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PubMed2003

Pyrethroids used indoors--biological monitoring of exposure to pyrethroids following an indoor pest control operation.

A prospective epidemiological study with respect to pyrethroid exposure was carried out combining clinical examination, indoor monitoring and biological monitoring. The results of the biological monitoring are presented. Biological monitoring was performed in 57 persons before (T1) as well as 1 day (T2), 3 days (T3), 4-6 months (T4), and 10-12 months (T5) following a pest control operation (PCO) with pyrethroid containing products such as cyfluthrin, cypermethrin, deltamethrin or permethrin. Pyrethroids in blood were measured by GC-ECD. The respective metabolities cis- and trans-3-(2,2-dichlorovinyl)-2,2-dimethylcyclopropane carboxylic acid (DCCA), cis-3-(2,2-dibromovinyl)-2,2-dimethylcyclopropane carboxylic acid (DBCA), 3-phenoxybenzoic acid (3-PBA) and fluorophenoxybenzoic acid (FPBA) were measured in urine using GC/MS. For all cases the concentrations of pyrethroids in blood were found to be below the detection limit of 5 micrograms/l before and after the PCO. With a detection limit of 0.2 microgram/l of the investigated metabolites, the percentage of positive samples were 7% for cis-DCCA, 3.5% for trans-DCCA and 5.3% for 3-PBA before PCO. One day after PCO (T2) the percentage of positive samples increased remarkably for cis-DCCA (21.5%), trans-DCCA (32.1%) and 3-PBA (25%) showing significantly increased internal doses as compared to pre-existing values. This holds also true for T3, whereas at T4 and T5 the significant increase was no more present. FPBA and DBCA concentrations were below the respective detection limit before PCO and also in most cases after PCO. In 72% of the subjects the route of pyrethroid uptake (measured by determining the DCCA isomeric ratio) was oral/inhalative and in 28% it was dermal. Based on the biological monitoring data it could be shown that appropriately performed pest control operations lead to a significant increase of pyrethroid metabolite concentration in the early phase (1 and 3 days) after pyrethroid application as compared to the pre-exposure values. However, evaluated metabolite concentrations 4-6 months after PCO did not exceed values of published background levels.

Adult↗
PubMed1975

Possibilities of using insectistatics and pheromones in pest control.

Agents that can decimate insect populations by suppressing growth and reproduction rather than by causing rapid mortality are called insectistatics. Their activity includes interruption of cuticle formation, induction of hormonal imbalance by extrinsic juvenoids or ecdysoids, developmental disturbances due to nutrient antagonists, symbioticides, or accelerators of metabolism. Disruption of mating may be accomplished by pheromone trapping and disorientation or by prevention of sex attraction. The possible contribution of such biotechnical procedures to the control of storage pests is discussed.

Animals↗
PubMed1987

A behavioral evaluation of pest control workers with short-term, low-level exposure to the organophosphate diazinon.

Neurobehavioral effects of short-term, low-level exposure to diazinon were investigated among 99 pest control workers tested before and after their work shift with a computer-assisted neurobehavioral test battery. Each subject completed a brief neurological screening examination, a symptom questionnaire, and tests of concentration, eye-hand coordination, pattern recognition, visual memory, and finger tapping. The diazinon metabolite diethylthiophosphate (DETP) was measured in pre- and post-shift urine samples collected from 46 diazinon applicators applying granulated diazinon onto residential properties with lawn spreaders, and 56 non-applicators. Post-shift median DETP for applicators and non-applicators was 24 and 3 ppb, respectively. Full shift, whole body exposure to diazinon was quantitated for 19 subjects using personal air monitoring and passive badges. Median diazinon exposure for applicators and non-applicators was 2.1 and 0.03 mg, respectively. Mean duration of pesticide application was 39 days (SD = 12 days) before testing. No adverse DETP-related changes in pre- or post-shift neurobehavioral function were found with multiple linear regression models after adjusting for age, sex, education, and ethanol intake, although Symbol-Digit pairing speed was slower among the applicators as a group. The prevalence of 18 symptoms possibly related to diazinon exposure was not elevated among applicators. The study failed to demonstrate diverse behavioral effects of short-term, low-level diazinon exposure in a pest control program which emphasized personal protective equipment and direct supervision.

Adult↗
PubMed1977

[Textile pest control in textile stores with a combination preparation of methoxycholor and chlorpyrifos [0,0-diethyl-(3,5,6-trichloro-2-pyridyl)-monothiophosphate]].

The effect on man of a mixture of methoxyclorine and 0,0-diethyl-(o8k8l-trichloro-2-pyridyl)-monothiophosphate (chlorpyrifos) used for textile pest control in poorly ventilated textile storages were examined under realistic test conditions. The chronical exposure of the test persons to chlorpyrifos, although originally thought to be of a negligible order, surprisingly resulted in an approximately 40% inhibition of the serum chlinesterase (ChE) without any significant spontaneous recovery of the ChE activity in three out of four test subjects during the test period. On the contrary, the activity of the acetylcholinesterase of the erythrocytes (AChE), after a temporary insignificant decrease, was found to be considerable increased for the duration of the test. As a result of these examinations it is recommended not to use insecticides containing alkylphosphates for textile pest control in poorly ventilated reeom if an exposure of man during the desorption phase cannot be excluded.

Acetylcholinesterase↗
PubMed1996

Biological monitoring of pyrethroid metabolites in urine of pest control operators.

Due to their low mammalian toxicity but high insectical activity, pyrethroids are increasingly used for pest control. The objective of the present study was the development of a biological monitoring program to determine exposure to pyrethroids. A diastereoselective detection of the major pyrethroid metabolites cis- and trans-3-(2,2-dichlorovinyl)-2,2-dimethylcyclopropanecarboxylic acid, cis-3-(2,2-dibromovinyl)-2,2-dimethylcyclopropanecarboxylic acid, 3-phenoxybenzoic acid and fluorophenoxybenzoic acid by capillary gas chromatography in combination with mass selective detection was applied. The limits of determination ranged between 0.5 and 1 microgram/l urine, depending on the metabolite concerned. It was demonstrated that pyrethroid metabolites were detectable in urine for a period of elimination up to 3.5 days after exposure to cyfluthrin. Fluorophenoxybenzoic acid was shown to be a suitable biomarker for exposure to cyfluthrin. The presented method was adequate for monitoring pyrethroids in occupationally exposed subjects.

Adult↗
PubMedDate not supplied

[Four-year follow-up of a group of workers with allergic sensitization employed in breeding of insects for biological pest control].

In two previous papers we reported allergic diseases in workers employed in breeding insects for biological pest control. It was found that Ephestia kuehniella, Orius laevigatus and other insects caused allergic rhinoconjunctivitis and asthma. The aim of this new study was to assess the relationship between the implementation of the recommended preventive measures and the decrease in sensitization in exposed workers. We performed a four-year follow-up of exposed workers, using the prick test and RAST with specific allergens and pulmonary function test at the end of the work shift. The results showed a decrease in skin test sensitization for Orius and Ephestia, a decrease in allergic diseases in the previously studied workers, and no symptoms in recently employed workers. These results confirm the validity of the recommended preventive measures: semi-closed cycles, gloves, protective masks, overalls and sunglasses.

Adult↗
PubMed1999

Development of amphiphylic mimics of insect neuropeptides for pest control.

Insect neuropeptides regulate virtually all aspects of insect life and are excellent candidates for development of new methods for pest control. However, they do not penetrate insect cuticle and are degraded by enzymes both in the digestive system and hemolymph. We have designed mimics of model neuropeptides by attachment of various lipidic moieties to the amino terminus of the bioactive core of the neuropeptides. These mimics have amphiphylic characteristics that allowed them to penetrate the hydrophobic insect cuticle. The mimics also induced prolonged physiological responses (up to 20 hours) and were resistant to peptidase attack. This knowledge has been used to develop a novel, species-specific approach to insect control.

Animals↗
PubMed1999

Estimating economic thresholds for pest control: an alternative procedure.

An alternative methodology to determine profit maximizing economic thresholds is developed and illustrated. An optimization problem based on the main biological and economic relations involved in determining a profit maximizing economic threshold is first advanced. From it, a more manageable model of 2 nonsimultaneous reduced-from equations is derived, which represents a simpler but conceptually and statistically sound alternative. The model recognizes that yields and pest control costs are a function of the economic threshold used. Higher (less strict) economic thresholds can result in lower yields and, therefore, a lower gross income from the sale of the product, but could also be less costly to maintain. The highest possible profits will be obtained by using the economic threshold that results in a maximum difference between gross income and pest control cost functions.

Animals↗
PubMed1986

Relationship between chlordane and its metabolites in blood of pest control operators and spraying conditions.

Chlordane has been widely used to protect soil and house foundations against termite infestation. Pest control operators (PCOs) are occupationally exposed to chlordane. The relationship between chlordane and its metabolites in blood of PCOs and spraying conditions were investigated. Chlordane and its metabolites were detected in the blood of some chlordane-exposed PCOs, but not in that of the controls. Trans-nonachlor and the metabolites oxychlordane and heptachlor epoxide were detected in the blood of PCOs. Total concentration of chlordane and its metabolites in blood (trans-nonachlor + oxychlordane + heptachlor epoxide) was less than 5.6 ppb (mean: 0.89 ppb). The concentration of chlordane and its metabolites in blood of chlordane-exposed PCOs was significantly correlated with the number of spraying days and the amount of chlordane sprayed, particularly with a large correlation coefficient (r = 0.81, P less than 0.001) with the spraying days in the three months prior to the medical examination. The concentration of chlordane and its metabolites in blood is considered to be a useful indicator of biological monitoring for chlordane exposed workers (PCOs).

Adult↗
PubMed1995

[Input of DDT into the environment by forest pest control in 1983/84 in Brandenburg--assessment of the contamination level].

In 1983/84 pesticides including DDT were applied in aviochemical forest pest control in Brandenburg. Our investigations determined loading sites on airfields formerly used for the delivery of pesticides to forest target areas to be the focal points of environmental contamination with DDT. The matrices food, forage, drinking water and soil were analysed in detail with regard to the level of burden. Following from the analytical results the agricultural exploitation of the areas in question is not restricted. An impairment of the quality of drinking water cannot be detected at present. Soil analyses were assessed according to toxicologically derived standard values. An amount of 0.4 mg/kg was accepted as a tolerable burden whilst values exceeding 2.7 mg/kg suggest that remediation will be necessary. The DDT burden level in the upper soil does not restrict utilization.

Agriculture↗
PubMed1980

Assessment of occupational exposure to organophosphates in pest control operators.

An occupational study was conducted for a firm employing 22 pest control operators (PCOs) exposed to three organophosphorus insecticides. Measurements of 8-hour exposure levels were less than: 131.0 microgram/m3 for Vaponite; 41.0 microgram/m3 for Diazinon; and 27.6 microgram/m3 for Dursban. Twenty-four-hour urines analyzed for alkyl phosphates showed the presence of metabolites for these three pesticides. The effect of this exposure is reflected by a statistically significant inhibition of plasma acetylcholinesterase (AChE) among the PCOs as AChE values of either group. Although physical examinations detected no apparent toxic effects in the study group, biological sampling results indicated a need for personal protective equipment during the handling and application of these pesticides.

Acetylcholinesterase↗
PubMed1992

Performance of an aquatic multispecies system in evaluating the effects of a model microbial pest control agent on nontarget organisms.

A recirculating multispecies test system was developed in conjunction with a study of the fate and persistence of a model microbial pest control agent on non-target marine and freshwater organisms. The basic unit of the system was a 113-I glass aquarium with vertical biological filters in the center of the aquarium, such that two compartments were formed. This allowed the sequestration of predator and prey species within the same system. Organisms from six phyletic groups were subjected to a genetically altered strain of Pseudomonas putida for 15-29 d in either artificial seawater or fresh water. The system was able to maintain the animals for these periods with a minimum of maintenance. Additionally, the system design lent itself to disinfection, dismantling, and rebuilding between experiments with a minimum of labor, and has potential for longer-term studies.

Animals↗
PubMed1982

[Testing pest control products for use under the Federal Communicable Disease Act].

The examination of pest control products and procedures under section 10 of the Federal Communicable Diseases Act is restricted to such products and procedures which are useful for the official control of arthropods as vectors of communicable diseases, i.e. which are effective and safe from the toxicological point of view if properly used. Insecticides and acaricides which are mainly intended for application in the household by laymen such as pressurized aerosol and strip formulations as well as products against nuisances such as silverfishes, dust mites or wasps are thus not accepted for examination, apart from a few exceptional cases where examination is still required. The examination of the products and procedures is first performed in the laboratory and then in the field if laboratory tests have revealed their effectiveness. Products and procedures are tested for their effectiveness, i.e. their knock-down, repellent, flashing, immediate and/or long-term effects. This is done on substrates of varying sorption capacities and with different pH values against all stages of development and nutrition in the indicated fields of application and, as far as necessary, also against strains of varying sensitivity of the species to be controlled.

Communicable Disease Control↗
PubMed1993

Insect pest control by copying nature using genetically engineered crops.

A 'copy Nature' strategy for insect pest control is presented which aims to be relatively sustainable and environmentally friendly. Many higher plant genes encoding insecticidal proteins exist in Nature which can be expressed in transgenic plants in a tissue or development-specific manner, or in response to environmental stimuli. These genes can either be expressed singly or in combination so as to enhance host resistance to insect pests. The results so far, which have been obtained mainly in the growth-room, are discussed in both a scientific and applied context. The feasibility of this technology, either as a partial substitution technology for synthetic chemicals or as a component in IPM systems, now needs to be evaluated in the farmer's field. If proven there, its long-term use may depend on promoting agronomic and farm management which minimizes the build-up of resistance in insect populations.

Carbohydrate Sequence↗
PubMed2005

Pyrethroids used indoor-ambient monitoring of pyrethroids following a pest control operation.

House dust and airborne particles (PM) were sampled before (T1) and 1 day (T2), 4-6 months (T3) as well as 10-12 months (T4) after a pest control operation (PCO). Cyfluthrin was applied in 11, cypermethrin in 1, deltamethrin in three and permethrin in four interiors. The pyrethroid concentrations in house dust and PM were measured by GC/MS with a detection limit for all pyrethroids of 0.5 mg/kg house dust and of 1 ng/m3 PM for deltamethrin and permethrin and 3 ng/m3 PM for cyfluthrin and cypermethrin. A general background concentration of permethrin (95th percentile: 5.9 mg/kg) and cyfluthrin (95th percentile: 34.9 mg/kg) in house dust was found. In general, an appropriately performed PCO lead to an increase of pyrethroids in house dust as well as in PM, in some cases up to 1 year after application. One day after the application the cyfluthrin concentration increased significantly from 0.25 (T1) to 33.8 mg/kg house dust (T2) and up to 4.9 ng/m3 in PM. The permethrin concentration increased significantly from 4.3 to 70 mg/kg in house dust and up to 18.1 ng/m3 in PM, deltamethrin increased to 54.5 mg/kg and 20.8 ng/m3 and cypermethrin to 14 mg/kg and 45.7 ng/m3. Thereafter a continuous decrease could be observed during the time course of 1 year. After 1 year the permethrin concentration in house dust was still 1/5 of the T2 concentration, whereas for cypermethrin and cyfluthrin only 1/14 and 1/23 of the T2 concentration were found. Deltamethrin was not detected at all after T2. Moreover, the data of this study showed significant, positive correlations between pyrethroids in house dust and in airborne particles especially one day after PCO.

Air Pollutants↗
PubMedDate not supplied

Prospects for developing and improving a chemical method of pest control in the next 10 to 15 years.

The assortment of chemical substances for pest control which exists in the world or is planned by us, and the reserves which exist in scientific research make it possible to assert that: 1) It is possible to produce an assortment of pesticides that is practically harmless for man and useful animals; 2) it is possible to eliminate the accumulation of pesticides and their residue in the environment, in food products, and in food chains; 3) it is possible to produce highly selective pesticides which will not damage useful inhabitants of the biosphere, particularly useful arthropods and soil microorganisms; 4) it is possible with the proper technical approaches, especially with proper alternation of pesticides, to avoid the development of resistant strains of pests. This requires continuation of intensive scientific and technical investigations both of the pesticides themselves and in producing integrated systems with the use of an entire complex of means and methods for protecting the harvest, and improving the technical means of application.

Agriculture↗