Pesticides and Organic Chemicals 7 Overview

Persistent Organic Pollutants (POPs)

Organic chemicals resistant to environmental degradation.

Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons (PAHs)

Chemicals with three or more fused aromatic rings.

Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs)

Organic compounds that evaporate readily into air.

Organophosphates (OPs)

Inexpensive pesticides controlling a wide range of insects.

Organocarbamates

Pesticides also known as carbamates.

Organochlorides

Pesticides also referred to as organochlorines.

Pyrethroids

Pesticides derived from the class of pyrethrins.

Aromatic Compound

Organic molecule containing a ring structure.

Hydrocarbon

Organic compound containing only carbon and hydrogen.

Health Hazards of Chemicals

Chemicals implicated in cancer and adverse birth outcomes.

Bioaccumulation

Accumulation of substances in living organisms.

Semi-volatility

Property allowing chemicals to travel long distances.

Environmental Fate of PAHs

PAHs attach to particles and persist in soil.

Sources of PAHs

Formed by incomplete combustion of organic matter.

Pesticide Exposure Risks

Agricultural workers, pets, children, and livestock at risk.

Acute Effects of OPs

Inhibits acetylcholinesterase, impairing neural impulses.

Examples of OPs

Diazinon, malathion, methyl parathion, parathion.

Chemical Omnipresence

Chemicals are widely present in the environment.

Advantages of Chemicals

Essential for manufacturing various modern products.

Disadvantages of Chemicals

Potential human health hazards from exposure.

Conception and Chemicals

Chemicals can enter the body during conception.

Inhalation Exposure

Breathing in chemicals as a route of exposure.

Dermal Exposure

Skin contact with chemicals leading to absorption.

Ingestion Exposure

Swallowing chemicals as a route of exposure.

Carbamates

Pesticides that break down quickly in the environment.

Organophosphate pesticides

Chemical relatives of carbamates, used in pest control.

Carbyl (Sevin)

Example of a carbamate pesticide for garden pests.

Symptoms of mild exposure

Fatigue, headache, giddiness, and nausea.

Symptoms of moderate exposure

Numbness, muscle weakness, and difficulty breathing.

Symptoms of severe exposure

Convulsions and coma from pesticide poisoning.

Atropine sulfate

Antidote for organophosphate and carbamate poisoning.

Organochlorines

Stable, fat-soluble pesticides derived from hydrocarbons.

DDT

Banned pesticide known for malaria control.

Health effects of DDT

Linked to cancer and reproductive issues.

Pyrethrins

Natural insecticides derived from chrysanthemum flowers.

Agent Orange

Defoliant used in Vietnam War, linked to cancer.

Polychlorinated Biphenyls (PCBs)

Industrial chemicals that bioaccumulate in food chains.

Dioxins

Toxic byproducts of combustion processes.

Health effects of dioxins

Causes chloracne, liver damage, and cancer risks.

Organic solvents

Liquids that dissolve other substances without change.

Benzene

Carcinogenic compound used in aromatic synthesis.

Vinyl Chloride

Carcinogenic chemical for PVC plastic production.

Environmental estrogens

Chemicals affecting reproductive systems and cancer risks.

Endocrine disruptor

Substance interfering with hormonal functions.

Tetrachloroethylene

Common organic solvent used in dry cleaning.

Atrazine

Herbicide commonly used in agriculture.

Paraquat

Highly toxic herbicide for weed control.

Chlordane

Organochlorine pesticide banned due to health risks.

Hexachlorobenzene

Persistent organochlorine compound with health concerns.

Mirex

Insecticide linked to environmental persistence.

Methoxychlor

Organochlorine pesticide alternative to DDT.