Research Information System
13th International Multidisciplinary Scientific Geoconference and EXPO, SGEM 2013, Albena, Bulgaria, 16 - 22 June 2013, vol.1, pp.1107-1112, (Full Text)
The use of pesticides has been recognized and accepted as an essential ingredient in the modern agriculture for the control of pests. However, their irrational and unprotected uses are threatening our ecosystem, health and environment. The overuse of pesticides has already resulted in severe environmental deterioration, such as contamination in aquatic ecosystems and groundwater. In addition, pesticide residues in agricultural products can threaten human health through the food web. Organochlorine pesticides (OCPs) persist in the environment for long periods of time, and biomagnify as they move up through the food chain. OCPs are harmful to both humans and the environment. Adverse health effects including reproductive failures, tumor induction, endocrine disruption and cancers can occur. A number of OC pesticides demonstrate weak estrogenic or antiestrogenic effects. It is believed that these compounds may act as a tumor promoter through hormone-mediated effects. Some epidemiologic studies have linked OC pesticides with several hormone-related cancers including breast cancer, and prostate cancer. Organochlorine pesticides have also been demonstrated to be neurotoxic, to cause oxidative stress, and to damage the dopaminergic system. The combination of their persistence in the environment and their potential to damage the dopamine system suggests that organochlorine pesticides may contribute to risk of PD. Exposures during pregnancy to unspecified residential pesticides insecticides, and herbicides were positively associated with childhood leukemia. Exposures during childhood to unspecified residential pesticides and insecticides were also positively associated with childhood leukemia, but there was no association with herbicides. © SGEM2013 All Rights Reserved by the International Multidisciplinary Scientific GeoConference SGEM.