Management and control of agri-chemical pesticides: any progress?

Issues related to agri-chemical pesticides usage and poisonings in South Africa have been well documented. Under-reporting of information required to determine the size of the problem complicates current surveillance and prevention programmes. The study aimed to determine: the procedure for reporting and follow-up of cases of agricultural pesticide poisonings; which factors contributed to the poisoning cases; and whether a biological monitoring programme was in place at the time of 110 reported cases of agri-chemical poisonings on farms in the Boland Health District between 1997 and 2000. A retrospective descriptive survey design involving a record review was applied. The study found that the cases were poorly reported. The follow up system at the local level between local government officials and the farmers was not efficient for the prevention of agrichemical poisonings. The contributory factors were insufficient information and training; the incorrect use of personal protective equipment; the lack of safety of the agri-chemical store; and the absence of a monitoring system on the majority of farms. This study demonstrated that the notification of agricultural chemical poisoning was applied in a fragmentary manner between the different governmental levels and departments

Determination of pesticide residues in Khat leaves by Solid-phase extraction and High-Performance Liquid Chromatography

The purpose of this investigation is to develop a simple method for the assessment of pesticides in Khat leaves; Catha edulis FORSK. (Celastraceae) shrub; chewed by about 60of the Yemeni people; producing amphetamine-like psychostimulation. The first procedures involve solid-phase extraction using Adsorbexr RP-C18 and Bakerbondr RP-C18 disposable cartridges with 40acetonitrile for elution. Isocratic and gradient analysis was carried out by means of high-performance liquid chromatography using different stationary phases to analyse methidathion; peconazole and dimethoate. An UltrasphererODS RP-18-column with UV-detection at 210 nm and 80/20(v/v) acetonitrile/water as mobile phase (isocratic) was used to determine the content of methidathion; peconazole and dimethoate (detection limit 20-25 ng). The method was validated with fortified samples at pesticide concentration of 0.1 mg/ml. Average recoveries ranging from 97.9 and 101.6with a relative standard deviation(RSD) of 1.7-3.8. Each recovery analysis was repeated four times. Limits of detection ranged from the analytical procedures were applied to 5 samples of khat and no detectable amounts of pesticides were found in any sample under the conditions described

Pesticidal and insecticidal effect of campsis grandiflora (thumb.)

Campsis grandiflora (Thunb.); the Indian trumpet creeper; is commonly grown for ornament. In the present study; the aqueous extract of the leaves of the climber was evaluated for its pesticidal and insecticidal activities. A direct relationship was observed between the dose and the percentage larval mortality. Dosage values as expressed in log terms were; 1.398; 1.301; 1.230; 1.176 and 1.079 for 0.25; 0.20; 0.17; 0.15 and 0.12 ppm dose concentrations; respectively. For the insecticidal study; the percentage insect mortality was found to increase with the corresponding increase in dosage; indicating a direct relationship between the two. Highest insect mortality of 80

The status of pesticide usage in East Africa

A descriptive epidemiologic study using pretested questionnaires was conducted in East Africa in 1989/90 and looked at various types of pesticides in current usage in the region especially with regard to their procurement; distribution and utilization. Hospital records were examined for reported cases of pesticide poisoning as well as assessing the knowledge and the awareness of health care providers on the recognition and potential of pesticide poisoning. The main pesticide importers in the region were the Ministries of Agriculture whereas distribution was dominated by co-operative unions. Although pesticide regulatory mechanisms existed; their weak structures enabled the importation and usage of pesticides no longer in use in the countries of origin. Incidents of abuse were noted; as in the use of organochlorine pesticides on food crops and reported poisoning cases in the district hospitals where Kenya and Tanzania reported 455 and 736 cases respectively. Though tentative; more than 40 per cent of the health care professionals interviewed could not recognise pesticide poisoning cases. Therefore to avert pesticide related morbidity and mortality in the region; pesticide regulatory bodies need strenghning while pesticide users; the general public and health care workers should be educated on pesticides

An outbreak of acute toxicity caused by eating food contaminated with datura stramonium

The authors report methods used to characterize an outbreak of food-borne acute toxicity among the labour force of a cotton plantation in Middle Awash Agricultural Development Enterprise in July and August 1984. Among 1492 patients seen at the Enterprise and Ministry of Health clinics during this period; 688 (46.1 per cent) exhibited unusual signs and symptoms. Thirty three patients required hospitalization for intensive medical care while nine patients were reported to have died due to this condition.Contamination of corn flour with pesticides was initially suspected and laboratory animal tests were carried out which failed to show any signs of acute toxicity. Investigation of the source of the corn and its processing was simultaneously conducted and revealed the contamination of the corn with seeds of an indigenous plant identified as Datura stramonium; an antimuscarinic alkaloid. These alkaloids contain hyoscine and hyoscyamine which is known to have toxic effect on the exocrine glands; heart; and the autonomic nervous system in man. Signs and symptoms observed in the patients and preventive measures implemented are discussed

Actellic

A brochure to promote the safe use of the pesticide Actellic