Chapter 13 - Pesticides

Organochlorines 

are a class of synthetic pesticides characterized by their chlorine content, known for their persistence in the environment and potential to bioaccumulate in living organisms.

pyrethrins

are natural insecticides derived from chrysanthemum flowers, effective against a variety of pests and commonly used in both agricultural and household applications; biodegradable 

pyrethroids

are synthetic derivatives of pyrethrins, designed to have increased stability and efficacy against insect pests, commonly used in agriculture and household pest control; long lasting 

green pesticides

Derived from natural sources; designed to minimize environmental harm

Integrated Pest Management (IPM)

Combines multiple control methods to reduce pesticide use.

Types of IPM

manual, mechanical, chemical, biological, cultural 

Toxicology

study of harmful effects of chemicals on living organisms

epidemiology

study of how toxins affect populations

Acute Toxicity 

effects from short- term, high-dose exposure 

Chronic Toxicity

effects from long-term, low-dose exposure

Dose-response curve 

shows relation between dose and effect 

LD50

amount of substance that is lethal to 50% of a test population

LOD50

Lowest observed dose producing an effect in 50% of population.

LC50

 Concentration lethal to 50% of aquatic organisms.

NOEL (no observed effect level)

Highest dose causing no observed effects.

ADI (advised daily intake)

Maximum daily amount safe for humans

Toxicity reference dose

Regulatory measure of long-term safe exposure

bioconcentration

Uptake of chemicals from water into organisms

BCF (bioconcentration factor)

 Ratio of chemical in organism to water concentration.

K₀W (Octanol-Water Partition Coefficient)

the higher KOW  is, the ]higher _______ is? 

higher potential for bioaccumulation.

Bioaccumulation

gradual buildup of a chemical substance inside an organism over time

Risk assessment

Determines potential health/environmental risk of exposure.

Cost-benefit analysis

Weighs benefits of pesticide use against environmental/health costs.