STUDY OF APPLICATION AND ADVERSE EFFECTS OF

PESTICIDES ON HUMAN HEALTH

A Project Report

Submitted by

Name: Bidith Aryal

Class: XI ‘G’

Roll No.: 023NEB736

Submitted to:

Mr. Sanjit Kumar Shah

Department of Chemistry

St. Xavier’s College

Maitighar, Kathmandu

2024
 CERTIFICATE OF APPROVAL

This project entitled ‘STUDY OF APPLICATION AND ADVERSE EFFECTS OF

PESTICIDES ON HUMAN HEALTH’ by Bidith Aryal under the supervision of Mr.
Sanjit Kumar Shah is here submitted for the partial fulfillment of project report of grade
XI ‘G’ has been accepted.

……………………………..

Supervisor

Mr. Sanjit Kumar Shah

Department of Chemistry

St. Xavier’s College

Kathmandu, Nepal

Date: 26th January 2024

 ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

Every project needs the endowment of a lot of people whether it may be direct or
indirect. During the course of my project, a lot of people came to me with their helping
hands. I felt myself lucky enough to get continuous support and encouragement. Hence, I
would like to express my sincere gratitude to all these people.

Foremost, I am grateful to St. Xavier’s College for providing me this golden opportunity
and platform for completion of this project. Similarly, I express my profound gratitude
towards reverent Fr. Principal Dr. Augustine Thomas S.J. and Co-ordinator of +2 Mr.
Gehendra Chand for creating this wonderful and conducive environment in this academic
project.

Furthermore, I am immensely grateful towards the Head of Department of Chemistry

Mrs. Neeva Rajbhandari and SXC Chemistry Department for their constant assistance
and guidance in this project. Also, I convey my special thanks to supervisor and lecturer
Mr. Sanjit Kumar Shah for his useful guidance, assistance and monitoring during this
process.

Lastly, I convey my heartiest appreciations to my classmates of XI‘G’ for their invaluable

support, suggestions and co-operation in successfully completing this project. Also, I am
extremely thankful to my family for their continuous moral and financial support and
encouragement.

Bidith Aryal

Level: +2

Roll: 023NEB736

8th January, 2023

 ABBREVIATIONS

WHO World Health Organization

DDT Dichloro-diphenyl-trichloroethane

DNA Deoxy Ribonucleic Acid

IPM Integrated Pest Management

PPS Probability Proportional Sampling

PD Parkinson’s disease

WW2 Second World War

USA United States of America

FAO Food and Agriculture Organization

BC Before Christ

AD After Death

FAOSTAT Food and Agriculture Organization Corporate Statistical Database

PPE Personal Protective Equipments

EPA Environmental Protection Agency

BHC Benzene Hexachloride

NHC National Institute of Health

 ABSTRACT

Chemistry is the branch of science that deals with the composition, transformation and
properties of matter. We were allocated with the project entitled ‘Study of application and
adverse effects of pesticides on human health’. The major objective of this study was to
learn the applications of pesticides and its adverse effects on human health. The
information on the pesticides and its application was collected with the study of multiple
sources of method of data to overcome the objective of this project. After this study I got
to learn that chemistry is related to our everyday life in different aspects. The concept of
chemistry is very essential in our daily life. Different academic research centers,
chemistry laboratories, governmental organizations have been found working to expand
the scope of chemistry. If such work continues for a long term, the field of chemistry will
expand even more resulting in development of present field of chemistry.

Keywords:

Pesticides, Insecticides, Fungicides, Larvicides, Glyphosate, Acephate, Deet, Propoxur,

Metaldehyde, Boric Acid, Diazinon, Dursban, DDT, Malathion, organochloride,
organophosphate, carbamate,
 TABLE OF CONTENTS

COVER PAGE
CERTIFICATE OF APPROVAL

ACKNOWLEDGMNT

ABBREVIATIONS

ABSTRACT

CHAPTER 1: INTRODUCTION

1.1 GENERAL INTRODUCTION

1.2 TYPES OF PESTICIDES

1.3 HISTORY OF PESTICIDES

1.4 APPLICATION OF PESTICIDES

1.5 ROUTES OF EXPOSURE TO PESTICIDES ON HUMAN

1.6 EFFECTS OF EXPOSURE OF PESTICIDES ON HUMAN HEALTH

CHAPTER 2: OBJECTIVES OF STUDY

CHAPTER 3: LITERATURE REVIEW

CHAPTER 4: RESULTS AND DISCUSSION

CHAPTER 5: CONCLUSION

CHAPTER 6: RECOMMENDATION FOR FURTHER RESEARCH

CHAPTER 7: REFERENCES
 CHAPTER I

INTRODUCTION

1.1 GENERAL INTRODUCTION

WHO has defined Pesticides as “Any substance or mixture of substances intended for
preventing, destroying or controlling any pest, including vectors of human or animal
disease, unwanted species of plants or animals, causing harm during or otherwise
interfering with the production, processing, storage, transport, or marketing of food,
agricultural commodities, wood and wood products or animal feedstuffs, or substances
that may be administered to animals for the control of insects, arachnids, or other pests in
or on their bodies.”

In other words, pesticides are the chemical substances used to control, prevent and
destroy unwanted form of organisms or lives. They are used in public health to kill the
vector of diseases such as mosquitoes and in agriculture to kill the pests that tend to
damage crops and livestock. They generally include insecticides, herbicides, rodenticides,
fungicides etc. For instances, Glyphosate, Acephate, Deet, Propoxur, Metaldehyde, Boric
Acid, Diazinon, Dursban, DDT, Malathion etc.

Pesticide are widely used to control weeds and insect infestation in agricultural fields and
various pests and diseases carriers (e.g, mosquitoes, ticks, rats, mice) in houses, streets
and malls. They are indispensable in the field of agriculture for the optimum production
of agricultural goods (vegetables, fruits, crops) in fewer amounts of land, investment,
time and effort. Also, it decreases the potential hazards of water-borne diseases and
insect-transmitted diseases during the crop cycle and prevents the contamination of fungi,
bugs, rodents etc.

Similarly as the modes of action for pesticides are not species-specific, concern has been
raised about environmental risks associated with their exposure through various routes
(e.g., residue in food and drinking water). Although such hazards rage from short-term
(e.g., skin and eyes irritation, headaches, dizziness and nausea) to chronic impacts (e.g.,
cancer, asthma and diabetes), their risks are difficult to elucidate due to involvement of
various factors (e.g., period, concentration and level of exposure), types of pesticides
(regarding toxicity and persistence) and the environmental characteristics of the affected
areas. There are no groups in the human population that has remained completely
unexposed to pesticides while most diseases are multi-casual to add considerable
complexity to public health assessments. Hence, development of eco- friendly pesticides
alternatives (e.g., EcoSMART) and IPM techniques is desirable to reduce the impacts of
pesticides.

Fig: Exposure to pesticides

9
1.2 TYPES OF PESTICIDES

Amongst the numerous bases to classify the pesticides, one of them is types of pests they
kill or destroy. The insecticides kill insects, herbicides destroy plants, rodenticides kill
rodents (rats and mice), and bactericides kill bacteria, fungicides destroy fungi and
larvicides deters larvae.

Fig: Types of Pesticides on the basis of pest destroyers

Similarly, they can be classified on the basis of biodegradability where pesticides can be
either biodegradable which can be destroys by microbes and other living organisms into
harmless compounds or persistent which takes months or years to break down into
simpler forms.

Fig: Types of Pesticides on the basis of biodegradability

Furthermore, another way to classify these is to consider those that are chemical forms or
are derived from a common source or production method. One of them is

10
organophosphate that affect the nervous system by disrupting the enzyme that regulates a
neurotransmitter. Also, next type is carbamate that affects the nervous system by
disrupting the enzyme that regulates a neurotransmitter but its enzyme effect is
reversible. Similarly organochlorine insecticide includes insect killing pesticides such as
DDT (Dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane), chlordane, and toxaphene. Furthermore,
pyrethroid is a naturally occurring pesticide found in flower called chrysanthemums.
Sulfonylurea herbicides is a pesticides commercialized for weed-control. Lastly,
biopesticides, also known as organic pesticides are the natural pesticides derived from
plants, animals, bacteria and certain minerals.

1.3 HISTORY OF PESTICIDES

The early use of Pesticides was fairly between 2000 B.C. to about 4,500 years ago to
control harmful insects damaging their crops. More than 4,500 years ago, the Sumerians
used the Sulphur compounds to control insects and mites and 3,200 years ago. Pyrethrum,
a compound derived from the dried flowers of Chrysanthemum cinerariaefolium has been
applied as an insecticide for over 2000 years. The Chinese used arsenic and mercury
compounds to control body lice and other pests. Similarly, the Greeks and Romans used
oil, ash, sulphur and other materials to protect the crops and livestock from various pests.
Gradually, the manufacture of pesticides began to grow and get commercialized.

Fig: Use of pesticides after 2nd WW

11
After WW2 (1939-145), the development and application of pesticides increased because
it was urgent to enhance food production and to find potential chemical welfare agents.
Consequently, 1940s and 50s witnessed a marked growth in synthetic pesticides such as
DDT, aldrin, dieldrin, endrin, parathion, 2.4D etc. where the applications of pesticides
was considered to be advantageous. There wasn’t any concern about the potential
vulnerabilities on environment and human health.

In 1962, Rachel Carpson published the book “Silent Spring” addressing the issues arising
due to indiscriminant use of pesticides. This book inspired and grabbed widespread
concern about impact of pesticides on human health and environment. In the 1970s, pest
resistance emerged which combined with the influence of the book and accumulated
evidence on the effects of pesticides, culminated the ban of use of DDT in US and other
countries in 1972.

Fig: “Silent Spring” book by Fig: FAO Conference regarding Pest and Pesticide
Rachel Carson against excess Management (2023)
exposure to pesticides
The 1970s and 80s marked the introduction of more selective pesticides. In the 1990s,
research activities concentrated on finding the new variants of the existing pesticides that
were even more selective. Besides, the pesticides with new and safer chemical groups
emerged. In addition IPM systems came into play these used crop production methods
that attracted the predators or parasites that attacked the pests and timed pesticides
applications to coincide with the most susceptible period of the pest’s life cycle, thereby
reducing the amount of applied pesticides.

12
1.4 APPLICATION OF PESTICIDES

The invention of pesticides has brought a global revolution in the field of agriculture and
insect-control. Pesticides are highly advantageous in the sector of agriculture, insect-
control and public health by destroying the unwanted pests. There are numerous
applications of pesticides all over the world. They are briefly explained below:

a. Agricultural Pest Control

Pesticides play pivotal role in agriculture and animal husbandry aiding the
farmers to protect their vegetations, cops, fruits, vegetables and flowers and seeds
from any kind of vulnerabilities. They destroy the bacteria, fungi, rodents, larvae,
herbs, mosquitoes, caterpillars, beetles and mites causing harm to the plants. They
help to control the vulnerabilities of getting affected by the diseases, viruses and
bacteria ensuring the production of healthy and disease-free plants. Similarly,
Pesticides are utilized in animal husbandry to protect livestock from external
parasites such as ticks, fleas, and mites. This helps maintain the health and well-
being of farm animals. Use of pesticides in sustainable and responsible manner
helps in optimum yield of healthy agricultural goods and livestock ensuring ample
economic growth.

b. Public health
Pesticides are employed to control the vectors of diseases such as mosquitoes,
ticks, fleas, cockroaches, rodents, flies, ants etc. The examples of such pesticides
include DDT, BHC, organophosphates, organochlorine, carbamates, pyrethoids
etc. They control the diseases and disorders such as malaria, dengue, Zika, and
West Nile virus, lyme, typhus, leishmaniasis etc. caused by various kinds of
vectors, viruses and bacteria. Also, they may be used in public spaces, including
parks, playgrounds, and public buildings, to control pests ensuring hygiene and
comfort to the public. Similarly, amidst considering the application of pesticides
on public health concerns, the adverse impacts of uncontrolled and haphazard use
of pesticides on human health.

13
c. Forestry
Pesticides especially insecticides, are used to control defoliating insects such as
gypsy moths, bark beetles, spruce budworms etc. These insects can defoliate large
areas of forests; disrupt transport of water and nutrients, cause diseases resulting
to reduce timber and vegetation quality. They are also used to control invasive
plant species that can outcompete native vegetation, negatively impacting the
biodiversity and health of forest ecosystems. Also, they may be used in efforts to
control invasive pests that threaten the ecological balance of forest ecosystems,
particularly in restoration projects where native vegetation is being reintroduced.
Also, they are applied as part of research initiatives to study their effectiveness in
pest control and to develop sustainable and environmentally friendly pest
management strategies.

d. Industries and Commercial Spaces

Pesticides are used in industries and commercial spaces for various purposes
related to pest control. The application of pesticides helps manage and prevent
infestations of pests, which can pose risks to human health, damage property,
contaminate products and interfere with industrial processes. They are used to
protect buildings and structures from termite infestations which can cause
significant damage to wood and compromise hygiene and safety . Also, they are
used in places where foods are processed and packaged to ensure pest-free
environment. It is used to control pests attracted to waste disposal sites,
preventing the spread of diseases and maintaining a sanitary environment.
Similarly, in certain industries, pesticides may be used to prevent contamination
of products and raw materials by pests.

14
1.5 ROUTES OF EXPOSURE OF PESTICIDES TO HUMAN

Exposure to the pesticides can occur through various routes and pathways. Awareness of
these routes of exposure is essential for implementing proper safety measures, using
protective equipment, and adopting best practices to minimize the risk of adverse health
effects associated with pesticide exposure.

Crucially, there are two ways to exposure to the pesticides. They are briefly explained
below:

1. Direct Exposure
Direct exposure to pesticides refers to the contact of pesticides that can occur
from its occupational, agricultural, and household use. The main routes of human
exposure to pesticides are through the food chain, air, water, soil, flora and fauna
etc. Mainly farmers are at higher vulnerabilities of getting infected as they spray,
use pesticides in their field. It includes the exposure of pesticides through
breathing, skin during application, handling, touching surfaces or objects with
pesticide residues, accidental oral ingestion during consumption of food and water
or accidental spills, leaks, or mishandling of pesticides during storage,
transportation, or application. The degree of hazard from this type of dermal
absorption depends upon the toxicity of the pesticide to the skin, the duration of
the exposure, the pesticide formulation, and the body part contaminated.

2. Indirect Exposure
Indirect exposure to pesticides refers to the contact to the pesticides through diet,
contamination, transportation and storage etc. The consumption of crops,
vegetables and fruits treated with pesticides, improper transportation and storage
of pesticides due to leaks, spills or fumes, contaminated water from water
resources such as rivers, lakes, underground water etc. Reducing indirect
exposure to pesticides involves implementing proper application practices,
following safety guidelines, using protective equipment, and adopting appropriate
storage and disposal measures. Regular hand-washing and cleaning of surfaces
can also help minimize the risk of indirect pesticide exposure.

15
1.6 EFFECTS OF EXPOSURE TO PESTICIDES ON HUMAN
HEALTH

Whilst considering the tremendous convenience in agriculture and insect-controlling, the

adverse effects caused by exposure of pesticides directly or indirectly on human health
also must be cogitated. The impact of pesticides varies depending upon the type, level
and concentration so exposed. Generally, there are two types of effects caused by
pesticides on human health:

a. Short-term effects
The short-term effects are the immediate consequences of exposure to the
pesticides usually observed and diagnosed before 24 hours of the contact. They
generally represent the acute or minor poisonings caused by it on human health. It
can vary depending on the type of pesticide, exposure route, and the specific
formulation used. The short term effects include irritation in skin, nose, lungs and
eyes, difficulty in breathing, respiratory illness due to accidental exposure caused
by inadequate protective measures and negligence. Also, its inhalation leads to
nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, diarrhea, allergy, dizziness, muscle twitching,
weakness, headache and co-ordination problems.

It is crucial to note that the severity of short-term effects can vary based on factors
such as the toxicity of the specific pesticide, the concentration of exposure and the

16
 duration of contact. Immediate medical attention is necessary if individuals
experience symptoms of acute pesticide poisoning. Proper safety measures,
including the use of personal protective equipment, following application
guidelines, and adhering to recommended waiting periods before re-entering
treated areas, are essential in minimizing short-term health risks associated with
pesticide exposure.

b. Long-term effects
The long-term effects of pesticides are the chronic health impacts caused by the
prolonged and repetitive use of pesticides on human health. It increases the risks
of different types of cancer such as leukemia, lymphoma, and solid tumors,
neurological disorders such as PD, Alzheimer’s disease and other neurogenerative
disorders. It also leads to reproductive and developmental diseases such as
infertility, sexual impotence, miscarriages and congenital malformations and
mutations in the children, respiratory diseases such as asthma, bronchitis,
bronchiolitis as well as endocrine disruption such as hormone regulation and
metabolic issues. It also affects the immune system, potentially leading to
increased susceptibility to infections, allergies, and autoimmune disorders over
the long term, chronic skin infections, allergies and dermatitis etc.
Similarly, pesticides have led to harmful effects on the ecosystem and
environment. It has resulted in air pollution, water pollution and soil pollution
resulting in further degradation of quality of life. Exposure to pollutants can lead
to respiratory issues, cardiovascular diseases, and an increased susceptibility to
infections. Airborne pollutants, including particulate matter and toxic gases,
contribute to respiratory problems such as asthma and chronic obstructive
pulmonary disease (COPD). Water pollution, through contaminants like heavy
metals and pathogens, can cause waterborne diseases and gastrointestinal
disorders. Prolonged exposure to environmental pollutants is also associated with
an elevated risk of cancer, neurological disorders, and adverse effects on
reproductive health. Additionally, pollutants may disrupt endocrine systems,
contributing to hormonal imbalances.

17
It is important to note that the health effects of pesticides can vary depending on
factors such as the specific type of pesticide, the level and duration of exposure,
and individual susceptibility. Regulatory agencies establish safety standards and
guidelines to mitigate these risks, and adopting sustainable agricultural practices,
integrated pest management, and organic farming can help reduce reliance on
chemical pesticides. Regular monitoring, research, and public education are
crucial components of minimizing the long-term health impacts associated with
the overuse of pesticides.

18
 CHAPTER II

OBJECTIVES

The primary objective of this project report is to comprehensively analyze the use of
pesticides, examining their impact on the environment, human health, and agricultural
sustainability. The report aims to provide a detailed and balanced assessment of the
various facets related to pesticides, with the following specific objectives:

a. To acknowledge the information about pesticides, its types and history of its
manufacture and use.
b. To analyze the impact of use of pesticides on agricultural growth, vector-control,
pest management and public health.
c. To assess the ecological consequences of pesticides usage on soil, water, air and
bio-diversity.
d. To investigate the direct and indirect health consequences of short-term or long-
term pesticides exposure on agricultural workers, consumers and nearby
communities.
e. To examine the regulatory frameworks and its effectiveness governing the
sustainable and controlled use of pesticides in local, national and international
level.
f. To propose practical and actionable recommendations for the sustainable
application of pesticides decreasing the potential hazards and its effects on human
health and the environment.
g. To identify the future scope of this project and provide necessary suggestions and
recommendations for qualitative and quantitative research on pesticide
management.

19
 CHAPTER III

LITERATURE REVIEW

1. Nahhal E. et. al.(2013) reviewed on the application of pesticides in Gaza strip,

Palestine and associated health risks. In this reviewed article, the current state of
excessive exploitation of pesticides especially insecticides and the direct and
indirect impacts on human health was studied. The restricted overuse of pesticides
has resulted to acute toxic cases to the local farmers, increase in congenital
malformation in infants along with slight increase in the number of cancer
patients in Khan Younis governance. [3]

2. Sharma N. et. al.(2017) reviewed the substantial use of pesticides for optimum
agricultural productions in order to meet the growing demands of increasing
population and food crisis in India. Also, the severe health issues such as
neurological disorders and degenerative diseases, respiratory diseases and
infections on the skin, eyes, nose etc. and congenital anomalies have arisen due to
haphazard use of pesticides in India. [4]

3. Sabarwal A. et. al.(2018) reviewed the toxicology and disorders caused by

exposure of pesticides in different modes and concentrations. In this review,
study of impacts such as cancer, pathogenesis of PD and Alzheimer’s diseases,
respiratory and reproductive disorders, oxidative stress causing DNA damage and
eventually nalignancies along with other environmental pollutions caused by
haphazard use of pesticides has been discussed effectively. [2]

4. Thapa R. et. al.(2012) analyzed the status of use of pesticides in Nepal and aware
the society about the toxic consequences of exposure to pesticides and its safe and
systematic use. In this review, the unawareness and unconsciousness of majority
of Nepalese farmers about types, poisoning level, safety precautions and potential
hazards on health and environment has been studied. Despite the usage of
pesticides in Nepal is lesser as compared to other Asian countries and entire

20
 world, still the cases of poisoning is increasing due to the unintentional, incidental
or occupational exposure to it. [8]

5. Aryal K. et. al.(2016) discussed the uses of various kinds of pesticides in Nepal
and its acute and chronic health consequences. This study was designed to access
the pesticide exposure level along with its health effects and further to assess the
adaptation process of IPM in Nepal. Despite the implementation of IPM to
minimize the use of pesticides in Nepal, farmers still misuse pesticides in
agricultural sectors recklessly. [7]

6. Kim K. et. al.(2017) reviewed about the types, applications, exposure and the
harmful effect6s on the health and environment. This review has been organized
to describe the general aspects of pesticides with respect to the classification,
status of pollution, transfer route and its impact on the human health. The main
objective of this reviewed article is to conduct a systematic review of published
studies (1999-2016) with respect to the use of pesticides and their detrimental
impacts on the human health.[1]

7. Rani L. et. al (2021) extensively reviewed on the consequences of pesticides and

chemical fertilizers on human health and environment. In this review, the serious
threats to the human health such as diabetes mellitus, reproductive and respiratory
disorders, neurological dysfunctions and cancer caused due to direct and indirect
exposure to pesticides is studied. Furthermore, the classifications, mechanisms,
benefits and the adverse effects on human health and environment is addressed.
[6]

8. Sabzewari S. et. al (2022) reviewed on the currently used pesticides’ monitoring

in the agricultural soil. In this review, an overview of the studies on monitoring
currently used pesticides in agricultural soils around the world published in the
last 50 years has been presented with necessary statistical data and reports. Also,
the adverse effects of over exploitation of pesticides on the environment, bio-
diversity and human health has been studied and analyzed. [5]

21
 CHAPTER IV

RESULTS AND DISCUSSIONS

The use of pesticides in the global scenarios is found to be substantially increasing I the
past few decades for the optimum production of agricultural goods and insect-control
purposes. Also, this has led to significant growth in production and distribution of
agricultural goods, decrease in food crisis and disparity and disease management.
Furthermore, it has led to rise in the global attention on the matter of over exploitation of
pesticides leading to several environmental and health impacts.

Total pesticides use in agriculture in 2021 was 3.54 million tons of active ingredients
(Mt), a 4% increase with respect to 2020, a 11% increase in a decade, and a doubling
since 1990 Comparing the most recent decade with the 1990s, the global application of
pesticides increased by 53% for herbicides, 111% for fungicides and bactericides, and 44
% for insecticides, with increases in the share of herbicides (40%-49%) and reductions in
the share of insecticides(22%-26%), and of fungicides and bactericides (25%-22%).

The graph showing the global consumption of pesticides worldwide by the leading
countries is presented below:

22
In the year 2021, Brazil became the highest consumer of the pesticides with about 719.51
metric ton surpassing USA with 457.39 metric tons followed by Indonesia with 283.3
metric ton of consumption. Similarly, here is the data showing the exports of pesticides
all around the world:

The reports show that China (8.01%) is the largest global exporter of pesticides followed
by the USA (4.77%) and France (4.57%) respectively.

23
In addition to the tremendous applications of pesticides, the report shows numerous
environmental and health impacts associated with it. The EPA shows that pesticides
usages have resulted in Parkinson’s disease in many places of the world. It is a brain
disorder that causes uncontrollable movements, shaking, stiffness and difficulty with
balance and coordination. A 2017 study finds that occupational use of pesticides (i.e.,
fungicides, herbicides, or insecticides) increases the risk for PD by 110 to 211percent.
Carbamates pesticides increase PD risk by 455 percent. The Stockholm Convention on
Persistent Organic Pollutants (2001) showed that 9 of the 12 most dangerous and
persistent chemicals were pesticides, so many have now been banned to use.

In the present scenario of Nepal, the reports show that there is significant increase in the
use of pesticides in agriculture. Despite the application of pesticides is less as compared
to other Asian nations, the effects has still shown to increase due to the unconsciousness
and negligence on the use, types, levels of poisoning, safety precautions and potential
hazards caused by it. Potato, tomatoes, cauliflowers, cabbage, beans, tomato, ladyfinger,
bitter gourd, pumpkin, cucumber and bottle gourd are the top main cash crops in
Nepal. Nearly 60% of the participants used fungicides, 42.5% used organophosphate and
27% used pyrethriod. The trend of use of pesticides in Nepal is presented below in the
graph:

The frequency of applying pesticides in these crops was about five applications per
cropping season. Around 97% participants had good knowledge regarding adverse health
effects of the pesticides, however 12% did not use any types of PPEs, on an average,

24
farmers used two PPEs (non chemical resistant) while spraying the pesticides. Around
53% farmers did not follow the instruction written on the label and sprayed based on their
previous experience. Two of the three participants knew about basic principle of IPM
however, only one- fourth participants followed its principle and procedure during
cultivation of crops. Around 83% participants keep pesticide in the general store where a
child can easily reach. Nearly half of the participants throw the pesticide containers
anywhere. Around 13% participants used to leak spray during application of pesticides.

Half of the participants complained about the acute toxicity syndrome after spraying the
pesticides. About 80% of them took rest after appearing such syndromes; very few
participants (9%) went to the hospital or health center for treatment. The prevalence of
self reported chronic disease was 10% and among them majority reported chronic
neuropathic problem. Prevalence of diabetes, including those on medication was 4.5%
among vegetable farmers of Nepal. Prevalence of low ache level was 10.3%. The
prevalence of anemia was 53.3% among female participants and 43.9% among male
participants. No significant association was found between feeling of illness in the last
month and use of PPEs with age category, history of engagement in agriculture, using
IPM and sex. The following graph shows the use of pesticides on the basis of vegetations
and crops in Nepal:

25
 CHAPTER VI

CONCLUSION

To cut the entire matter in short, pesticides are the toxic substances released directly onto
the environment to control the unwanted insects, weeds, fungus and other pests. They are
indispensible in agricultural and disease control sector for optimum production of healthy
agricultural goods.

Whilst considering these factors, the adverse effects of pesticides on human health and
environment have to be acknowledged. Pesticides contribute to soil and water pollution,
pose risks to non-target species, and have been linked to declines in biodiversity.
Residues on food products, water contamination, and occupational exposure also raise
public health concerns.

In response to these issues, there is a growing emphasis on sustainable agricultural

practices, including integrated pest management and organic farming, as well as ongoing
research to develop alternative, environmentally friendly pest control methods.
Regulatory measures in some regions aim to mitigate the adverse effects of specific
pesticides, but the global scenario underscores the ongoing challenge of balancing the
need for pest control with environmental and human health considerations.

The prime objective of this project is to generate awareness to the general public about
the managed and preceded use of pesticides to gain ample agricultural and health benefits
minimizing and realizing the adverse impacts caused by it. Hence, this project is
concluded with the vision to develop sustainable applications of pesticides in the world.

26
 CHAPTER VI

RECOMMENDATIONS AND SUGGESTIONS

This project report was assigned and completed with the prime objective of
understanding the concept of pesticides, its types, history of manufacture and usage,
application, statistical reports and analysis, adverse effects of exploitation on human
health and environment as well as sustainable and responsible use. The statistical data
and reports used in the project may be obsolete so further detailed research and analysis
should be conducted.

Similarly, the investigation of the potential health risks associated with the use of specific
pesticides and its long-term and chronic effects must be studied. The co-relation between
the occupational exposure to pesticides and health outcomes among the agricultural and
industrial workers must be examined. Furthermore, the investigation of alternative and
environment-friendly pest control methods should be carried out to reduce the ecological
impacts of pesticides.

In addition to the above mentioned ideas, the regulatory framework governing pesticides
uses should be analyzed at the local, national and international levels. The recent changes
in regulations and its impact on pesticide availability and application practices should be
explored. Similarly, the effectiveness and improvement measures in ensuring the safe and
responsible use of pesticides should be observed, analyzed and evaluated accordingly.

To sum up, our report emphasizes on the matter that earth is a common home for all the
living beings in this world. So, the use of organic manure and eco-friendly resources
should be prioritized and mobilized instead of pesticides and other toxic chemical
substances. The usage of pesticides and other chemical substances should be done if and
only if the cases are expert prescribed, necessary and sustainable. Unmanaged and
unprecedented usage of pesticides must be strictly discouraged and punished by the law.
Therefore, people from all walks of lives must come together in order to achieve a
common goal of “Sustainable Development, Prosperous Future.”

27
 REFERENCES

[1] Kim K.et. al. , Exposure to pesticides and the associated human health effects, 2017

[2] Sabarwal A. et. al, Hazardous effects of chemical pesticides on human health, 2018

[3] Nahhal E. et. al., Human Health Risks: Impact of Pesticide Application, 2013

[4] Sharma N. et. al., Effects of Chemical Fertilizers and Pesticides on Human Health and
Environment: A Review, 2017

[5] Sabzewari S. et. al., A worldwide review of currently used pesticides' monitoring in
agricultural soils, 2022

[6] Rani L. et. al., An extensive review on the consequences of chemical pesticides on
human health and environment, 2021

[7] Aryal K. et. al., Health effects of pesticide among vegetable farmers and the
adaptation level of integrated pest management program in Nepal, 2016

[8] Thapa R. et. al., Use of pesticides in Nepal and impact on health and environment,
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[9] https://www.who.int/news-room/questions-and-answers/item/chemical-safety-
pesticides#:~:text=Pesticides%20are%20chemical%20compounds%20that,kill%20pests
%20that%20damage%20crops.

[10] https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S004896971631926X
(Accessed January 2024)

[11] https://www.pitchcare.com/news-media/pesticides-a-brief-history-and-analysis.html
(Accessed January 2024)

[12] https://www.statista.com/statistics/1263077/global-pesticide-agricultural-use/
(Accessed January 2024)

[13]https://books.google.com.np/books?
hl=en&lr=&id=XchwDwAAQBAJ&oi=fnd&pg=PR3&dq=history+of+using+pesticides

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&ots=dNuKINFTif&sig=DLPtAGSStU3lB6GRt_fiHiJFwk4&redir_esc=y#v=onepage&
q=history%20of%20using%20pesticides&f=false(Accessed January 2024)

[14]https://books.google.com.np/books?
hl=en&lr=&id=kuIdBQAAQBAJ&oi=fnd&pg=PP1&dq=history+of+using+pesticides&o
ts=FrFem_LE3T&sig=B1FCXYTm34sK6g4IJer9ojRnj8w&redir_esc=y#v=onepage&q=
history%20of%20using%20pesticides&f=false (Accessed January 2024)

[15] www.wikipedia.com (Accessed January 2024)

[16] https://byjus.com/chemistry/pesticides/ (Accessed January 2024)

[17] https://www.statista.com/statistics/1263077/global-pesticide-agricultural-use/
#:~:text=The%20global%20agricultural%20consumption%20of,nearly
%203.54%20million%20metric%20tons. (Accessed January 2024)

[18] https://www.fao.org/3/cc0918en/cc0918en.pdf (Accessed January 2024)

[19] https://www.fao.org/food-agriculture-statistics/data-release/data-release-detail/en/c/
1644795/ (Accessed January 2024)

[20] Tudi M, et. al., Agriculture Development, Pesticide Application and Its Impact on
the Environment, 2021

[21] https://www.epa.gov/safepestcontrol/why-we-use-pesticides (Accessed January

2024)

[22] https://extension.psu.edu/potential-health-effects-of-pesticides (Accessed January

2024)

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