276
widespread in general population whereas the main sources of EDCs in aquatic
environment are due to scattered dwellings, municipal treatment plants and waters
from agricultural fields (Table 17.2). Literature published in 2005 reported consumer’s intake even for long-term exposure is always lower than acceptable daily
intakes (ADI) [38] whereas 26.7% samples showed a significant upward trend in the
later years. Highest concentration of EDCs was determined from the tissues of
humans or animals present at the top of food chain. Several studies are available to
present the difference between ADI and EDI [37].
Passive samplers also proved the presence of pesticides in streams. Denmark
government in 1995 published a report to explain disorder of the reproductive system caused by the pesticides influence. In 2002, work of national strategy about
EDCs was presented and in 2008 a booklet containing information on EDCs effects
especially on pregnant women as well as parents of small children was published by
Danish Government. Danish EPA [2012a] published an information booklet with
title “Expecting a baby? Advice about chemicals and pregnancy” after survey
between July 2011 and March 2013 [39]. It has been determined that ≤0.1% pesticide of total pesticides for weed reached to its target site while rest is lost via photo
degradation, spray drift, etc., thereby increasing the crop protection cost as well as
severe environmental consequences. Although pesticides are indispensable for crop
protection or to fulfill energy needs yet techniques to improve the efficacy, to reduce
residue concentration in food chain or in environment are still in infancy. It can be
concluded that current agricultural pesticide uses, objectives and their related policies failed in many aspects beyond their sustainable practice.
Pesticides and Human Health
Large scale causalities in the start of the twentieth century due to exposure with
heavy concentration of pesticides resulted in general public awareness. More than
4000 cases of porphyria due to HCB ingestion was reported in Eastern Turkey from
1956 to 1961 [40]. Between 1968 and 1979, strong positive relation was developed
between “Yusho” (oil disease) and contaminated cooking oil. In 1962 and 197, use of
well-known herbicide, orange agent including 2,3,7,8-tetrachlorobenzo-p-dioxin
(TCDD) is correlated with chronic lymphocytic leukemia, chloracne, Hodgkin’s disease [41]. It has also investigated (Fig. 17.4) that heart diseases, hypertension, depression, respiratory disorders, skin disorders, non-insulin dependent diabetes mellitus
(NIDDM, type 2 diabetes) are strongly associated with pesticide exposure [42].
Likewise, mass poisoning incidences indicated that pesticides are toxic at
high levels. Serious health issues like birth defects, diseases, and deaths are associated with exposure of humans or animals with pesticides at high levels. The
specific health issues can be allergies, cancer, immunological disorders, and
reproductive health concerns. A causal relationship between chronic effects of
low exposure of pesticides as compared to acute toxicities with high concentration has been developed which initially not possible. According to WHO reports
S. Kamal et al.
widespread in general population whereas the main sources of EDCs in aquatic
environment are due to scattered dwellings, municipal treatment plants and waters
from agricultural fields (Table 17.2). Literature published in 2005 reported consumer’s intake even for long-term exposure is always lower than acceptable daily
intakes (ADI) [38] whereas 26.7% samples showed a significant upward trend in the
later years. Highest concentration of EDCs was determined from the tissues of
humans or animals present at the top of food chain. Several studies are available to
present the difference between ADI and EDI [37].
Passive samplers also proved the presence of pesticides in streams. Denmark
government in 1995 published a report to explain disorder of the reproductive system caused by the pesticides influence. In 2002, work of national strategy about
EDCs was presented and in 2008 a booklet containing information on EDCs effects
especially on pregnant women as well as parents of small children was published by
Danish Government. Danish EPA [2012a] published an information booklet with
title “Expecting a baby? Advice about chemicals and pregnancy” after survey
between July 2011 and March 2013 [39]. It has been determined that ≤0.1% pesticide of total pesticides for weed reached to its target site while rest is lost via photo
degradation, spray drift, etc., thereby increasing the crop protection cost as well as
severe environmental consequences. Although pesticides are indispensable for crop
protection or to fulfill energy needs yet techniques to improve the efficacy, to reduce
residue concentration in food chain or in environment are still in infancy. It can be
concluded that current agricultural pesticide uses, objectives and their related policies failed in many aspects beyond their sustainable practice.
Pesticides and Human Health
Large scale causalities in the start of the twentieth century due to exposure with
heavy concentration of pesticides resulted in general public awareness. More than
4000 cases of porphyria due to HCB ingestion was reported in Eastern Turkey from
1956 to 1961 [40]. Between 1968 and 1979, strong positive relation was developed
between “Yusho” (oil disease) and contaminated cooking oil. In 1962 and 197, use of
well-known herbicide, orange agent including 2,3,7,8-tetrachlorobenzo-p-dioxin
(TCDD) is correlated with chronic lymphocytic leukemia, chloracne, Hodgkin’s disease [41]. It has also investigated (Fig. 17.4) that heart diseases, hypertension, depression, respiratory disorders, skin disorders, non-insulin dependent diabetes mellitus
(NIDDM, type 2 diabetes) are strongly associated with pesticide exposure [42].
Likewise, mass poisoning incidences indicated that pesticides are toxic at
high levels. Serious health issues like birth defects, diseases, and deaths are associated with exposure of humans or animals with pesticides at high levels. The
specific health issues can be allergies, cancer, immunological disorders, and
reproductive health concerns. A causal relationship between chronic effects of
low exposure of pesticides as compared to acute toxicities with high concentration has been developed which initially not possible. According to WHO reports
S. Kamal et al.