PRINCIPLES OF TOXICOLOGY - Biology East Borneo

15 Properties and Effects of PesticidesEFFECTS PROPERTIES OF PESTICIDESAND EFFECTS OF PESTICIDESJANICE K. BRITTThe term “pesticide” encompasses a group of chemical compounds that are used for the eliminationor control of pests. Pesticides are grouped into classes based on their target of action and include suchgroups as insecticides, fungicides, herbicides, rodenticides, and molluscicides. Pesticides have economicand public health benefits and have been used over the years for the control of vectorbornediseases such as malaria and Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever, for the promotion of agriculturalproduction in the United States as well as in other countries, and by homeowners for the control ofdomestic pests (e.g., household and garden pests).Individuals may be exposed to pesticides either occupationally (e.g., from working in apesticide formulating plant or from commercial pesticide application) or environmentally (e.g.,from food products such as fruits and vegetables treated for pests). Individuals may also beexposed to pesticides at their residences (e.g., from use as home or garden insecticide). The mostcommonly used pesticides have recently been reported by the U.S. Environmental ProtectionAgency (USEPA) (see Table 15.1).The registration and regulatory requirements concerning pesticides are governed under the FederalInsecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act, also known as FIFRA. Rules aimed at the protection ofTABLE 15.1 Most Commonly Used Pesticides in the United StatesMost Commonly Used Pesticides in U.S. Agricultural Crop ProductionAtrazineMetolachlorMetam sodiumMethyl bromideDichloropropeneMost Commonly Used Pesticides in Nonagricultural Sectors of the United StatesHome and garden market2,4-Dichlorophenoxyacetic acidGlyphosateDica mbaMCPPDiazinonIndustrial/commercial/government uses2,4-Dichlorophenoxyacetic acidChlorpyrifosGlyphosateMethyl bromideCopper sulfatePrinciples of Toxicology: Environmental and Industrial Applications, Second Edition, Edited by Phillip L. Williams,Robert C. James, and Stephen M. Roberts.ISBN 0-471-29321-0 © 2000 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.345