The effects of pesticides on respiratory system

Abstract

<b>Introduction:</b> Most of the pesticides have, by nature, some degree of toxicity because they are intended to kill certain organisms and thus create a risk of damage. The use of pesticides has raised serious concerns, mainly about the potential effects on human health and especially on respiratory system. Thousands of people (from 20,000 to 220,000) lose their life due to pesticide poisoning. Ninety nine percent of them (99%) live in developing countries. <br><b>Purpose:</b> To review the literature, to identify the harmful effects of pesticides on human health, and particularly on the respiratory system, and to define the ways of dealing with them. <br><b>Materials and methods:</b> Extensive review of the relevant literature was performed via electronic databases (Medline, Pubmed, Cihnal and Google scholar) and scientific journals (Greek and international) using the appropriate key words: pesticides, respiratory symptoms, pulmonary disease and a combination of them. <br><b>Results: </b>The effects on human health due to exposure to pesticides depend on a number of factors, including the category of pesticides involved, the amount and type of active substance, as well as their form, route of contamination, exposure time and pesticides' residual dose. Pesticides, especially those that inhibit the action of cholinesterase, lead to the onset of respiratory symptoms. A number of respiratory symptoms and diseases have been associated with occupational pesticide exposures, such as wheezing, asthma cough, phlegm, dyspnoea and influenza like syndrome are reported especially among agricultural workers. <br><b>Conclusions:</b> Pesticides are dangerous substances for the human body and especially for the respiratory system, if they are used without control. Proper use of pesticides can ensure both the quality of the environment and citizen's safety and health. New scientific data require periodic review of safety levels.