Insecticides are substances used to kill insects and are commonly used in agriculture, medicine, and industry. There are three main types of insecticides: systemic, ingested, and contact. Systemic insecticides are absorbed by plant roots and spread throughout the plant. Ingested insecticides target insects that eat other insects or animals. Contact insecticides must directly hit the target insect. Insecticides can harm non-target organisms and build resistance over time. Proper handling and disposal of insecticides is important to prevent environmental pollution and protect human health.

1. Insecticides and clinical effects
Overview
Hasnain Ansari

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Contents
• Introduction
• Types of insecticides
• Classification of insecticides based on chemical nature
• Disadvantages of insecticides
• Disposal of insecticides
• Handling of insecticides

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• Substances which are used to kill insects are called insecticides
• Insecticides are used in the field of medicine, agriculture, and industry
• Insecticides are capable to alter ecosystem components and toxic to animals
and humans
• Some insecticides become concentrated as they spread in the food chain.

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There are three different types of insecticides. They are
• Systemic
 This type of insecticide is introduced into the soil for it to get absorbed by
the plant roots. Once the insecticide enters the roots, it moves to external
areas such as leaves, fruits, twigs, and branches. It forms a layer on the
plant surface area and acts as a poison to any insect that comes to chew
the plant.
• Ingested
 Some examples of ingested pesticides are rats and roaches.
• Contact
 These types of insecticides act like bullets that aim only at a particular
target to kill insects by its application. Usually, household insect spray
works like contact insecticides as it must directly hit the insect.

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• Organic insecticides
• Synthetic insecticides
• Inorganic insecticides
• Miscellaneous compound

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• Non-target organisms
 Insecticides can kill more than intended organisms and are risky to humans.
Also, when insecticides mix with water sources through leaching, drift, or
run off, they harm aquatic wildlife. When birds drink such contaminated
water and eat affected insects, they die. Some examples of insecticides, like
DDT, were banned in the US as it affects the reproductive abilities of
predatory birds.
• Resistance
 Insects when repeatedly exposed to insecticides build up resistance until
finally, they have little or no effect at all. The reproduction in insects is so
quick that they produce a new generation every three to four weeks.
Therefore, the resistance builds up rapidly.

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• Disposal of used packages, surplus materials and washings of insecticides
• It shall be the duty of manufacturers, formulators of insecticides and operators
to dispose packages or
• surplus materials and washing in a safe manner so as to prevent environmental
or water pollution.
• 2. The used packages shall not be left outside to prevent their re-use.
• 3. The packages shall be broken and buried away from habitation

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Medical Examination
• Personal engaged in handling, dealing with the insecticides in formulation or
spraying operation shall be medically examined quarterly by a qualified doctor
• Any person showing symptoms of poisoning shall be immediately examined and
given proper treatment.

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• Persons handling insecticides shall be adequately protected with appropriate
clothing.
• The protective clothing shall be used wherever necessary
• A complete suit of protective clothing shall consist of the following dresses, -
 Protective outer garment/overalls/hood/hat.
 Rubber gloves or such other protective gloves extending half-way up to the
fore-arm, made of materials impermeable to liquids;
 Dust-proof goggles
 Boots
 Face mask.

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