The agromedical approach : General considerations

Human health and agriculture are inextricably related. A balanced nutrition provided by a productive agriculture contributes to the health and wellbeing of man, improves his resistance to disease, and enhances his capability for productivity. A variety of pest reduce agricultural productivity by as much as 50 per cent or more and are also carriers of human disease. Pest control, therefore, is essential to the well-being of society. Chemicals are extensively used for pest control, but, when improperly used, contribute to both health and environmental problems. An approach called the "Agromedical Approach" has evolved for insuring proper use of pesticides, protection of human health and encouragement of production of agriculture (AU)

What are pesticides and how they are used?

The purpose of this chapter is to introduce the reader to the types of chemicals used as pesticides. The chemicals are prepared in various formulations - dusts, granulars, liquids, two types of emulsifiable liquids, etc. The toxicity of a chemical depends not only upon its innate properties, but also on the manner and amount used. The effects (if any) produced are a function of the dose-response relationship. Hazards with chemicals can be minimized by a knowledge of what is involved and by taking the proper protective measures. The types of chemicals used as pesticides are illustrated in this chapter. The chemical and physical properties as they relate to the behavior in the environment and toxicity are briefly described. Thus, knowing such properties as vapor pressure, water solubility and reactivity becomes a basis for predicting adsorption by soil and other surfaces, the escape of the chemical as a vapor, and the possible bioaccumulation. The quantitative relationships that have been developed are briefly described and the application indicated. This information when properly used enables one to predict the probable behavior of the compound in the environment, where it is likely to accumulate, and to deduce the proper methods for formulation, application and use so as to achieve the safest and most effective utilization (AU)

Pesticide monitoring and human concerns

The bottom line of all monitoring programs is to protect the health and welfare of man and the environment. At present the major thrust of pesticide monitoring programs is food analysis which is concerned with the compliance of regulations. Existing human monitoring data indicates that there is an urgent need in the future to better harmonize food monitoring programs with existing human tissue and environmental monitoring programs (AU)

Worker protection

The manufacture, handling and use of chemicals almost inevitably lead to some exposure. Relatively simple procedures, if followed, can afford considerable protection to the worker. Thus comfortable protective clothing and masks coupled with personal hygiene can reduce the likelihood of serious poisoning. Ordinary clothing can be made somewhat repellent to chemical without loss of comfort. Techniques of application can also reduce exposure levels. Training of workers results in not only greater safety but also more effective workers (AU)

Application of pesticides

This chapter discusses methods for the effective and safe application of pesticides. Special emphasis is placed on the importance of following the directions on pesticide labels as the foundations for prevention of human poisoning and contamination of the environment. Special comments are also given on selection of the proper chemical and formulation; use of properly designed equipment; and application of chemicals during desirable climatic conditions. Adoptions of correct procedures can markedly reduce the hazards from pesticides and ensure attainment of desired results from pesticides without disruption of other husbandry practices (AU)

Pesticide formulation as related to environmental and health hazards

Most chemicals used as pesticides must be formulated to achieve the properties needed for application and to reduce the concentration to the point where the chemical may be used. Two principal categories of formulation are liquid and dry. In each catagory, there are a number of different types, such as oil concentrates, water soluble concentrates, emulsifiable concentrates among the liquids, and thus, wettable powders and granulars among the dry. Use of the correct formulation can result in a more effective pest control with less chemical and greater human and environmental safety (AU)

Transport, storage and disposal

Proper disposal of excess, or waste pesticides and pesticide containers is very important. Improper disposal can result in a hazard to humans and contamination of the environment. There are a number of practices that can be followed to provide safer disposal. For large facilities such as a manufacturer, incineration, wet oxidation or trickling filter degradation can be used. For smaller operations, adsorbent filters, chemical treatment, oxidation pounds and other treatments offer a possibility. For other than large industrial operations, such practices as adsorption on charcoal or resin and careful land disposal affords a practical means of disposal if properly practiced (AU)

Reduction of pollution

In the flow of a pesticide through the channels of commerce from manufacture to use and disposal there are many instances where pollution can occur. Proper handling, good management and use of pollution control techniques can substantially reduce the pollution problem. Such techniques as vegetative borders, carbon filters and liquid extractors of simple design have proven both economic and effective (AU)

The role of the laboratory in pesticide management

The chemical laboratory plays a pivotal role in pesticide management. Without the ability to identify and measure the chemicals, it is difficult to formulate, assess residues, or monitor for contamination. The chemistry laboratory is capable of providing information on environmental behavior, persistence, hazards and residues. There are many methods of analyses, but the most commonly employed are thin-layer chromatography, gas chromatography and liquid chromatography. Thin-layer chromatography is cheap, rapid and easy to learn. It offers many advantages where resources are scarce and the ultimate in sensitivity are not required. A laboratory equipped with gas chromatography and other instruments can serve as a backup for many of the primary laboratories using simpler analyses (AU)

Nutrition and pesticide interactions

In the fields of nutrition and agromedicine have an exciting research, service and training future together. The specific subject of nutritional status and pesticide toxicity is only one research area that demonstrates how fruitful this new partnership can be. Its synergism can do much to assist the social, health and nutritional status of our fellow humans in many parts of the world (AU)

Implementation of agromedical concepts

Previous chapters have dealt with specific concerns in agromedical programming. This chapter attempts to summarize some of the techniques and ideas for integration and implementation of these practices in a holistic program. Particular emphasis is given to the development of an agromedical organization appropriate to the needs, the laws, and the resources of the country. The essential ingredients include a) a knowledge of integrated pest management and a work force which is knowledgeable on all of the alternative tactics for pest management, b) a regulatory system that is reasonable and enforceable, c) an efficient analytical capability, and d) an interdisciplinary agromedical insfrastructure (AU)