Tropical Medicine & Surgery

The Adverse Effects of Agrochemicals on Human Health: A Focus on Non-Communicable Dise

Yuan Li^* Department of Life and Environmental Sciences, College of Natural and Health Sciences, Zayed University, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
^*Correspondence: Yuan Li, Department of Life and Environmental Sciences, College of Natural and Health Sciences, Zayed University, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates, Email:

Received: 10-Jan-2023, Manuscript No. TPMS-23-20649; Editor assigned: 13-Jan-2023, Pre QC No. TPMS-23-20649(PQ); Reviewed: 27-Jan-2023, QC No. TPMS-23-20649; Revised: 03-Feb-2023, Manuscript No. TPMS-23-20649(R); Published: 10-Feb-2023, DOI: 10.35248/2329-9088.23.11.292

Description

Agrochemicals are a group of chemicals that are used in agricultural practices to control pests, weeds, and diseases. Despite their beneficial effects in increasing crop yield and food production, the long-term exposure to agrochemicals has been associated with adverse health effects. Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs) such as cancer, diabetes, and cardiovascular diseases have been linked to exposure to agrochemicals. In this essay, we will discuss the association between agrochemicals and NCDs. There are several ways in which agrochemicals can contribute to the development of NCDs. Pesticides, for example, have been associated with the increased risk of cancer. Pesticides such as organophosphates and glyphosate have been linked to the development of various cancers such as leukemia, lymphoma, and brain tumors. Organophosphates are known to inhibit the activity of acetylcholinesterase, an enzyme that regulates the neurotransmitter acetylcholine, and their long-term exposure can lead to the accumulation of acetylcholine in the body, which can cause various neurological disorders. Glyphosate, a widely used herbicide, has been classified as a probable human carcinogen by the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC).

Moreover, exposure to agrochemicals has also been linked to diabetes. A study conducted in China found that farmers who had been exposed to pesticides had a higher risk of developing diabetes than those who had not been exposed to pesticides. The study suggested that the oxidative stress caused by exposure to pesticides could impair insulin sensitivity and lead to the development of diabetes. Furthermore, agrochemicals have been associated with cardiovascular diseases. A study conducted in the United States of America found that individuals who had been exposed to pesticides had a higher risk of developing cardiovascular diseases such as coronary heart disease, stroke, and peripheral arterial disease. The study suggested that exposure to pesticides could increase oxidative stress and inflammation, which are known risk factors for cardiovascular diseases.

Although the association between agrochemicals and NCDs has been established in several studies, the exact mechanism by which agrochemicals contribute to the development of NCDs is still not fully understood. It is believed that the oxidative stress caused by exposure to agrochemicals is one of the main mechanisms that lead to the development of NCDs. Oxidative stress is caused by an imbalance between the production of Reactive Oxygen Species (ROS) and the body's antioxidant defense system. The excessive production of ROS can damage cells and DNA, leading to the development of various diseases.

In conclusion, the long-term exposure to agrochemicals has been associated with the development of NCDs such as cancer, diabetes, and cardiovascular diseases. Pesticides, in particular, have been linked to various types of cancer, while exposure to agrochemicals has been associated with diabetes and cardiovascular diseases. The exact mechanism by which agrochemicals contribute to the development of NCDs is still not fully understood, but oxidative stress is believed to play a major role. Further research is needed to understand the mechanism of action of agrochemicals and to develop strategies to minimize their adverse effects on human health. The use of alternative methods such as organic farming and integrated pest management can help reduce the reliance on agrochemicals and promote sustainable agriculture practices.