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Souza MCO, Cruz JC, Cesila CA, Gonzalez N, Rocha BA, Adeyemi JA, Nadal M, Domingo JL, Barbosa F. Recent trends in pesticides in crops: A critical review of the duality of risks-benefits and the Brazilian legislation issue. ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2023; 228:115811. [PMID: 37030406 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2023.115811] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/09/2023] [Revised: 03/28/2023] [Accepted: 03/29/2023] [Indexed: 05/16/2023]
Abstract
Due to the increasing population worldwide, in recent years, an exponential increase in agricultural practices has occurred in order to attend to the growing demand for food. Unfortunately, this increase is not associated with the supply of foodstuffs free of environmental pollutants. In Brazil, agriculture is one of the most important economic pillars, making the country one of the largest consumers of pesticides around the world. The intense use of pesticides, mainly glyphosate, 2,4-D, and atrazine, constitutes an essential factor in the viability of this great agricultural productivity. Sugarcane, corn, soybean, and citrus crops consume around 66% of the total pesticides worldwide, representing 76% of the planted area. Pesticide residues have been frequently detected in food and the environment, becoming a significant concern for human health. Monitoring programs for pesticide use are essential to reduce the potential negative impacts on the environment and improve the overall efficiency and sustainability of their use. However, in Brazil, the approval status of pesticide-active ingredients is very discrepant compared to other agricultural countries. Moreover, the duality of benefits and risks of pesticide application creates an economic and toxicological conflict. In this paper, we have critically reviewed the duality of risks-benefits of the use of pesticides in agriculture and the current Brazilian legislation issues. We have also compared this flawed legislation with other countries with high economic potential. Due to the negative environmental impacts on soil and water by the high levels of pesticides, remediation techniques, sustainable agriculture, and the development of new technologies can be considered some viable alternatives to reduce the levels in these compartments. Besides, this paper includes some recommendations that can be included in the coming years.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marília Cristina Oliveira Souza
- University of Sao Paulo, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences of Ribeirao Preto, Department of Clinical Analyses, Toxicology and Food Sciences. Analytical and System Toxicology Laboratory, Avenida do Cafe s/n°, 14040-903, Ribeirao Preto, Sao Paulo, Brazil.
| | - Jonas Carneiro Cruz
- University of Sao Paulo, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences of Ribeirao Preto, Department of Clinical Analyses, Toxicology and Food Sciences. Analytical and System Toxicology Laboratory, Avenida do Cafe s/n°, 14040-903, Ribeirao Preto, Sao Paulo, Brazil
| | - Cibele Aparecida Cesila
- University of Sao Paulo, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences of Ribeirao Preto, Department of Clinical Analyses, Toxicology and Food Sciences. Analytical and System Toxicology Laboratory, Avenida do Cafe s/n°, 14040-903, Ribeirao Preto, Sao Paulo, Brazil
| | - Neus Gonzalez
- University of Sao Paulo, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences of Ribeirao Preto, Department of Clinical Analyses, Toxicology and Food Sciences. Analytical and System Toxicology Laboratory, Avenida do Cafe s/n°, 14040-903, Ribeirao Preto, Sao Paulo, Brazil; Universitat Rovira i Virgili, Laboratory of Toxicology and Environmental Health, School of Medicine, Sant Llorenç 21, 43201 Reus, Catalonia, Spain; Institut d'Investigació Sanitària Pere Virgili (IISPV), 43204 Reus, Catalonia, Spain
| | - Bruno Alves Rocha
- University of Sao Paulo, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences of Ribeirao Preto, Department of Clinical Analyses, Toxicology and Food Sciences. Analytical and System Toxicology Laboratory, Avenida do Cafe s/n°, 14040-903, Ribeirao Preto, Sao Paulo, Brazil
| | - Joseph A Adeyemi
- University of Sao Paulo, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences of Ribeirao Preto, Department of Clinical Analyses, Toxicology and Food Sciences. Analytical and System Toxicology Laboratory, Avenida do Cafe s/n°, 14040-903, Ribeirao Preto, Sao Paulo, Brazil; Department of Biology, School of Sciences, Federal University of Technology, Akure, Ondo State, Nigeria
| | - Marti Nadal
- Universitat Rovira i Virgili, Laboratory of Toxicology and Environmental Health, School of Medicine, Sant Llorenç 21, 43201 Reus, Catalonia, Spain; Institut d'Investigació Sanitària Pere Virgili (IISPV), 43204 Reus, Catalonia, Spain
| | - José L Domingo
- Universitat Rovira i Virgili, Laboratory of Toxicology and Environmental Health, School of Medicine, Sant Llorenç 21, 43201 Reus, Catalonia, Spain; Institut d'Investigació Sanitària Pere Virgili (IISPV), 43204 Reus, Catalonia, Spain
| | - Fernando Barbosa
- University of Sao Paulo, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences of Ribeirao Preto, Department of Clinical Analyses, Toxicology and Food Sciences. Analytical and System Toxicology Laboratory, Avenida do Cafe s/n°, 14040-903, Ribeirao Preto, Sao Paulo, Brazil
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Improving Access to Export Market for Fresh Vegetables through Reduction of Phytosanitary and Pesticide Residue Constraints. SUSTAINABILITY 2022. [DOI: 10.3390/su14138183] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
The horticultural sector is a key contributor to Kenya’s gross domestic product through the export of fresh-cut flowers, fruits and vegetables to various niche markets. It employs over 350,000 people, while about six million depend on it. However, the sector is constrained by the strict technical and phytosanitary quality requirements set by the export markets. The phytosanitary concerns include the presence of pests and microbial contaminants, while the presence of chemical residues constitute the major technical challenge. These constraints cause the interception and rejection of produce at the export destinations. The fresh produce should be free of quarantine and regulated non-quarantine pests, pest damage, pesticides above the stipulated maximum residue levels (MRLs) and phytosanitary certification. This review discusses the following four-tiered approach to compliance with phytosanitary and pesticide residue requirements: (i) use of alternative pest management approaches, including biocontrol options, cultural and physical practices; (ii) collaboration among regulatory agencies, institutions, producers and regional countries in the enforcement of standards; (iii) investment in research and the adoption of innovative technologies; (iv) awareness creation and training of actors along the fresh vegetable value chain. It is envisaged that this approach will contribute to sustainable fresh vegetable value chains, leading to improved access to export markets, and increased export volumes and income to smallholder farmers and other actors in the fresh vegetable value chain.
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Abanay A, Masmoudi L, El Ansari M, Gonzalez-Jimenez J, Moreno FA. LIDAR-based autonomous navigation method for an agricultural mobile robot in strawberry greenhouse: AgriEco Robot. AIMS ELECTRONICS AND ELECTRICAL ENGINEERING 2022. [DOI: 10.3934/electreng.2022019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
<abstract>
<p>This paper presents an autonomous navigation method for an agricultural mobile robot "AgriEco Robot", with four-wheel-drive and embedded perception sensors. The proposed method allows an accurate guidance between strawberry crop rows while automatically spraying pesticides, as well as detecting the end and switching to the next rows. The main control system was developed using Robot Operating System (ROS) based on a 2D LIDAR sensor. The acquired 2D point clouds data is processed to estimate the robot's heading and lateral offset relative to crop rows. A motion controller is incorporated to ensure the developed autonomous navigation method. Performance in terms of accuracy of the autonomous navigation has been evaluated in real-world conditions within strawberry greenhouses, proving its usefulness for automatic pesticide spraying.</p>
</abstract>
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Affiliation(s)
- Abdelkrim Abanay
- LCS laboratory, Physics Dept., Faculty of Science, Mohammed V University in Rabat, Morocco
| | - Lhoussaine Masmoudi
- LCS laboratory, Physics Dept., Faculty of Science, Mohammed V University in Rabat, Morocco
| | - Mohamed El Ansari
- LIA Laboratory, Computer Science Department, Faculty of Sciences, Moulay Ismail University in Meknes, Morocco
| | - Javier Gonzalez-Jimenez
- Machine Perception and Intelligent Robotics Group (MAPIR-UMA), Malaga Institute for Mechatronics Engineering and Cyber-Physical Systems (IMECH.UMA), Univ. of Malaga, Spain
| | - Francisco-Angel Moreno
- Machine Perception and Intelligent Robotics Group (MAPIR-UMA), Malaga Institute for Mechatronics Engineering and Cyber-Physical Systems (IMECH.UMA), Univ. of Malaga, Spain
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Negatu B, Dugassa S, Mekonnen Y. Environmental and Health Risks of Pesticide Use in Ethiopia. J Health Pollut 2021; 11:210601. [PMID: 34267988 PMCID: PMC8276724 DOI: 10.5696/2156-9614-11.30.210601] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/20/2020] [Accepted: 01/10/2021] [Indexed: 06/01/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND There are frequent reports of unsafe pesticide use in many parts of Africa. Ethiopia is the second most populous nation in Africa with around 80% of the population still depending on agriculture which intensively uses pesticides. A number of studies have examined pesticide-related health and environmental risks in Ethiopia. However, most of these studies have been small in scale and it is therefore challenging to get a general overview of the extent of health risks and level of environmental contamination in the country. OBJECTIVES The aim of the present study was to synthesize and summarize contemporary knowledge on pesticide-related risks and relevant gaps in Ethiopia. METHODS An electronic database search and gathering of grey literature were done to collect information on the risks of pesticide use in Ethiopia. The electronic search was conducted using MEDLINE (via PubMed) without any publication date or language specifications. The Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta Analyses (PRISMA) checklist was used as guide in the creation of this review. DISCUSSION A synthesis of the reviewed studies showed evidence of health risks due to occupational pesticide exposure, surface water pollution with pesticides that could cause chronic health risks to the public, evidence of pesticide contamination of the environment (e.g., soil organisms, fish, bee colonies and wildlife) and local as well as international consumer risks due to pesticide residues in food items. In addition, there have been frequent reports of health and environmental hazards in association with cut-flower farms. There is also evidence of direct use of DDT (dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane) on food crops and detection of DDT residues in surface water, soil and human breast milk. Those reported risks might be due to lack of knowledge among farm workers, negligence of farm owners, absence of post-registration monitoring systems and poor implementation of both national and international regulations in Ethiopia due to poor institutional capacity. CONCLUSIONS The health and environmental risks of inappropriate use of pesticides requires action by all concerned bodies. Improved institutional arrangements for enforcement of regulations, awareness and further intervention studies could lessen the high risks of pesticide misuse. COMPETING INTERESTS The authors declare no competing financial interests.
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Affiliation(s)
- Beyene Negatu
- Pesticide Registration and Control, Ministry of Agriculture, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
| | - Sisay Dugassa
- Aklilu Lemma Institute of Pathobiology, Addis Ababa University, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
| | - Yalemtshay Mekonnen
- College of Natural and Computational Sciences, Addis Ababa University, Ethiopia
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Pesticide usage practices as sources of occupational exposure and health impacts on horticultural farmers in Meru County, Kenya. Heliyon 2021; 7:e06118. [PMID: 33659728 PMCID: PMC7892894 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2021.e06118] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/26/2020] [Revised: 09/15/2020] [Accepted: 01/25/2021] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
This study assessed pesticide usage practices, knowledge and health effects of pesticides through occupational exposure in randomly selected horticultural farmers in Imenti North, Imenti South and Buuri Sub-counties in Meru, Kenya, where horticultural crops are grown intensively for export and local consumption. The study was done through use of questionnaire distributed to farmers' households, agricultural extension workers and health care workers. The survey established that various classes of pesticides were used in horticultural crop farming and animal production in all the three sub-counties, with the most frequently used (>60 respondents out of 173) being parathion, diazinon, dimethoate, permethrin, pirimiphos methyl, endrin, deltamethrin, dieldrin, propoxur and endosulfan. It was found that there is a gap between the existing government regulations on pesticide use and safe handling and the implementation of these regulations by dealers, farmers and farm workers in the three sub-counties as some of the pesticides that were being used such as parathion, endrin, dieldrin and carbofuran had been banned by the government. Although most farmers had general information on pesticide usage through various social groups and contact with agricultural extension workers, only 32-43 % of the farmers had received training on pesticide handling and use. Most farmers (65%) had knowledge of safe pesticide handling procedures including reading labels on packages and wearing protective clothing; but many farmers (44% in Buuri, 57% in Imenti South and 60% in Imenti North) did not wear the requisite protective clothing when applying pesticides. The agricultural extension workers (52%) and health care workers (59%) were trained in their work and had at least a certificate level qualification from a tertiary institution. Most agricultural extension workers (95%) and health care workers (71%) had experience of dealing with pesticides and knew how to administer 1st AID against pesticide poisoning, respectively. Farmers (26%) reported experiencing health effects after using pesticides, with most effects being felt after using dimethoate, malathion, carbofuran, carbaryl and heptachlor. There was a statistically significant (p < 0.05) association between various factors (availability of protective clothing, hiring of labourers, farm land size, expenditure on pesticides and expenditure on treatment, respectively) on intoxication from pesticide exposure.
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Purba KF, Yazid M, Hasmeda M, Adriani D, Tafarini MF. The sustainability of rice farming practices in Tidal swamplands of South Sumatra Indonesia. POTRAVINARSTVO 2021. [DOI: 10.5219/1473] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Tidal swamplands are considered the national food security platform in Indonesia. Residues from the excessive chemical input used in the rice production affecting the environment, farmers’ health, and the safety of the product. Similarly, one can expect that excessive chemical use in tidal swamplands can also threaten rice production system sustainability. This study aimed to assess and identify factors influencing the sustainability of rice farming practices in tidal swamplands of South Sumatra, Indonesia. A survey was carried out to obtain information through direct interviews with 150 farmers in Muara Telang, South Sumatra, Indonesia. The Indonesia rice check was employed as indicators to assess the sustainability of rice farming practices in tidal swamplands. A percentage index was to categorize the sustainability status. A regression analysis with the Tobit model was applied to identify factors influencing the sustainability of rice farming practices. The result showed that the average sustainability index was 25.53%. It indicated rice farming practices in tidal swamplands tend to be unsustainable. The significant factors influencing the sustainability of rice farming practices were farmer’s education and household size. A policy recommendation is proposed to enhance the implementation of sustainable agriculture practices by the rice farmers in tidal swamplands.
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Adeyemi JA, Ukwenya VO, Arowolo OK, Olise CC. Pesticides-induced Cardiovascular Dysfunctions: Prevalence and Associated Mechanisms. Curr Hypertens Rev 2021; 17:27-34. [PMID: 33430736 DOI: 10.2174/1573402117666210111102508] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/18/2020] [Revised: 10/24/2020] [Accepted: 10/28/2020] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Increased applications of pesticides, mainly in agriculture and public health, have resulted in increased chances of human exposure to pesticides. Chronic exposure to pesticides has been implicated in several human diseases, including cardiovascular diseases. Cardiovascular diseases are broadly used for various heart pathological conditions, including a defect in blood vessels, and they include myocardial infarction, atherosclerosis, stroke, cardiomyopathy, coronary heart disease, etc. In this review, the association between human exposure to pesticides and the development of cardiovascular diseases was discussed using epidemiological and laboratory data. The toxicokinetics of pesticides in humans was reviewed, as well as the risk factors for cardiovascular diseases. The important role of oxidative stress principally the induction of reactive oxygen species as the signaling molecules for various signaling pathways involved in pesticides-induced cardiovascular disease, was discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joseph A Adeyemi
- Department of Biology, School of Sciences, Federal University of Technology, P.M.B. 704, Akure, Ondo State, Nigeria
| | - Victor O Ukwenya
- Department of Human Anatomy, School of Health and Health Technology, Federal University of Technology, P.M.B. 704, Akure, Ondo State, Nigeria
| | - Olatunbosun K Arowolo
- Department of Biology, School of Sciences, Federal University of Technology, P.M.B. 704, Akure, Ondo State, Nigeria
| | - Christian C Olise
- Department of Biology, School of Sciences, Federal University of Technology, P.M.B. 704, Akure, Ondo State, Nigeria
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Nassar PPM, Ribeiro MG. Considerations for cholinesterase biomonitoring in flower and ornamental plant greenhouse workers. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2020; 711:135228. [PMID: 31822418 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2019.135228] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/05/2019] [Revised: 10/23/2019] [Accepted: 10/25/2019] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
Flower cultivation in greenhouses enhances productivity and ensures high-quality product supply throughout the year. However, under such protected environments, climate conditions are designed to favor flower growth and can intensify occupational exposure to pesticides. In this study, flower greenhouse workers were tested for cholinesterase inhibition, a valuable indicator of occupational exposure to organophosphate and carbamate pesticides. The quantified inhibition was also associated with working practices using these outcomes to explore ways in which provisions of regulatory Occupational Health Control Programs can be met considering the peculiarities of this working environment. Despite their preliminary nature, and considering that workers had not been previously tested, the obtained results suggested that the designed pre- and post-screening process, enabled biomonitoring of the exposed population. The pre-exposure sample was collected after 11 days from pesticide spraying and the post-exposure sample was collected no later than 10 days after pesticide spraying. AChE activity was significantly depressed in flower greenhouse workers, comparing pre- and post-exposure intervals. Nursery workers, often overlooked, presented greater inhibition of AChE activity. Such finding is consistent with effects believed to be associated with the described job and the way activities are conducted, once nursery workers are regularly exposed to low levels of pesticides owing to their continuous contact with sprayed crops. As predicted by Occupational Safety and Health Standards, establishing biomonitoring programs is achievable, despite the intensive use of pesticides. Quantification is important to target the exposed population but is not sufficient to assure good working conditions and avoid exposure. Administrative and working practices, such as job misclassification, non-compliance with national regulations for occupational health control, pesticide handling, lack of REI protocols, and unsuitable delivery of PPE, must be addressed. Anything less will contribute to worsening an already bleak picture in terms of occupational safety and health in flower and ornamental plant greenhouses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paula Peixoto Monteiro Nassar
- Fundação Jorge Duprat Figueiredo de Segurança e Medicina do Trabalho (FUNDACENTRO), Rua Capote Valente 710, CEP 05409-002, São Paulo, SP, Brazil.
| | - Marcela Gerardo Ribeiro
- Fundação Jorge Duprat Figueiredo de Segurança e Medicina do Trabalho (FUNDACENTRO), Rua Capote Valente 710, CEP 05409-002, São Paulo, SP, Brazil.
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Comet assay genotoxicity evaluation of occupationally exposed tea-garden workers in northern West Bengal, India. MUTATION RESEARCH-GENETIC TOXICOLOGY AND ENVIRONMENTAL MUTAGENESIS 2019; 844:1-9. [DOI: 10.1016/j.mrgentox.2019.06.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2019] [Revised: 06/13/2019] [Accepted: 06/17/2019] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
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The Actors, Rules and Regulations Linked to Export Horticulture Production and Access to Land and Water as Common Pool Resources in Laikipia County, Northwest Mount Kenya. LAND 2018. [DOI: 10.3390/land7030110] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Agriculture is the backbone of Kenya’s economy, supporting up to 80% of rural livelihoods. Kenya’s export horticulture is currently the leading agriculture subsector in Kenya and is regarded as an agro-industrial food system based on the economies of scale, producing for mass markets outside of the production area. Much of the food consumed from Kenya’s export horticulture sector has undergone multiple transformations and been subject to a host of formal and informal institutions (rules, regulations, standards, norms and values). Kenya’s export horticulture production, driven by rising global demands, has expanded beyond the ‘traditional’ mountainous high yielding areas into arid and semi-arid (ASALs) zones such as Laikipia County, Northwest of Mount Kenya. An anthropological study of export horticulture viewed as an agro-industrial food system in Laikipia County was carried out utilizing the new institutionalism theory in anthropology to explore the actors, rules and regulations linked to export horticulture production and access to common pool resources. The study employed qualitative data collection methods to collect data over an extended field work period of eight months. The data from 40 in-depth interviews complemented by unstructured observations, four focus group discussions and five key informant interviews was transcribed, coded and analyzed thematically based on the grounded theory approach. This paper, therefore, presents findings from the qualitative case study on the actors as well as the rules and regulations (the institutional settings) of export horticulture production and access to common pool resources from an emic perspective of the involved actors. The formal and informal rules and regulations which form the institutional setting in this food system are viewed as changing and defining the operations of the food system’s access and management of common pool resources, namely water and land. With the agro-industrial food system competing with local food systems such as agro-pastoralism and small holder agriculture for these scarce resources in a semi-arid zone, there is potential for conflict and reduced production, as well as overall benefits to the different actors in the study area.
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11
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Zaehringer JG, Wambugu G, Kiteme B, Eckert S. How do large-scale agricultural investments affect land use and the environment on the western slopes of Mount Kenya? Empirical evidence based on small-scale farmers' perceptions and remote sensing. JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT 2018; 213:79-89. [PMID: 29477853 DOI: 10.1016/j.jenvman.2018.02.019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/14/2017] [Revised: 01/31/2018] [Accepted: 02/05/2018] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
Africa has been heavily targeted by large-scale agricultural investments (LAIs) throughout the last decade, with scarcely known impacts on local social-ecological systems. In Kenya, a large number of LAIs were made in the region northwest of Mount Kenya. These large-scale farms produce vegetables and flowers mainly for European markets. However, land use in the region remains dominated by small-scale crop and livestock farms with less than 1 ha of land each, who produce both for their own subsistence and for the local markets. We interviewed 100 small-scale farmers living near five different LAIs to elicit their perceptions of the impacts that these LAIs have on their land use and the overall environment. Furthermore, we analyzed remotely sensed land cover and land use data to assess land use change in the vicinity of the five LAIs. While land use change did not follow a clear trend, a number of small-scale farmers did adapt their crop management to environmental changes such as a reduced river water flows and increased pests, which they attributed to the presence of LAIs. Despite the high number of open conflicts between small-scale land users and LAIs around the issue of river water abstraction, the main environmental impact, felt by almost half of the interviewed land users, was air pollution with agrochemicals sprayed on the LAIs' land. Even though only a low percentage of local land users and their household members were directly involved with LAIs, a large majority of respondents favored the presence of LAIs nearby, as they are believed to contribute to the region's overall economic development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julie G Zaehringer
- Centre for Development and Environment, University of Bern, Hallerstrasse 10, CH-3012 Bern, Switzerland.
| | - Grace Wambugu
- Centre for Training and Integrated Research in ASAL Development, Nanyuki, Kenya.
| | - Boniface Kiteme
- Centre for Training and Integrated Research in ASAL Development, Nanyuki, Kenya.
| | - Sandra Eckert
- Centre for Development and Environment, University of Bern, Hallerstrasse 10, CH-3012 Bern, Switzerland.
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Mrema EJ, Ngowi AV, Kishinhi SS, Mamuya SH. Pesticide Exposure and Health Problems Among Female Horticulture Workers in Tanzania. ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH INSIGHTS 2017; 11:1178630217715237. [PMID: 28690397 PMCID: PMC5484550 DOI: 10.1177/1178630217715237] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/25/2016] [Accepted: 05/22/2017] [Indexed: 05/28/2023]
Abstract
Commercialization of horticulture farming, expansion of farms, and the practice of monoculture favor the proliferation of pests, which in turn increases the need for pesticides. Increased exposure to pesticides is associated with inadequate knowledge on the hazardous nature of pesticides, poor hygiene practices, lack of availability of washing facilities, and insufficient adherence to precautionary instructions on pesticide labels. Mitigating the risks posed by pesticides is considered a less compelling interest than alleviating poverty. Women working in horticulture in Tanzania usually have low levels of education and income and lack decision-making power even on matters relating to their own health. This contributes to pesticide exposure and other health challenges. Because of multiple factors, some of which act as study confounders, few studies on exposure to pesticides and health effects have been conducted among women. This review identified factors that contribute to the increased health effects among women working in the horticultural industry and how these effects relate to pesticide exposure.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Aiwerasia Vera Ngowi
- CORRESPONDING AUTHOR: Aiwerasia Vera Ngowi, Department of Environmental and Occupational Health, School of Public Health and Social Sciences, Muhimbili University of Health and Allied Sciences, P. O. Box 65015, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania.
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13
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Costa C, Miozzi E, Teodoro M, Briguglio G, Rapisarda V, Fenga C. New insights on 'old' toxicants in occupational toxicology (Review). Mol Med Rep 2017; 15:3317-3322. [PMID: 28339055 DOI: 10.3892/mmr.2017.6374] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/28/2016] [Accepted: 02/09/2017] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
In order to deliver the best possible working environment, it is essential to identify professional conditions that could be harmful for worker's health and prevent (or limit) the occurrence of such conditions. The appropriate use of personal protective equipment and the development of appropriate regulations allowed to reduce the prevalence of 'classic' occupational diseases, such as occupational hearing loss or asbestosis, just to name a few. Nowadays, environmental pollution seems to be one of the most relevant concerns for human and animal health, and toxicology is becoming one of the most prominent fields of interest in occupational settings. An increasing number of studies demonstrate that the presence of toxicants in the workplace could be responsible for the development of chronic diseases, even at doses that were considered 'safe'. The present review summarizes some of the most recent advancements in occupational toxicology, focusing on topics that have long been debated in the past and that have recently returned to the fore.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chiara Costa
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Messina, Policlinico 'G. Martino', I‑98125 Messina, Italy
| | - Edoardo Miozzi
- Section of Occupational Medicine, Department of Biomedical, Odontoiatric, Morphological and Functional Images, University of Messina, Policlinico 'G. Martino', I‑98125 Messina, Italy
| | - Michele Teodoro
- Section of Occupational Medicine, Department of Biomedical, Odontoiatric, Morphological and Functional Images, University of Messina, Policlinico 'G. Martino', I‑98125 Messina, Italy
| | - Giusi Briguglio
- Section of Occupational Medicine, Department of Biomedical, Odontoiatric, Morphological and Functional Images, University of Messina, Policlinico 'G. Martino', I‑98125 Messina, Italy
| | - Venerando Rapisarda
- Section of Occupational Medicine, Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Catania, I‑95124 Catania, Italy
| | - Concettina Fenga
- Section of Occupational Medicine, Department of Biomedical, Odontoiatric, Morphological and Functional Images, University of Messina, Policlinico 'G. Martino', I‑98125 Messina, Italy
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Retinoic acid exacerbates chlorpyrifos action in ensuing adipogenic differentiation of C3H10T½ cells in a GSK3β dependent pathway. PLoS One 2017; 12:e0173031. [PMID: 28291828 PMCID: PMC5349446 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0173031] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/07/2016] [Accepted: 02/14/2017] [Indexed: 01/15/2023] Open
Abstract
The cell differentiation can be exploited as a paradigm to evaluate the effects of noxious chemicals, on human health, either alone or in combinations. In this regard, the effect of a known cell differentiation agent, retinoic acid (RA) was analyzed in the presence of a noxious chemical chlorpyrifos (CPF), an organophosphate (OP), the receptors of which have recently been localized to mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs). The observed imbalance of adipogenic to skeletal differentiation by CPF together with conundrum about adipogenic potential of RA prompted us to delineate their combinatorial effects on C3H10T½MSC-like undifferentiated cells. Based on MTT assay, the cellular viability was retained by CPF at concentrations ranging from 0.01–50μM, beyond which it caused cytotoxicity. These non-toxic concentrations also mildly interfered with adipogenesis of C3H10T½ cells following exposure to adipogenic cocktail. However, upon exposure to RA alone, these MSCs adopted elongated morphology and accumulated lipid vesicles, by day 20, as discerned by phase-contrast and transmission electron microscopy (TEM), in concert with enhanced Oil Red O stained cells. This effect got strongly augmented upon exposure to combination of CPF and RA in a dose-dependent manner. Simultaneous up-regulation in perilipin-1 (PLIN1) and adipsin (ADN) genes, additionally reiterated the adipogenic differentiation. Mechanistically, GSK3β pathway was found to be a major player, whereby inhibiting it with lithium chloride (LiCl) resulted in complete blockage of lipid accumulation, accompanied by complete down regulation of PLIN1 and ADN gene expression. In conclusion, these observations for the first time, lend evidence that exposure of CPF accompanied by RA directs commitment of C3H10T½ cells to adipogenic differentiation through a process involving a crosstalk at GSK3β signaling.
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Diamondback Moth, Plutella xylostella (L.) in Southern Africa: Research Trends, Challenges and Insights on Sustainable Management Options. SUSTAINABILITY 2017. [DOI: 10.3390/su9020091] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
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16
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Gangemi S, Gofita E, Costa C, Teodoro M, Briguglio G, Nikitovic D, Tzanakakis G, Tsatsakis AM, Wilks MF, Spandidos DA, Fenga C. Occupational and environmental exposure to pesticides and cytokine pathways in chronic diseases (Review). Int J Mol Med 2016; 38:1012-20. [PMID: 27600395 PMCID: PMC5029960 DOI: 10.3892/ijmm.2016.2728] [Citation(s) in RCA: 99] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/04/2016] [Accepted: 08/23/2016] [Indexed: 01/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Pesticides can exert numerous effects on human health as a consequence of both environmental and occupational exposures. The available knowledge base suggests that exposure to pesticides may result in detrimental reproductive changes, neurological dysfunction and several chronic disorders, which are defined by slow evolution and long-term duration. Moreover, an ever increasing amount of data have identified an association between exposure to pesticides and the harmful effects on the immune system. The real impact of alterations in humoral cytokine levels on human health, in particular in the case of chronic diseases, is still unclear. To date, studies have suggested that although exposure to pesticides can affect the immune system functionally, the development of immune disorders depends on the dose and duration of exposure to pesticides. However, many of the respective studies exhibit limitations, such as a lack of information on exposure levels, differences in the pesticide administration procedures, difficulty in characterizing a prognostic significance to the weak modifications often observed and the interpretation of obtained results. The main challenge is not just to understand the role of individual pesticides and their combinations, but also to determine the manner and the duration of exposure, as the toxic effects on the immune system cannot be separated from these considerations. There is a clear need for more well-designed and standardized epidemiological and experimental studies to recognize the exact association between exposure levels and toxic effects and to identify useful biomarkers of exposure. This review focuses on and critically discusses the immunotoxicity of pesticides and the impact of cytokine levels on health, focusing on the development of several chronic diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Silvia Gangemi
- Department of Biomedical, Odontoiatric, Morphological and Functional Images, Occupational Medicine Section, 'Policlinico G. Martino' Hospital, University of Messina, I‑98125 Messina, Italy
| | - Eliza Gofita
- Department of Toxicology, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 200349 Craiova, Romania
| | - Chiara Costa
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Messina, I‑98125 Messina, Italy
| | - Michele Teodoro
- Department of Biomedical, Odontoiatric, Morphological and Functional Images, Occupational Medicine Section, 'Policlinico G. Martino' Hospital, University of Messina, I‑98125 Messina, Italy
| | - Giusi Briguglio
- Department of Biomedical, Odontoiatric, Morphological and Functional Images, Occupational Medicine Section, 'Policlinico G. Martino' Hospital, University of Messina, I‑98125 Messina, Italy
| | - Dragana Nikitovic
- Laboratory of Anatomy‑Histology‑Embryology, Medical School, University of Crete, Heraklion 71003, Greece
| | - George Tzanakakis
- Laboratory of Anatomy‑Histology‑Embryology, Medical School, University of Crete, Heraklion 71003, Greece
| | - Aristides M Tsatsakis
- Department of Forensic Sciences and Toxicology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Crete, Heraklion 71003, Greece
| | - Martin F Wilks
- Swiss Centre for Applied Human Toxicology, University of Basel, CH‑4055 Basel, Switzerland
| | - Demetrios A Spandidos
- Laboratory of Clinical Virology, Medical School, University of Crete, Heraklion 71003, Greece
| | - Concettina Fenga
- Department of Biomedical, Odontoiatric, Morphological and Functional Images, Occupational Medicine Section, 'Policlinico G. Martino' Hospital, University of Messina, I‑98125 Messina, Italy
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Improving Farming Practices for Sustainable Soil Use in the Humid Tropics and Rainforest Ecosystem Health. SUSTAINABILITY 2016. [DOI: 10.3390/su8090841] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
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18
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Sekhotha MM, Monyeki KD, Sibuyi ME. Exposure to Agrochemicals and Cardiovascular Disease: A Review. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2016; 13:229. [PMID: 26901215 PMCID: PMC4772249 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph13020229] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/13/2015] [Revised: 02/01/2016] [Accepted: 02/03/2016] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION In the agricultural world there is a continuous loss of food, fiber and other commodities due to pests, disease and weeds before harvesting time. These losses had create lots of financial burden to the farm owners that might lead to shutting down of their daily business. Worldwide, there is an overall very high loss of agricultural products due to weeds growth alone. To counteract this problem most farmers resort to the use of agrochemicals to increase their production but compromising the health of their farmworkers. The purpose of the study will be to assess the relationship between the agrochemical particles and cardiovascular diseases among farmworkers. METHOD Non-systematic review was used to collect data. The following database were use: Medline, EBSCO, and Science Direct to search for the existing journal articles. RESULTS This study addresses the relationship between agrochemicals particles and cardiovascular diseases in the farming industries using literature review. DISCUSSION Other researchers had already done an extensive research on the pathway of potential mechanisms linking the ultrafine particulate matter to cardiovascular diseases. The outcomes of those investigations were the clinical results of events that might lead to the development of myocardial infarction, congestive heart failure (CHF), stroke, arrhythmia and sudden death. Xenobiotic compounds that maybe implicated in the pathophysiology of human cardiovascular diseases, will be examined and included in this study. There is compelling evidence suggesting that toxic free radicals of pesticides play an important role in human health. CONCLUSION There is a close relationship between agrochemicals particle and cardiovascular diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matome M Sekhotha
- Department of Physiology and Environmental Health, School of Molecular Science and Agriculture, University of Limpopo (Mankweng Campus), Private bag X 1106, Sovenga 0727, South Africa.
| | - Kotsedi D Monyeki
- Department of Physiology and Environmental Health, School of Molecular Science and Agriculture, University of Limpopo (Mankweng Campus), Private bag X 1106, Sovenga 0727, South Africa.
| | - Masezi E Sibuyi
- Department of Physiology and Environmental Health, School of Molecular Science and Agriculture, University of Limpopo (Mankweng Campus), Private bag X 1106, Sovenga 0727, South Africa.
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