Pesticides and Other Organic Chemicals

Flashcards about Pesticides and Other Organic Chemicals

List common substances included in the organophosphate group

sprays, baits, indoor foggers and bombs, flea collars, pet shampoos, powders, animal dips, and granules

Name three commonly used insecticides and one commonly used herbicide

Insecticides: Diazinon, malathion, methyl parathion. Herbicide: Atrazine

Discuss the health effects of exposure to pesticides

Cancer, adverse birth outcomes, psychological and behavioral effects, organophosphate-induced delayed polyneuropathy, suppressed immune system, impaired neurologic function, and endocrine disruption

Name one chemical used in the manufacture of plastics

Styrene or Vinyl Chloride

Describe potential health effects of exposure to household cleaning products

Not specified in this chapter.

What is an aromatic compound?

An organic molecule that contains a benzene ring, for example, benzene and toluene.

What is a hydrocarbon?

An organic compound containing only carbon and hydrogen.

What is an organic chemical?

Naturally occurring or synthetic substances containing carbon, hydrogen, nitrogen, and oxygen. An example is ordinary table sugar.

What are Persistent Organic Pollutants (POPs)?

Toxic chemicals that adversely affect human health and the environment, can be transported by wind and water far from where they are used and released.

What are Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons (PAHs)?

Chemicals formed during the incomplete burning of coal, oil, gas, garbage, or other organic substances like tobacco or charbroiled meat.

What are Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs)?

Organic compounds that evaporate readily into the air, such as benzene, toluene, methylene chloride, and methyl chloroform.

What is a pesticide?

Substances intended to repel, kill, or control any species designated a pest.

What is an insecticide?

A pesticide compound specifically used to kill or prevent the growth of insects.

What is a herbicide?

A pesticide designed to control or kill plants, weeds, or grasses.

What is a fungicide?

A pesticide used to control fungi.

What is a nematocide?

A pesticide used to kill nematodes (microscopic, worm-like organisms that feed on plant roots).

What is a rodenticide?

A pesticide used to kill rats and other rodents or to prevent them from damaging food, crops, or forage.

What is a fumigant?

A pesticide that is vaporized to kill pests, often used in buildings and greenhouses.

What are the four major classes of pesticides and insecticides derived from organic chemicals?

Organophosphates, Organocarbamates, Organochlorides, and Pyrethroids

What are the effects of organophosphate poisoning?

Acute effects include impairment of the neural impulse transfer mechanism; long-term effects may include organophosphate-induced delayed polyneuropathy.

What is Methyl Isocyanate (MIC)?

An intermediate chemical used for the manufacture of carbamate pesticides, extremely toxic to life forms upon acute exposure.

What are organochlorides?

Chemical compounds that contain chlorine, carbon, and hydrogen, are stable, fat-soluble, persist in the environment, and bioaccumulate in the food chain.

Why was DDT prohibited in the U.S. in 1972?

Due to concerns about possible adverse effects upon the health of humans and wildlife.

What are the health effects linked to DDT exposure?

Cancer, reproductive effects, impaired lactation, falling sperm counts, and impaired neurologic function.

What are Pyrethroids?

Derived from chrysanthemum flowers, have great ability to paralyze and kill flying insects.

What is Agent Orange?

A herbicide and defoliant used during the Vietnam War, containing 2,4-D and 2,4,5-T.

What are the health effects of Agent Orange?

Associated with several forms of cancer, including soft tissue sarcoma, non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma, Hodgkin’s disease, and chronic lymphocytic leukemia.

Who is at risk of pesticide exposure?

Agricultural workers, pets, children, livestock, and sensitive subpopulations (e.g., pregnant women).

What are biopesticides?

Pesticides derived from natural materials such as animals, plants, bacteria, and certain minerals.

What were the common uses of Polychlorinated Biphenyls (PCBs) before their manufacture was terminated?

Insulating fluid in transformers and capacitors, and lubricant.

What are the health effects of PCBs?

Cause cancer in animals and are designated as probable human carcinogens; may impact the immune system, reproductive system, and children’s intellectual development.

What are organic solvents?

Liquid substance capable of dissolving other substances.

What are some examples of organic solvents?

Tetrachloroethylene, Trichloroethane, Trichloroethylene (TCE), Toluene, Acetone, Benzene

What are two chemicals used in plastics manufacture?

Styrene and Vinyl Chloride

What are Environmental Estrogens?

Organic chemicals that may have estrogenic activity and may disrupt the reproductive systems of exposed humans and animals.