Background.
Many studies have investigated the effects of organochlorine pesticides (OCPs) on adverse health outcomes. However, studies addressing the link between respiratory health and OCPs are limited. Organochlorine pesticides are stable compounds and belong to the class of endocrine disrupting chemicals that represent a threat to global health.
Objectives.
The aim of the present study was to examine the association between respiratory morbidity and environmental exposure to OCPs in selected regions in Armenia.
Methods.
The study was carried out in Lori and Gegharkunik provinces/marzes. The prevalence rate (per 100 000 population) and the average chronological indicators (ACh) for all respiratory diseases and asthma were calculated. Concentrations of OCPs (γ-hexachlorocyclohexane (γ-HCH), dichloro-diphenyl-trichloroethane [DDT], dichlorodiphenyldichloroethylene (DDE) and dichloro-diphenyl-dichloroethane (DDD)) were determined in soil and plant product samples and the average annual total concentration (AATC) of OCPs (γ-HCH + 4,4′-DDT + 4,4′-DDE+4,4′-DDD) was calculated.
Results.
The ACI for all respiratory diseases showed a growth tendency in areas of Gegharkunik province ranging from 14.2 to 20.9% and an increase in asthma ranging from 9.4% to 174.6%. The highest levels of AATC of OCPs were found in soil sampled in Gegharkunik province: 9.48 ± 1.11 μg/kg and 8.10 ± 1.05 μg/kg and these levels differed significantly from those in Lori (p=0.01–0.0007). The AATC of OCPs in plant products from Gegharkunik was also statistically higher: 1.83±0.13 μg/kg, in comparison with that of Lori province 1.31±0.09 μg/kg (p = 0.001 – 0.0000).
Conclusions.
The results indicate that the increased tendency of respiratory diseases and asthma could be related to OCP residues found in soil and plant products in Gegharkunik province. However, the role of OCPs should not be ignored. Further research is needed to study OCP contamination dynamics and clarify the role of OCPs in respiratory morbidity.
Competing Interests.
The authors declare no competing financial interests.
use of agrochemicals strengthen health and environmental issues. To insure the safe use of new preparations, acute and sub-acute studies must to be done.
In this study, the estimation of the toxic effects of “Complex Plus” formulation synthesized on the basis of imidacloprid and proposed as growth stimulator, insecticide and microelements complex simultaneously has been achieved.
Material and methods. The oral and dermal LD50 have been established, sensitivity by sex, skin-irritating and allergic effects, effect on the mucous membranes (rats, rabbits) were studied. The results were processed by the method of variation statistics; standard errors, etc. were calculated by the method of probabilistic analysis of Litchfield–Wilcoxon in the modification of Prozorovsky. The values difference was estimated by two-tailed Student’s test (t-test) with significance level at p<0.05.
Results. The acute intoxication was manifested in some disorders of the central nervous system. Oral LD50 was 805±27 mg/kg bodyweight (II Class, WHO; IV class GOST 32419); dermal LD50>2000 mg/kg bodyweight (III class, WHO; IV class GOST 32419). Sex sensitivity and skin-irritating effects were not revealed. The formulation had a moderate irritant effect on the mucous membranes of eyes (rabbits) and no sensitizing effect. Immunological tests in vitro were negative.
Limitation. Acute toxicity and sensitizing effect of formulation was studied.
Conclusion. Strict complying with the established agrotechnical requirements, hygienic regulations when using the proposed agrochemical will undoubtedly reduce the adverse effects of this formulation on the population and the environment, and will also contribute to development of agriculture in Armenia in the cost-effective way.
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