Carcinogen, Pesticides and Bio-warfare Agent

Carcinogen

The term carcinogen means a group of chemicals which cause cancer in animal and human. The carcinogens affect DNA, preventing it from giving the necessary direction for the synthesis of substances which control the cell growth.

Carcinogens to which workers should not be exposed. Some compounds:

1. 4-nitro phenyl
Uses: Chemical analysis
Hazards: may cause blader cancer.
2. α-napthyl amine
Uses:Antioxident, dye manufacturing, colour, film manufacter
Hazards: may cause blader cancer.
3. β –napthyl amine
Uses: dye manufacturing, reagent.
Hazards: May cause bladder cancer.
4. benzidine
Uses: manufactur of Dye, Rubber, plstic
Hazards:it may cause bladder.
5. 3,3 dichlorobenzidine:
Uses: dye manufacturer
Hazards: known carcinogen
6. veinyl chloride:
Uses: PVC manufacture
Hazards: liver cancer
7. ethylene dichloride :
Uses: industrial solvent, gasoline additive
Hazards: lung cancer



Biochemical Effects of Pesticides

Biochemical processes constitute the major mechanism by which pesticides in the environment are degraded and detoxified.

Among the pesticides, the biological action of DDT on the environment has been most extensively studied. The central nervous system is the target of DDT, like many other insecticides. DDT dissolves in lipid (fat) tissue and accumulates in the fatty membrane surrounding nerve cells. The net result is disruption of the central nervous system killing the target insect.

While DDT is fairly insoluble and persist in the environment, the other groups organophosphates and carbamates degrades quite rapidly in the environment. The later react with oxygen (O2) and water (H2O) undergoes decomposition within a few days in the environment.

DDT accumulates in the food chain as


Plankton (0.04 ppm DDT) >> Fish (0.17 to o.27 DDT) >> Fish eating birds (3.1 to 75.5 ppm)

Fish (0.17 to o.27 DDT) >> Clams 0.42 ppm DDT >> Plankton (0.04 ppm DDT)



Bio-warfare Agent

The bio-warfare agent which are harmful to human being are called bio-warfare agent.
1. Anthrax
Definition: bacteria in spore form not contagious
Attack: inhalation, ingestion, skin abrasion
Symptoms: flue like symptoms lead to breathing problem
Treatment: treatment by antibiotics or pre-vaccine

2. Plague
Definition: agent is rodents, contagious
Attack: through aerosol cans
Symptoms: fever, headaches and weakness
Duration of Death: 2-4 days
Treatment: Treatment by antibiotics

3. Small pox
Definition: it is deadly and highly contigious
Attack: through aerosol cans
Symptoms: fever, fatigue and body aches
Duration of Death: first 2 weeks.
Treatment: vaccine

4. Chlorine
Definition: green yellow pungent smelling gas