The human health problems of authorized agricultural pesticides: The Algerian case

摘要

National authorized pesticides used in agriculture are one hot spot issue to human health especially for those working in the field. The aim of this study is to evaluate the health problems of authorized pesticides. Risk assessment was evaluated by 1) Toxicological classification of the WHO, and 2) Bio-Pesticides Database (BPDB) and Pesticide Properties Data Base (PPDB). The 2015 Algerian index of phytosanitary products used in agriculture includes 173 active ingredients (IAs) belonging to 83 chemical groups represented by 757 commercial formulations (CF) categorized into: 36 fungicides, 29 insecticides and 22 herbicides. One-third of the AIs are not approved according to EC 91/414 directive. Otherwise, only 3 and 6 of AIs are classified as extremely and highly hazardous respectively. About 47, 37 and 30 of IAs can cause eye, skin and respiratory tract irritation respectively while approximately 32, 13, 10 and 8 of AIs can have/be reproductive and/or developmental effects, neurotoxic effects, cholinesterase inhibitors and endocrine disruptors respectively when only 5 and almost 3 of AIs are carcinogenic and mutagenic, respectively. It is essential to periodically update the list of authorized pesticides at national level in accordance with international legislation and bans. On the other hand, farmers must be aware of the health risks due to each AI to which they are exposed. Also, farmers must wear personal protective equipment (PPE). On the other hand, continuous epidemiological studies aimed primarily at farmers and their families must be carried out and the results of these studies must be accessible to researchers.