Synthetic Pesticides and Organic Food Production
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Questions and Answers

What is the primary family classification of Captan?

  • Fungicides (correct)
  • Herbicides
  • Pesticides
  • Insecticides

Which process is involved in the metabolism of Captan?

  • Amination reactions
  • Hydrolysis reactions
  • Glutathione conjugation reactions (correct)
  • Oxidation reactions

Why was Captan initially classified as a probable human carcinogen?

  • It caused intestinal tumors in mice. (correct)
  • It bloomed in the soil.
  • It caused tumors in humans directly.
  • It contaminated the water supply.

What major change did the EPA make to Captan's classification in 2004?

<p>Revised it to 'not likely' a carcinogen. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What toxic species does Captan degrade into in aqueous solutions?

<p>Thiophosgene (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What are the biomarkers used for detecting Captan exposure in urine?

<p>THIP and TTCA (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary function of DEET?

<p>Insect repellent (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How does Captan's ability to enter groundwater pose a risk?

<p>It contaminates drinking water supplies. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of Maximum Residue Limits (MRL)?

<p>To set levels at which pesticide residues are safe for human consumption. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Who is responsible for monitoring pesticide residues in the Canadian food supply?

<p>Canadian Food Inspection Agency. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which type of individuals is considered a common victim of synthetic pesticide toxicity?

<p>Agricultural employees. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What consequence can occur if pesticides are not properly monitored in the food supply?

<p>Potential health risks to the public. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is a key feature of synthetic pesticides used in agriculture?

<p>They are approved by health regulatory bodies. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What does it mean if pesticide residues are found several hundred times lower than harmful levels in test animals?

<p>They may still pose a health risk to humans. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What should consumers look for to verify that a food product is organic in Canada?

<p>A specific logo indicating organic certification. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary concern regarding pesticide residues in the food supply?

<p>They can interact with other pesticides. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary mechanism by which organochlorines like DDT affect neuronal function?

<p>They block sodium channels, preventing neuron depolarization. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which pesticide type is noted for being a likely human carcinogen according to the Environmental Protection Agency?

<p>Carbaryl (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following characteristics is true for carbamates and organophosphates?

<p>They inhibit acetyl cholinesterase, causing hyperactive cholinergic synapses. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is a significant environmental concern associated with the use of DDT?

<p>Estrogenic effects leading to increased breast cancer risk. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is a notable feature of synthetic insecticides discussed?

<p>Most are neurotoxins that directly impact nerve functions. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which synthetic pesticide type is known to be metabolized by CYP2B and CYP3A enzymes?

<p>Aldrin (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which natural pesticide type is mentioned as a component of the pest management discussion?

<p>Cyanogens (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is a common effect of the pesticide class that includes carbamates?

<p>Potential for bioaccumulation in human food chain. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary mechanism of action of pyrethroid insecticides?

<p>Inhibition of Na+ / K+ ATPase (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which herbicide is commonly used in Canada for weed management?

<p>Glyphosate (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What pathway is inhibited by glyphosate in plants?

<p>Shikimate pathway (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following statements about glyphosate is true?

<p>Roughly 66% of glyphosate is lost in feces after oral exposure. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following compounds is suggested to have a potential link to Non-Hodgkin lymphoma?

<p>2,4-D (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is a possible effect of prolonged exposure to glyphosate in rodents?

<p>Liver and kidney dysfunction (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What effect does glyphosate have on the microbiome?

<p>Promotes Clostridium species overgrowth (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What by-product can Pseudomonas species produce when breaking down glyphosate?

<p>Formaldehyde (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Flashcards

Bioaccumulation

The process by which chemicals become more concentrated in organisms at higher levels of the food chain.

Maximum Residue Limit (MRL)

The maximum amount of pesticide residue allowed in or on a food product.

Pest Management Regulatory Agency (PMRA)

The Canadian agency responsible for approving pesticides and setting MRLs.

Pesticide Residue Monitoring

The regulation of pesticide residues in food by government agencies, ensuring safety for consumers.

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Synthetic Pesticide Application

The direct application of pesticides to crops, leading to potential residue concerns.

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Insecticides

A group of synthetic pesticides that target insects and other invertebrates.

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Herbicides

A group of synthetic pesticides that target weeds and other unwanted plants.

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Synthetic Pesticide Toxicity

The potential health risks associated with direct exposure to synthetic pesticides through occupational or accidental contact.

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Pyrethroid Insecticides

A type of insecticide derived from chrysanthemum flowers that inhibits the repolarization of nerve impulses in insects, leading to paralysis and death.

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CYP 9 Family

A family of enzymes primarily involved in the metabolism of pyrethroid insecticides.

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Phenoxy Compounds

A type of herbicide that selectively kills broadleaf weeds by causing uncontrolled growth. Commonly used in agriculture.

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Glyphosate

A common herbicide widely used in weed management, both in agriculture and non-agricultural settings. It inhibits the synthesis of aromatic amino acids in plants.

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Shikimate Pathway

The metabolic pathway that is inhibited by glyphosate, leading to a disruption in the synthesis of aromatic amino acids in plants.

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Clostridium Species

A group of bacteria that are highly resistant to glyphosate, potentially contributing to its disruptive effect on the gut microbiome.

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Pseudomonas Species

A type of bacteria that can break down glyphosate, producing usable phosphate and carbon while also generating toxic formaldehyde as a byproduct.

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Fungicides

A class of pesticides designed to kill fungi, often used to prevent diseases in crops.

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Captan

A fungicide belonging to the phthalimide family, commonly used to reduce mycotoxin contamination in fruits and vegetables.

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CYP1A1/1A2 and CYP3A1/3A2

A group of enzymes involved in the breakdown of Captan in the body. They play a crucial role in metabolizing various substances, including drugs and toxins.

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Glutathione conjugation

A chemical reaction involving the addition of a glutathione molecule to a compound. It's a key process in detoxifying harmful substances, including Captan.

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Thiophosgene

A highly reactive and short-lived toxic compound formed during the breakdown of Captan in water. It can react with cellular components and cause damage.

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Tetrahydrophthalimide (THPI)

A non-toxic byproduct of the breakdown of Captan. It's considered safe and is often used as a marker for Captan exposure.

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Thiazolidine-2-Thione-4-Carboxylic Acid (TTCA)

A chemical compound formed during the breakdown of Captan, it's another key marker for exposure to this fungicide.

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DEET (Diethyltoluamide)

The most common active ingredient in insect repellents, providing protection against mosquitoes, ticks, fleas, and other biting insects

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Metabolism

A chemical process in which a substance is broken down into smaller molecules. The body uses metabolism to process food, drugs, and toxins.

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Organochlorine insecticides

A type of insecticide that blocks sodium channels in neurons, preventing nerve impulses from being transmitted. This leads to paralysis and death in insects.

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DDT (Dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane)

A specific organochlorine insecticide that is metabolized by CYP6A2 and 6G1 enzymes. It was widely used to control malaria but is now banned in most countries due to its bioaccumulation and potential health risks.

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Aldrin, Dieldrin, and Chlordane

A group of organochlorine insecticides like Aldrin and Dieldrin that target chloride channels in neurons, increasing nerve impulse transmission and causing involuntary muscle movements. They are less persistent in the environment than DDT.

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Carbamates & Organophosphates

A type of insecticide that inhibits the enzyme acetylcholinesterase, leading to an accumulation of acetylcholine at synapses. This causes hyperactive cholinergic synapses and can have adverse effects on the nervous system.

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Carbaryl

A specific carbamate insecticide that is metabolized by multiple CYP enzymes, including CYP1A1, CYP2E1, and CYP3A4. It is considered a likely human carcinogen by the EPA.

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Acetylcholinesterase Inhibitors

A neurotoxic insecticide that inhibits the enzyme acetylcholinesterase, leading to increased acetylcholine levels and hyperactive synapses. It has been shown to harm marine life, decrease reproduction in birds, and persist in the environment for extended periods depending on the specific chemical.

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CYP enzymes

Enzymes that play a crucial role in metabolizing various substances, including pesticides, in the body. They can vary in their ability to break down different pesticide molecules.

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Study Notes

Synthetic Pesticides

  • Synthetic pesticides are directly applied to crops
  • Pesticides can accumulate in the food supply
  • Contaminants in the food supply are monitored
  • Pesticide residues can be found in produce, meat, fish, and dairy
  • Health Canada approves and assesses all used pesticides
  • Maximum Residue Limits (MRLs) are set, well below harmful levels
  • Monitoring of MRLs is conducted by the Canadian Food Inspection Agency

Pesticide Types

  • Synthetic Pesticides:
    • Insecticides
    • Herbicides
    • Fungicides
  • Natural Pesticides:
    • Nicotine
    • Glucosinolates
    • Cyanogens
    • Glycoalkaloids
    • Protease inhibitors

Organic Food Production

  • Emphasis on resource recycling and soil/water conservation
  • No synthetic pesticides, fertilizers, or growth hormone use
  • Organic standards established by the Canadian National Standards Board
  • Organic foods undergo certification processes

Pesticide Toxicity

  • Common victims include agricultural & pesticide industry employees, children
  • Suicides are a significant fraction of pesticide-related victims
  • Pesticide exposures in the general public are different than those in studies
  • Canadian pesticides are evaluated and approved by Health Canada's Pest Management Regulatory Agency (PMRA)

Pesticide Metabolism

  • Organochlorines:
    • DDT: Metabolized by CYP6A2, sodium channel blocker, bioaccumulate, estrogenic
    • Aldrin, Dieldrin, Chlordane: Metabolized by CYP2B and CYP3A, chloride channel blockers
  • Carbamates and Organophosphates:
    • Acetylcholinesterase inhibitors, hyperactive cholinergic synapses; toxicity to marine life
  • Pyrethroids:
    • From Chrysanthemum flowers, CYP 9 enzymes, inhibit sodium and potassium channels
  • Herbicides:
    • Phenoxy compounds (e.g., 2,4-D) are selectively toxic to broadleaf plants
    • Glyphosate: inhibits EPSP synthase, pathway in plants but not in humans
  • Fungicides:
    • (e.g., Captan): part of the phthalimide family; induces the expression of CYP1A1/1A2 and CYP3A1/3A2; causes intestinal tumors in mice
  • Other:
    • DEET: common insect repellent, metabolized by multiple CYP enzymes

Glyphosate

  • Readily absorbed, 66% lost in feces
  • Excreted in urine as the parent compound
  • Minimal topical absorption
  • No significant tissue accumulation - Found in 0.6% of Canadian retail food samples, low risk

Captan

  • Part of the phthalimide family of fungicides
  • Induces CYP1A1/1A2 and CYP3A1/3A2 expression
  • Reduces mycotoxin contamination
  • Easily penetrates soil and water
  • Considered a "probable human carcinogen" but EPA reclassified it as "not likely a carcinogen"

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NUTR 4510 Synthetic Pesticides PDF

Description

This quiz explores the impacts of synthetic pesticides on food supply, including their types and the use of maximum residue limits. It also covers organic food production practices and the standards established for certification. Test your knowledge on pesticide toxicity and regulations in Canada!

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