings.

Classes of pesticides

• The 4 major classes of pesticides are,

1. Organophosphates
2. Organocarbonates (carbamates)
3. Organochlorides
4. Pyrethroids

Organophosphates

• Organophosphates are a group of human-made chemicals that poison insects and mammals.
• Organophosphates are the most widely used insecticides today.
• They are used in agriculture, the home, gardens, and veterinary practice.
 • Agricultural uses of OPs are to control pests on: crops in fields, orchards & vegetable plots
• Nonagricultural uses are to control insects in: homes, offices & outdoors
• Examples of pesticides: diazinon, malathion, methyl parathion & parathion
• OPs are found in → sprays, baits, flea collars, pet shampoos, powders etc.

• Used in crops like: fruits (grapes & apples)

Row drops
Vegetables (tomatoes)

Adverse effects

• respiratory paralysis & weakness due to nerve & muscle uncoordination

• neurological symptoms (seizures & loss of consciousness)
• narrowed, pinpointed pupils
• runny nose
• headache
• diarrhea
• abdominal cramps
• death in severe case
• long term exposure can cause polyneuropathy (numbness, loss of sensory abilities & weakness)

Organocarbonates

• Carbamates are a class of insecticides structurally and mechanistically similar to

organophosphate (OP) insecticides.
• These quickly dissipate from the environment as they are broken down into other substances.
• Methyl isocyanate is an intermediate used to produce carbamates.
• Uses →
Used by farmers as insecticides, fungicides & herbicides
Used at homes to control garden pests (wasps, snails)
Used in furry pets to reduce ticks & fleas
Adverse effects

• The adverse effects of several carbamate pesticides include,

• Renal
• Hepatic
• Neurological
• reproductive
• immune
• metabolic functions
in both humans and animals.

Organochlorines

• They derived from chlorinated hydrocarbons.

• Chlorinated hydrocarbons are: compounds containing chlorine, carbon & hydrogen.
• The most commonly used organochlorine pesticide is dichlorodiphenyl-trichloroethane, also
known as DDT.
• Examples of organochlorine pesticides are,
- DDT
- Lindane
- Chlordane
- Mirex
- Hexachlorobenzene
• DDT has the ability to accumulate in adipose tissues. It has a half-life of 10 yrs.

Adverse effects

• Cancer (pancreatic, non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma & breast cancer)

• Reproductive effects
• Impaired lactation
• Immune suppression
• Declining sperm counts
• Impaired neurological functions
 • Neurological effects (irritability, dizziness & numbness)
• Renal toxicity
• Hepatotoxicity
• Seizures

Pyrethrin

• Those are insecticides derived from natural sources.

Eg: chrysanthemum flowers
• Pyrethroids are used as commercial and household insecticides.
• In household concentrations pyrethroids are generally harmless to humans.
• Pyrethroids are toxic to insects such as bees, dragonflies, mayflies, gadflies, and some other
invertebrates.
• Pyrethroids are toxic to aquatic organisms, especially fish.
• Can paralyze & kill flying insects.
• Some may recover due to detoxifying enzymes.
• Paralysis occurs due to interference with transmission of impulses by inhibiting Na channels.
• Manufactured chemicals that have similar composition to pyrethrin’s are called pyrethroids.
• Used in → insecticidal pet shampoos, treatment for lice, insecticide bombs etc.

Adverse effects

• Dizziness
• Headache
• Nausea
• Diarrhea
• Neurological symptoms

Treatments

• Specific treatments for acute pesticide poisoning are often dependent on the pesticide or class
of pesticide responsible for the poisoning.
 • However, there are basic management techniques that are applicable to most acute poisonings,
including,
▪ skin decontamination
▪ airway protection
▪ gastrointestinal decontamination
▪ seizure treatment
• Patient is showered with soap and water.
• Eyes are flushed with water for 10 – 15 minutes.
• Seizures are typically managed with lorazepam, phenytoin and phenobarbital, or diazepam.
• Activated charcoal is sometimes administered as it has been shown to be successful with some
pesticides.
• Urinary alkalinization has been used in acute poisonings from chlorophenoxy herbicides

Prevention

• Buy organic and locally grown fruit and vegetables.

• Wash fruits and vegetables before eating.
• Know which fruits and vegetables have higher levels of pesticide residue.
• Grow your own produce.
• Use non – toxic methods for controlling natural garden pest control.
• Do not apply, store or mix pesticides within 100 feet of the well.