Use of Pesticide Dicophane to Combat Malaria - Article Example

Similarly to use or not to use DDT is not a matter of option for underdeveloped countries; it is rather a matter of survival for them. Since there is no replacer available at this point in time, we can not afford to wait (Ban DDT) till tomorrow.  When someone is drowning, it is no time to tell him or her, how to swim.

Background

DDT, “dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane, a white crystalline powder along with many other synonyms (Safety Data)”, had been effectively used in the preventive control of Malaria, a disease spread by the vector mosquito. It saved thousands of lives but contrarily it polluted the environment right from the depth of lakes to the peaks of mountains through fish and birds of prey, having residues of DDT. Toxicological studies have found it hazardous to the health of humans and to that of fauna and flora too. In consideration of serious potentials like being carcinogenic-Cancer producing, Its Use had been banned in the USA and many other countries. However, it has renewed the spread of disease and malaria is at large, once again. In view of this development, “WHO (World Health Organization) has approved the use of DDT for IRS; Inside Residual Spraying as one of the three primary means, the other two being insecticide-treated bed nets (ITNs) and prompt treatment of confirmed cases with artemisinin-based combination therapies (WHO, 2007)”.Although many countries agreed upon it, WHO is on the horns of a dilemma regarding this issue. On joining, tasked with re-evaluation and forwarding my educated and considered opinion in favor or otherwise about the use of DDT.

Types of Toxicological Data

To meet the requirements, I decided to work with a three-pronged strategy that is; a) to know exactly the WHO stance through an in-depth study of its policy statement, epidemiological and toxicological evaluation through field surveys, rapid qualitative field tests and detailed quantitative tests,” to determine, pesticide residue in reference to Median Lethal Dose” in the certain population through the four phases. “The disposition of a toxic compound in a biological system is divided into four phases which include: absorption, distribution, metabolism and excretion and they are interrelated (science direct)”.  I also planned to study Composition, Origin, Entrance, and Pharmacokinetics. “Pharmacokinetics refers to the metabolism of toxic agents over a period of time, including the four phases or, “the processes of absorption, distribution, biotransformation, storage, and excretion. All of these, processes are collectively known as the disposition of the toxic agent. In studying these processes for specific toxic agents, we can observe the mechanisms responsible (Solecki)”.

Exposure and response, associated with DDT 

Humans, fauna, flora, and the environment are exposed to the risk of pesticide residue, via production, transportation, food chain, gastrointestinal tract, skin contact, inhalation, etc. Being hydrophobic and lipophylic in character, DDT is absorbed in adipose tissue. It has been reported that “Levels of exposure and the concentrations of DDT in human tissues, milk, and blood have been summarized by Ahlborg et al. (1995). The IARC (1991) and Smith (1999) reported that the mean concentrations of DDT in the population have declined in much of the world: from 5000–10 000 µg/kg to around 1000 µg/kg of milk fat or even lower over the last three decades (Solecki)”. Regarding the human response, it has been reported that, “A single dose of 6–10 mg/kg bw of DDT resulted in sweating, headache, and nausea, while a dose of 16 mg/kg bw led to convulsions”. Read More