Food and nutrition security: pesticide residues in food

The article aims to present an overview of pesticide usage and population exposure, focusing on the impact on health and the correlation with food and nutrition security (FNS). This review is relevant due to the extensive use of pesticides in food production, which exposes individuals in various ways, including the ingestion of contaminated food, with adverse health effects. Brazil is one of the largest consumers of pesticides in the world, with product sale growth above 200% from 2000 to 2013, increasing the predisposition of the population and environment to the impacts caused by these compounds. The country has weaknesses regarding the monitoring of pesticide usage, besides its vulnerable population affected by social and economic problems. Studies on the correlation between pesticides and diseases have shown potential health risks, including birth defects, hearing loss, cancer, and infertility, in addition to symptoms related to acute intoxication, such as weakness, vomiting, seizures, difficulty breathing, loss of appetite, and nosebleed, among others. Reduction policies in pesticide usage and the encouragement for the sustainable agricultural practices should be prioritized by public managers. It is also essential to improve the monitoring and surveillance programs and research on the topic, as well as training of health professionals to identify and report the cases of pesticide poisoning.

Evaluation of some organochlorine pesticides in human breast milk and infants' dietary intake in middle and Upper Egypt

A total of fifty-four human breast milk samples were collected from Pediatric Department of Assiut University Hospital from lactating mothers during January-August, 2001. The samples were analyzed for organochlorine pesticide residues by using gas chromatography-electron capture detector [GC-ECD]. The results revealed that all detected organochlorine residue levels were markedly lower in comparison with the previously documented levels although they still had the same frequency percentages as recorded previously. The study indicated also that p,p'-DDE and beta-HCH were found to be the main contaminants and were detected in all analyzed samples [100%] followed by HCB [88.9%], p,p'-DDT [83.3%] and oxychlordane [33.3%]. The mean total DDTs level in breast milk samples was 16.166 +/- 14.82 microg/I formed mainly of p,p'-DDE [95%]. The levels ranged from 3.353 to 67.159 microg/I, with levels exceeding the Extraneous Residue Limits [ERLs] issued by FAO/WHO, in 1994 and1996 [50 microg/I] in only 3 samples [5.6%]. The total HCH isomers average was 1.599 +/- 1.595 microg/I milk formed mainly of beta-HCH. HCB and oxychlordane were detected at lower average levels of 0.389 +/- 0.156 and 0.285 +/- 0.175 microg/I milk, respectively. Within the detection limits no sample was found to contain aldrin, dieldrin, heptachlor, heptachlor epoxide, endrin, gamma- and alpha chlordane residues. The estimated daily intakes [EDIs] for total DDTs, gamma-HCH and total HCH residues never exceeded the recommended FAO/WHO acceptable daily intake [ADIs]. The possible health impact of these pollutants was reviewed

Effect of toxaphene toxicity on enzyme activity & residue levels in vital organs of guineapig.

Guineapigs exposed to acute and subacute levels of toxaphene revealed a marginal reduction in the body weight. There was a significant inhibition of acetylcholinesterase and ATPases in the brain, liver and kidney. The effect of subacute toxicity of toxaphene resulted in an enhancement of cytochrome P450 and induction of aniline hydroxylase in liver and kidney. Biochemical investigations on the backbone revealed that toxaphene toxicity caused an increase in the calcium content and a decrease in the collagen content significantly. Toxaphene was accumulated more in the liver than in the kidney as reflected by residue studies.