Toxicological and environmental implications of pesticide resistance : A significant agromedical problem

This chapter presents an overview of the evolution, current scope and inter-relationships of pesticide resistance problems in both agriculture and public health and the associated toxicological and environmental implications. The problems illustrate the need to develop an agromedical approach to formulate successful pest management programs. Special comments are provided on the nature of operational problems and the necessity to incorporate rational use of pesticides with traditional methods of pest management which are ecologically and environmentally acceptable. A series of special recommendations are presented for consideration of officials who are responsible for developing integrated pest management programs for control of pest species of concern to agriculture and public health (AU)

Application of pesticides

This chapter discusses methods for the effective and safe application of pesticides. Special emphasis is placed on the importance of following the directions on pesticide labels as the foundations for prevention of human poisoning and contamination of the environment. Special comments are also given on selection of the proper chemical and formulation; use of properly designed equipment; and application of chemicals during desirable climatic conditions. Adoptions of correct procedures can markedly reduce the hazards from pesticides and ensure attainment of desired results from pesticides without disruption of other husbandry practices (AU)

Registration and labeling

Registration of pesticides in the developed countries is a highly complex and expensive process requiring large amounts of scientific data, but most data on the fate, movement and effect of pesticides developed in one part of the world can be directly extrapolated to other areas. Where possible, developing countries should expend their major effort at gaining the non-transferable information and utilize directly, where possible and without substantial modification, those regulatory decisions made in the developed countries. As a general rule what is not good for a developed country is not good for a developing country. Pesticides which are severely restricted in developed countries on the basis of acute toxicity, if allowed for general use by the small farmer in a developing country, will with a certainty take a heavy toll in lives and physical impairment. Likewise the persistent chlorinated hydrocarbon pesticides, while safe from an acute standpoint, will lead not only to long-term contamination of soil and the aggregate environment but will materially affect the number and diversity of native fish and wildlife species. Additionally, due to their potential for bioaccumulation, the chlorinated pesticides will concentrate over time in certain segments of the environment, including human mothers milk and exert their long-term influence as excessive residues in human body fat (AU)