Agricultural Products as Xenobiotics

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Dear friends,

Please read this article.

Risks from Chemical Use on the Farm

Frederick W Oehme DVM, PhD

Comparative Toxicology Laboratories

Kansas State University

Commodity producers undergo numerous risks in everyday farm activities. In the

sophisticated operations of contemporary farms, dozens of chemical products are

used, and like all chemical products, toxicity can result from improper use,

accidents or even repeated exposures to sensitive workers. Insecticides,

herbicides and rodenticides are intended to " kill " and their excessive

application to targets other than those for which they are intended produces

illness and even death. Petroleum products used for fuel and lubrication, as

well as fertilizers such as anhydrous ammonia, can be toxic if mishandled.

Chemicals used in specialized farm operations may produce gases that introduce

risks in closed environments, and leeching of pesticides or wastes into water

supplies provide opportunity for livestock and human drinking water becoming

unfit.

Insecticides

Organophosphates and the subsequently carbamates are extremely toxic to humans

and other animals. Although they are less persistent in the environment and in

food supplies, poisonings occur by inhalation, skin contact, and accidental

ingestion. Working clothes saturated with spilled insecticide provide

opportunity for skin absorption of these dangerous chemicals. Absorption of

organophosphate/carbamate insecticides produces blurry vision, vomiting, muscle

weakness, mental confusion, and muscle twitching and seizures that may lead to

death from paralysis of the respiratory muscles.

While most organophosphate/carbamate insecticide poisonings occur within hours

of excessive exposure, and intermediate syndrome beginning 1-4 days after

exposure has been observed, and an even longer chronic neurological effect

developing 2 or more weeks after exposure has been reported. Both conditions

involve weakness and paralysis of the nervous system that produces chronic

fatigue, difficulty walking and performing voluntary functions, difficulty

breathing and eventual paralysis.

While the acute organophosphate/carbamate poisoning has effective treatment, the

intermediate and chronic nerve conditions are less responsive to therapy.

Immediate attention to excessive exposure to this group of insecticides is

therefore important, and health care providers should be given early opportunity

to initiate decontamination and appropriate specific therapy. Fortunately a

simple and readily available blood test may be performed to determine the

presence and severity of organophosphate/carbamate poisoning. Delay in

initiating treatment results in more severe and persistent effects from this

common intoxication.

To avoid the headache, diarrhea, fatigue and risk of respiratory poisoning

associated with these commonly used insecticides, farm workers should use the

least toxic pesticide available for the need, use only the recommended amounts

of chemical, use protective clothing and exposure precautions, and when aerial

spraying is involved " get out of the way " , particularly by not using flaggers!

Chlorinated hydrocarbon insecticides are restricted or banned in use in the

United States, but in occasional disease control, their use is authorized. While

less toxic on a dose per use basis, poisoning does result in effects upon the

nervous system and of more potential consequence is the long persistence of the

chlorinated hydrocarbon insecticides in body fat. Nursing mothers then risk

passing the insecticide to their nursing children in breast milk. Long term

exposure to this group of compounds has produced chronic illness affecting

vision, persistent headaches, dizziness, behavioral problems, muscular weakness

and decreased academic performance. Unfortunately there is no effective

treatment to reverse these effects, so avoidance of exposure and prompt

decontamination if clothes or skin are affected is important.

Pyrethrins are a group of natural occurring substances that have insecticidal

activity. These compounds are biodegradable in the environment and do not

accumulate in body tissues. They are also of relatively lower toxicity than the

other commonly used insecticide groups. Although poisoning can occur from

exposure to extremely high doses, the effects are mildly neurotoxic (affecting

the nervous system) with weakness, dizziness and occasional muscle twitches

occurring. There are no known antidotes, but treatment of the symptoms by

medical personnel usually results in recovery in a few days.

Herbicides

Several types of herbicides in general use can pose health hazards for producers

and applicators; however, as a general group herbicides are of low toxicity and

are more of an environmental concern than a health risk.

2,4-D toxicity occurs from extremely large exposures (usually by swallowing or

inhalation) that causes vomiting, diarrhea, changes in heart rhythm and muscle

twitches. Studies of farmers using large quantities of 2,4-D has suggested an

increased risk of non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma, but this observation is still

controversial.

Atrazine is a commonly used herbicide that has low acute toxicity, but is of

concern because of its persistence in water supplies. The serious potential for

cancer risk is still debatable, but atrazine’s wide use and continuing

appearance in human drinking water supplies encourages responsible application

rates and usage.

2,4,5-T and paraquat are formerly used herbicides that have demonstrated severe

toxicity are therefore are banned from their use in the United States. 2,4,5-T

was contaminated with a technical byproduct associated with cardiac and

transient peripheral nerve pathology. Paraquat had potential for producing

progressive lung fibrosis with a high death rate within 2 weeks. No effective

treatment was available for both herbicides; thus alternative compounds were

recommended.

Fungicides

A variety of chemicals are used to prevent fungal growth on perishable crops,

seeds and wood materials used in agriculture. All the various groups of

fungicides have potential for causing allergic reactions: asthma, contact

dermatitis (skin irritation), hives and anaphylaxis have all been reported.

Organic metal fungicides are highly irritating and produce variable general

toxicity. Copper-containing organic fungicides are irritants; organic mercury

fungicides produce injury to the nervous system with permanent nerve damage

possible; tin-containing fungicides cause both irritation of skin, eyes and

respiratory tract as well as headaches, seizures and coma with severe exposures

and resulting poisonings.

Organochlorine fungicides are also irritants, but may be absorbed and cause

general toxicity with chronic high exposures. Thiram, one of the thiocarbamate

fungicides, also irritates and has a unique interaction with alcohol producing

headache, skin rash and mental confusion. Other thiocarbamte fungicides are also

contact irritants and may cause toxicity to the nervous system and red blood

cells upon repeated exposures.

The thiazoles (TCMTB) produce severe itching and peeling skin, nose bleeds, and

other effects of direct irritation. The phenol fungicides (PCP, creosote) have

particularly severe skin irritating properties, and are also systematically

absorbed following skin exposure. Their affinity for fat results in considerable

fat accumulation in exposed workers. In closed environments, the vapors from the

phenolic fungicides may cause eye and respiratory tract irritation, often to the

point of making the facility unworkable.

Rodenticides

A number of toxic rodenticides are used on the farm. In general, toxicity only

arises from accidental or intentional ingestion, but children may contaminate

their hands by handling baits and become at risk from ingestion. A variety of

effects may occur from bleeding due to super-warfarins to cardiac toxicity and

liver and kidney damage from other rodent-control agents. Because effects are

variable and rodenticides have significant toxicity associated with human

exposures, prompt medical attention should be sought upon recognition of such

rodenticide ingestions.

Fertilizers

Fertilizers used in agriculture are composed of nitrogen, phosphates, lime and

potash, all of which are irritating when applied to skin, eyes or mucus

membranes of the body. Some fertilizers, such as anhydrous ammonia, are gases

that form extremely alkaline solutions when in contact with the membranes of the

body. Eye burns and irritation to the nose and throat, as well as the upper

respiratory passages develop rapidly and can produce sudden lethal affects when

pulmonary fluid or adult respiratory distress syndromes occur. Immediate first

aid is important for these irritant exposures. Flushing contaminated areas with

large amounts of water is of initial urgency prior to seeking medical care.

Chemical Hazards of Equipment and Facilities

Solvents used on farm machinery are often flammable and explosive. Exposure may

also occur to these solvents through skin contact, accidental ingestion, or

inhalation of vapors. Vapor inhalation will produce mucus membrane and

respiratory tract irritation with coughing, sneezing, dizziness and mental

confusion and occasional death in severe cases. Siphoning gas is a " no-no " to

avoid ingestion or even more severe pulmonary aspiration. Saughtering or welding

broken equipment produces metal fumes and gases that are hazardous. Appropriate

protective clothing and safety goggles are essential when working with these

irritating chemicals. Children on farms present a special problem in assuring

that agricultural liquids are in sealed containers and children are warned of

the hazard.

Chemicals in animal confinement areas are largely wastes and the gases generated

by these organic waste materials. Methane, and carbon-dioxide asphyxiate when

ventilation is insufficient by displacing oxygen from the needed respiratory

environment. Hydrogen sulfide is a highly toxic poison that initially has a

" rotten egg " odor but becomes nondetectable by smell as the sensory apparatus is

paralyzed. Death may then result quickly by continued presence in the toxic

atmosphere. Other animal confinement aerosols, including dust and fecal

material, will produce bronchitis, asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease

and hypersensitivity upon repeated exposure by continuing occupational contact.

Silos generate fermented animal feed that results in decreased oxygen levels in

the breathing atmosphere. Toxic levels of nitrogen oxides may also occur.

Mechanical asphyxia may occur in grain silos or bins from becoming trapped and

" drowned " in the fluid-like grain content.

High concentrations of nitrogen oxides present upon entering a silo can produce

immediate loss of consciousness. Farmer’s lung is a hypersensitivity of

pulmonary tissue related to inhalation of fungi present in the feed storage

atmosphere. Sudden onset of fever, chills, muscle aches, coughs and shortness of

breath occur within 4-8 hours after breathing the decomposing feed material from

the top layer of silage. Silo unloader’s syndrome is a form of the organic

dust toxic syndrome associated with excessive exposure to the molds at the top

of a silo. When the moldy silage is handled, the toxins produced from the

organisms in the silage trigger a flu-like effect with fever, muscle aches,

headache, cough, wheezing, and nose and throat irritation. Prompt removal from

the environment producing these toxic effects is vital. A few days of rest with

appropriate medication will allow most workers to return to their chores in a

few days.

Animal Drugs and Chemicals

Numerous chemicals, including antibiotics and trace minerals, are added to

animal feeds as growth promoters and disease preventive agents. Contact

dermatitis may occur from handling such medicated animal feeds. Allergic

reactions have also been reported for antibiotics such as tylosin and

nitrofurazone. Disinfectants (iodine, phenols and hypochlorite) may cause

irritating contact dermatitis. Allergic reactions can develop on skin when

rubberized clothing is worn.

The medication of animals with antibiotics and biologicals presents the

potential for farm animal movement resulting in workers accidentally injecting

with the animal medication. Such injections may be painful and in rare instances

produce localized antiphyllatic reactions. Individuals allergic to specific

antibiotics may develop life-threatening antiphyllactoid responses. Since

needles used for animal injection may not be sterile, the potential for

infections to develop at the site of accidental injection of animal drugs is

high. Inflammation occurring within hours of such self-administration should be

rapidly called to the attention of a physician.

Mycotoxins and Crops

Mycotoxins are by-products of fungal metabolism which produce toxic effects when

inhaled or ingested. They contaminate most animal feeds, such as corn,

cottonseed, wheat, nuts, soy beans, sorghum, barley and sweet potatoes. Drought,

high temperatures, insect infestation and crop harvesting during periods of high

moisture all favor the growth of fungi and the production of mycotoxins in the

field or in the storage area. While most affects occur in animals consuming the

contaminated feedstuff, farm workers may inhale these toxic products in dust or

contaminate hands leading to ingestion when eating occurs without appropriate

hand washing. Liver and kidney problems, usually of a chronic nature, may

develop from various types of these fungal products.

A green tobacco syndrome is caused by adsorption of nicotine from skin contact

in workers handling wet tobacco plants. Headache, dizziness, and vomiting are

characteristic effects. Up to 50% of tobacco handlers have reported such

symptoms; fortunately they usually resolve within a few hours of removal from

tobacco plant contact and washing of the contaminated skin, arms and other

exposed areas.

Drinking Water

Although most ground water from wells or springs is safe to drink, pollution

from agricultural chemicals or wastes may result in unsafe drinking water. The

chemicals leeching from soils sprayed with pesticides and the organic wastes

from animal holding facilities may produce low levels of chemical contamination

or nitrates unacceptable for human consumption. Newborn babies are particularly

susceptible to nitrate concentrations when ground water is used to prepare

formulas. Animal wastes may carry bacteria into water supplies and transfer

intestinal organisms, such as E coli, to susceptible children or adults.

Testing of the waters are important to assure the absence of these contaminants.

If pollution is present, it is nearly impossible to remove it. Water must often

be secured from another source (another well or pipeline) or through the

utilization of bottled drinking water. Community Health Departments may be able

to assist in dealing with such drinking water concerns.

Conclusions

A number of chemicals are used on modern farms, many of which are dangerous to

the health of farm workers. Potentially toxic are pesticides designed to kill

plants and animal pests. Fertilizers can be caustic to skin and eyes, and

anhydrous ammonia spills may produce severe burns. Animal confinement facilities

often lead to a complex indoor air environment which may produce toxic gases and

byproducts. Decayed vegetation and wastes on farms can liberate toxic

respiratory gases or contaminate human drinking water supplies.

Farm workers must recognize the dangers of farm chemicals, because with

understanding these dangers and routine practices that provide such exposure,

the risk from chemical hazards in farming can be minimized through the use of

appropriate protective clothing and prompt decontamination in the unhoped for

event of chemical exposure.

DR. BHARAT GAJJAR ASSOCIATE PROFESSOR, DEPARTMENT OF PHARMACOLOGY,

PRAMUKHSWAMI MEDICAL COLLEGE, KARAMSAD-388325. DIST.-ANAND (GUJARAT) INDIA.

MOBILE- 09428153344.

________________________________________________________________________________\

____

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Dear Members:

Dr. Vijay has expressed some concerns regarding the use of Organic Manure. Before we discuss those concerns, I think it will be apt to discuss some of the advantages of organic manures over chemical fertilizers. Then we can discuss its demerits also. Please read on:

Alternative for Chemical Fertilizer : the Organic Manure

Organic manure improves physical, chemical and biological properties of the soil.

Addition of organic manure improves structure aeration, water-holding capacity of the soil reduces phosphorous

fixation in acidic soil and reduces the toxicity of the soil. For substituting the chemical fertilizers various

forms of organic manures are explained below :

1. Farm Yard Manure (FYM) Cow dung : FYM cow dung is an important form of nutrients. FYM contains

approximately 5-6 kg nitrogen, 1.5-2 kg phosphrous and 5-6 kg potash/ton. It builds up soil health

considerably.

2. Green Manuring : It is considered a good source of ‘N’ and it increases the availability of potassium,

phosphorous and trace elements to the soil, which are very much essential for the proper growth of the crops.

3. Vermi compsoting : It is 5 times richer in nitrogen, 7 times in phosphrous, 11 times in potassium, 2 times in magnesium and 2 times in calcium than ordinary soil.

It is rich source of vitamins and growth hormones, which regulates the growth of plant and microbes.

4. Biofertilizers : One of the alternatives of the Chemical Fertilizer is Bio Fertilizer. Bio-Fertilizers

are biodegradable and environment friendly in nature. they help in making available the nutrients

speedily to the crops. The bulk organic manures also help to replenish the loss of micro-nutrients in the soil

like copper, zinc and manganese to a great extent. They help in increasing the fertility of the soil without

having any ill effect on the quality of the soil and water. These are the fertilizers, which can be obtained very

easily from our surrounding. People involved in agricultural activities can utilize the waste from the field,

animal waste, and other decomposable materials from the surrounding. All these materials are available free of cost

to the farmers. Bio-fertilizers are economic and beneficial for the people indulged in agricultural activities.(REF: ENVIS NEWSLETTER, VOL.VII, NO.III, 2004)

Vol. VII, No. III, 2004

Dr. Geer M. Ishaq

Sr. Lecturer

Dept. of Pharmaceutical Sciences

University of Kashmir

Srinagar-190006 (J & K)

Ph: 9419970971, 9906673100

E-mail: ishaq@...

Website: http://ishaqgeer.googlepages.com

Agricultural Products as Xenobiotics

Dear friends,Please read this article.Risks from Chemical Use on the FarmFrederick W Oehme DVM, PhDComparative Toxicology LaboratoriesKansas State UniversityCommodity producers undergo numerous risks in everyday farm activities. In the sophisticated operations of contemporary farms, dozens of chemical products are used, and like all chemical products, toxicity can result from improper use, accidents or even repeated exposures to sensitive workers. Insecticides, herbicides and rodenticides are intended to "kill" and their excessive application to targets other than those for which they are intended produces illness and even death. Petroleum products used for fuel and lubrication, as well as fertilizers such as anhydrous ammonia, can be toxic if mishandled. Chemicals used in specialized farm operations may produce gases that introduce risks in closed environments, and leeching of pesticides or wastes into water

supplies provide opportunity for livestock and human drinking water becoming unfit.InsecticidesOrganophosphates and the subsequently carbamates are extremely toxic to humans and other animals. Although they are less persistent in the environment and in food supplies, poisonings occur by inhalation, skin contact, and accidental ingestion. Working clothes saturated with spilled insecticide provide opportunity for skin absorption of these dangerous chemicals. Absorption of organophosphate/ carbamate insecticides produces blurry vision, vomiting, muscle weakness, mental confusion, and muscle twitching and seizures that may lead to death from paralysis of the respiratory muscles.While most organophosphate/ carbamate insecticide poisonings occur within hours of excessive exposure, and intermediate syndrome beginning 1-4 days after exposure has been observed, and an even longer chronic neurological effect developing 2 or more weeks

after exposure has been reported. Both conditions involve weakness and paralysis of the nervous system that produces chronic fatigue, difficulty walking and performing voluntary functions, difficulty breathing and eventual paralysis.While the acute organophosphate/ carbamate poisoning has effective treatment, the intermediate and chronic nerve conditions are less responsive to therapy. Immediate attention to excessive exposure to this group of insecticides is therefore important, and health care providers should be given early opportunity to initiate decontamination and appropriate specific therapy. Fortunately a simple and readily available blood test may be performed to determine the presence and severity of organophosphate/ carbamate poisoning. Delay in initiating treatment results in more severe and persistent effects from this common intoxication.To avoid the headache, diarrhea, fatigue and risk of respiratory poisoning associated

with these commonly used insecticides, farm workers should use the least toxic pesticide available for the need, use only the recommended amounts of chemical, use protective clothing and exposure precautions, and when aerial spraying is involved "get out of the way", particularly by not using flaggers!Chlorinated hydrocarbon insecticides are restricted or banned in use in the United States, but in occasional disease control, their use is authorized. While less toxic on a dose per use basis, poisoning does result in effects upon the nervous system and of more potential consequence is the long persistence of the chlorinated hydrocarbon insecticides in body fat.. Nursing mothers then risk passing the insecticide to their nursing children in breast milk. Long term exposure to this group of compounds has produced chronic illness affecting vision, persistent headaches, dizziness, behavioral problems, muscular weakness and decreased academic

performance. Unfortunately there is no effective treatment to reverse these effects, so avoidance of exposure and prompt decontamination if clothes or skin are affected is important. Pyrethrins are a group of natural occurring substances that have insecticidal activity. These compounds are biodegradable in the environment and do not accumulate in body tissues. They are also of relatively lower toxicity than the other commonly used insecticide groups. Although poisoning can occur from exposure to extremely high doses, the effects are mildly neurotoxic (affecting the nervous system) with weakness, dizziness and occasional muscle twitches occurring. There are no known antidotes, but treatment of the symptoms by medical personnel usually results in recovery in a few days.HerbicidesSeveral types of herbicides in general use can pose health hazards for producers and applicators; however, as a general group herbicides are of low

toxicity and are more of an environmental concern than a health risk.2,4-D toxicity occurs from extremely large exposures (usually by swallowing or inhalation) that causes vomiting, diarrhea, changes in heart rhythm and muscle twitches. Studies of farmers using large quantities of 2,4-D has suggested an increased risk of non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma, but this observation is still controversial.Atrazine is a commonly used herbicide that has low acute toxicity, but is of concern because of its persistence in water supplies. The serious potential for cancer risk is still debatable, but atrazine’s wide use and continuing appearance in human drinking water supplies encourages responsible application rates and usage.2,4,5-T and paraquat are formerly used herbicides that have demonstrated severe toxicity are therefore are banned from their use in the United States. 2,4,5-T was contaminated with a technical byproduct associated with

cardiac and transient peripheral nerve pathology. Paraquat had potential for producing progressive lung fibrosis with a high death rate within 2 weeks. No effective treatment was available for both herbicides; thus alternative compounds were recommended.FungicidesA variety of chemicals are used to prevent fungal growth on perishable crops, seeds and wood materials used in agriculture. All the various groups of fungicides have potential for causing allergic reactions: asthma, contact dermatitis (skin irritation), hives and anaphylaxis have all been reported. Organic metal fungicides are highly irritating and produce variable general toxicity. Copper-containing organic fungicides are irritants; organic mercury fungicides produce injury to the nervous system with permanent nerve damage possible; tin-containing fungicides cause both irritation of skin, eyes and respiratory tract as well as headaches, seizures and coma with severe

exposures and resulting poisonings.Organochlorine fungicides are also irritants, but may be absorbed and cause general toxicity with chronic high exposures. Thiram, one of the thiocarbamate fungicides, also irritates and has a unique interaction with alcohol producing headache, skin rash and mental confusion. Other thiocarbamte fungicides are also contact irritants and may cause toxicity to the nervous system and red blood cells upon repeated exposures.The thiazoles (TCMTB) produce severe itching and peeling skin, nose bleeds, and other effects of direct irritation. The phenol fungicides (PCP, creosote) have particularly severe skin irritating properties, and are also systematically absorbed following skin exposure. Their affinity for fat results in considerable fat accumulation in exposed workers.. In closed environments, the vapors from the phenolic fungicides may cause eye and respiratory tract irritation, often to the point of making

the facility unworkable.RodenticidesA number of toxic rodenticides are used on the farm. In general, toxicity only arises from accidental or intentional ingestion, but children may contaminate their hands by handling baits and become at risk from ingestion. A variety of effects may occur from bleeding due to super-warfarins to cardiac toxicity and liver and kidney damage from other rodent-control agents. Because effects are variable and rodenticides have significant toxicity associated with human exposures, prompt medical attention should be sought upon recognition of such rodenticide ingestions.FertilizersFertilizers used in agriculture are composed of nitrogen, phosphates, lime and potash, all of which are irritating when applied to skin, eyes or mucus membranes of the body. Some fertilizers, such as anhydrous ammonia, are gases that form extremely alkaline solutions when in contact with the membranes of the body. Eye

burns and irritation to the nose and throat, as well as the upper respiratory passages develop rapidly and can produce sudden lethal affects when pulmonary fluid or adult respiratory distress syndromes occur. Immediate first aid is important for these irritant exposures. Flushing contaminated areas with large amounts of water is of initial urgency prior to seeking medical care.Chemical Hazards of Equipment and FacilitiesSolvents used on farm machinery are often flammable and explosive. Exposure may also occur to these solvents through skin contact, accidental ingestion, or inhalation of vapors. Vapor inhalation will produce mucus membrane and respiratory tract irritation with coughing, sneezing, dizziness and mental confusion and occasional death in severe cases. Siphoning gas is a "no-no" to avoid ingestion or even more severe pulmonary aspiration. Saughtering or welding broken equipment produces metal fumes and gases that are

hazardous. Appropriate protective clothing and safety goggles are essential when working with these irritating chemicals. Children on farms present a special problem in assuring that agricultural liquids are in sealed containers and children are warned of the hazard.Chemicals in animal confinement areas are largely wastes and the gases generated by these organic waste materials. Methane, and carbon-dioxide asphyxiate when ventilation is insufficient by displacing oxygen from the needed respiratory environment. Hydrogen sulfide is a highly toxic poison that initially has a "rotten egg" odor but becomes nondetectable by smell as the sensory apparatus is paralyzed. Death may then result quickly by continued presence in the toxic atmosphere. Other animal confinement aerosols, including dust and fecal material, will produce bronchitis, asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and hypersensitivity upon repeated exposure by continuing occupational

contact.Silos generate fermented animal feed that results in decreased oxygen levels in the breathing atmosphere. Toxic levels of nitrogen oxides may also occur. Mechanical asphyxia may occur in grain silos or bins from becoming trapped and "drowned" in the fluid-like grain content. High concentrations of nitrogen oxides present upon entering a silo can produce immediate loss of consciousness. Farmer’s lung is a hypersensitivity of pulmonary tissue related to inhalation of fungi present in the feed storage atmosphere. Sudden onset of fever, chills, muscle aches, coughs and shortness of breath occur within 4-8 hours after breathing the decomposing feed material from the top layer of silage. Silo unloader’s syndrome is a form of the organic dust toxic syndrome associated with excessive exposure to the molds at the top of a silo. When the moldy silage is handled, the toxins produced from the organisms in the silage trigger a flu-like

effect with fever, muscle aches, headache, cough, wheezing, and nose and throat irritation. Prompt removal from the environment producing these toxic effects is vital. A few days of rest with appropriate medication will allow most workers to return to their chores in a few days.Animal Drugs and ChemicalsNumerous chemicals, including antibiotics and trace minerals, are added to animal feeds as growth promoters and disease preventive agents. Contact dermatitis may occur from handling such medicated animal feeds. Allergic reactions have also been reported for antibiotics such as tylosin and nitrofurazone. Disinfectants (iodine, phenols and hypochlorite) may cause irritating contact dermatitis. Allergic reactions can develop on skin when rubberized clothing is worn. The medication of animals with antibiotics and biologicals presents the potential for farm animal movement resulting in workers accidentally injecting with the animal

medication. Such injections may be painful and in rare instances produce localized antiphyllatic reactions. Individuals allergic to specific antibiotics may develop life-threatening antiphyllactoid responses. Since needles used for animal injection may not be sterile, the potential for infections to develop at the site of accidental injection of animal drugs is high. Inflammation occurring within hours of such self-administration should be rapidly called to the attention of a physician.Mycotoxins and CropsMycotoxins are by-products of fungal metabolism which produce toxic effects when inhaled or ingested. They contaminate most animal feeds, such as corn, cottonseed, wheat, nuts, soy beans, sorghum, barley and sweet potatoes.. Drought, high temperatures, insect infestation and crop harvesting during periods of high moisture all favor the growth of fungi and the production of mycotoxins in the field or in the storage area. While most

affects occur in animals consuming the contaminated feedstuff, farm workers may inhale these toxic products in dust or contaminate hands leading to ingestion when eating occurs without appropriate hand washing. Liver and kidney problems, usually of a chronic nature, may develop from various types of these fungal products.A green tobacco syndrome is caused by adsorption of nicotine from skin contact in workers handling wet tobacco plants. Headache, dizziness, and vomiting are characteristic effects. Up to 50% of tobacco handlers have reported such symptoms; fortunately they usually resolve within a few hours of removal from tobacco plant contact and washing of the contaminated skin, arms and other exposed areas.Drinking WaterAlthough most ground water from wells or springs is safe to drink, pollution from agricultural chemicals or wastes may result in unsafe drinking water. The chemicals leeching from soils sprayed with pesticides

and the organic wastes from animal holding facilities may produce low levels of chemical contamination or nitrates unacceptable for human consumption.. Newborn babies are particularly susceptible to nitrate concentrations when ground water is used to prepare formulas. Animal wastes may carry bacteria into water supplies and transfer intestinal organisms, such as E coli, to susceptible children or adults.Testing of the waters are important to assure the absence of these contaminants. If pollution is present, it is nearly impossible to remove it. Water must often be secured from another source (another well or pipeline) or through the utilization of bottled drinking water. Community Health Departments may be able to assist in dealing with such drinking water concerns.ConclusionsA number of chemicals are used on modern farms, many of which are dangerous to the health of farm workers. Potentially toxic are pesticides designed to kill

plants and animal pests. Fertilizers can be caustic to skin and eyes, and anhydrous ammonia spills may produce severe burns. Animal confinement facilities often lead to a complex indoor air environment which may produce toxic gases and byproducts. Decayed vegetation and wastes on farms can liberate toxic respiratory gases or contaminate human drinking water supplies.Farm workers must recognize the dangers of farm chemicals, because with understanding these dangers and routine practices that provide such exposure, the risk from chemical hazards in farming can be minimized through the use of appropriate protective clothing and prompt decontamination in the unhoped for event of chemical exposure.DR. BHARAT GAJJAR ASSOCIATE PROFESSOR, DEPARTMENT OF PHARMACOLOGY, PRAMUKHSWAMI MEDICAL COLLEGE, KARAMSAD-388325. DIST.-ANAND (GUJARAT) INDIA. MOBILE- 09428153344.____________ _________ _________ _________ _________ _________ _Be a

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