Instituto Regional de Estudios en Sustancias Tóxicas (IRET)

URI permanente para esta comunidadhttp://10.0.96.45:4000/handle/11056/14395

Instituto Regional de Estudios en Sustancias Tóxicas (IRET-UNA) es un centro de investigación con proyección nacional, regional e internacional, comprometido con el desarrollo sostenible, la protección y conservación de los ecosistemas naturales, la calidad de vida de los trabajadores y de la sociedad afectados por las sustancias tóxicas y otras actividades humanas.

Los conocimientos y datos generados por el Instituto son utilizados por entidades gubernamentales y no gubernamentales como fuente primaria de información en temas de exposición a las sustancias tóxicas y sus efectos en el ambiente y en la salud humana.

Contáctenos:

Página web: www.iret.una.ac.cr

Correo: iret@una.ac.cr

Teléfono: (506) 2277-3584 / (506) 2277-3587

Programas adscritos a IRET-UNA

El Programa Infantes y Salud Ambiental (ISA) es un programa de investigación-extensión realizado en la región Huetar Atlántica, Costa Rica, que utiliza un enfoque eco-sistémico en salud humana (EcoSalud). Estudiamos la exposición ambiental a plaguicidas y manganeso y sus efectos sobre la salud de niño(a)s y sus madres. Además, estudiamos cuáles factores explican las exposiciones a plaguicidas, y posibles alternativas para su uso. Promovemos acciones colaborativas para reducir el contacto con plaguicidas y mitigar sus posibles efectos.

El Programa ISA tiene 3 áreas temáticas: 1) Contexto socio- económico, cultural y percepción de riesgos, 2) Evaluación de exposición y efectos en el crecimiento y desarrollo de infantes y 3) Alternativas agro-ecológicas.

Coordinadora: Ph.D. Berna van Wendel de Joode, correo electrónico: berendina.vanwendel.dejoode@una.cr

Contacto:

Página web: www.isa.una.ac.cr

Correo: programaisa@una.ac.cr

Teléfono: (506) 2562-3678 / (506) 2562-3671

El Programa Salud, Trabajo y Ambiente (SALTRA) se proyecta como un programa estratégico en la integración de principios de desarrollo sostenible en las políticas de salud ocupacional y ambiental a nivel local, nacional y regional desde la gestión del conocimiento: docencia, investigación extensión y traducción política. Se trabaja en Centroamérica para consolidar y extender una estructura regional de centros universitarios en salud ocupacional y ambiental (SOA) que colaboren entre sí y con grupos gubernamentales y no gubernamentales, para conjuntamente construir capacidades locales, nacionales y regionales que favorecen la incorporación de principios de desarrollo sostenible en las políticas de salud ocupacional y ambiental.

Coordinadora regional: Ph. D. Jennifer Crowe, correo electrónico: jennifer.crowe@una.cr

Contacto:

Página web: www.saltra.una.ac.cr

Correo: saltraregional@una.cr

Teléfono: (506) 2263 6375

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3. Informe Técnico ISA 04 Colaboración Programa ISA Y Asistentes Técnicos de Atención Primaria en Salud del Área de Salud de Talamanca: Aprendizaje y estrategias de difusión sobre el uso de plaguicidas y la salud humana
(Universidad Nacional, Costa Rica, 2014-01) Quesada, Rosario; Romero Boniche, Jenny Raquel; van Wendel de Joode, Berna
In the context of the Infants and Environmental Health Program (ISA - www.isa.una.ac.cr) we started working together with the Primary Care Technical Assistants in Health (ATAPS) in the upper Talamanca area, with the support of the Costa Rican Social Security (CCSS). The collaboration of the ATAPS has allowed us to understand even more the knowledge and population's use of pesticides. The support of the Talamanca Health Area (CCSS) made it possible to implement working meetings with ATAPS in the development of a tool for obtain information on the use, knowledge and experience of the population about pesticides. This instrument was built, validated and piloted by the ATAPS during home visits. Also the development of workshops with the ATAPS, allowed the sharing of information on the types of pesticides, their effects health and research findings that the ISA team develops since 2006 in the area. Through the participation of ATAPS and other social actors in the area (such as the Municipality, women's associations, Biological Corridor, governments among others), it was possible to form a Commission1 (see Annex 01) for attend to the problem of the sky bags that constitute a source of contamination in the communities of the indigenous territory. The ISA Program is very interested in maintaining collaboration with the CCSS and to continue working with ATAPS. The purpose of this document is to report on the main activities carried out with the ATAPS.
9th Latin American Pesticide Residue Workshop (LAPRW 2023) Food and Enviroment, May 18-20, 2021
(Thermo Fisher Scientific, 2021) Universidad Nacional del Litoral (Panamá)
Thermo Fisher Scientific patrocina el 9º Latin American Pesticide Residue Workshop (LAPRW), que se realizará del 21 al 24 de mayo de 2023 en el Sheraton Grand Hotel Panamá. Visítenos en el stand #P2 y descubra nuestras soluciones para el análisis de pesticidas, enfocadas en aumentar la productividad y la confiabilidad de los resultados. El evento abordará temas como métodos analíticos, control de calidad, regulación y análisis de riesgos.
A biogeochemical comparison of three representative lakes of Costa Rica
(INLAND WATERS (Taylor and Francis), 2025-01-09) Esquivel-Hernández, Germain; Sánchez-Gutiérrez, Rolando; Arias Andrés, María.; Ugalde-Salazar, Rocío; Echeverría- Sáenz, Silvia
Lakes are widely distributed across Costa Rica, from coasts to the highest elevation regions and located in the main terrestrial biomes, yet updated biogeochemical information about the main types of lakes is still lacking. We present comparative biogeochemistry (water chemistry, stable isotopes, and picoplankton) for a coastal lake (Lake Madre de Dios), a volcanic lake (Lake Barva), and a glacial lake (Lake Ditkevi). Sampling was conducted between February and November 2022, including dry and rainy seasonal conditions. Hydrological and chemical conditions were evaluated using water and carbon stable isotopes, dissolved organic matter, major ions, and microbiota analysis. Isotopic data on water (δ2H and δ18O) and dissolved inorganic carbon (δ13CDIC) confirmed lower evaporative losses for the maar and tarn lakes and productivity response to precipitation inputs. Excitation/emission matrices confirmed the prevalence of fulvic and humic acids in the coastal and glacial lakes, mainly aromatic proteins and soluble microbial byproducts in the volcanic lake. Picophytoplankton (PPP, ∼0.2–10 μm) was mainly represented by phycocyanin-rich picocyanobacteria in the 3 lakes, but maar and tarn lakes had greater representation of phycoerythrin-rich picocyanobacteria. We confirmed fluctuations in PPP cell abundance in the lakes was lower than in comparable temperate lakes. For other eutrophic lakes, abundance of picocyanobacteria dominated over picoeukaryotic algae. This work aimed to promote an ecosystem approach to study the biogeochemical functioning of tropical lakes using a combination of chemical, hydrological, and biological data and to provide baseline information for future studies (e.g., climate change and pollution impacts) on tropical lakes of Costa Rica.
A case study on pharmaceutical residues and antimicrobial resistance genes in Costa Rican rivers : a possible route of contamination for feline and other species
(Elsevier, 2023-11-12) Vargas-Villalobos, Seiling; Hernández, Felix; Fabregat-Safont, David; Salas-González, Denis; Quesada-Alvarado, Francisco; Botero-Coy, Ana Maria; Esperón, Fernando; Martín-Maldonado, Bárbara; Monrós-González, Juan; Ruepert, Clemens; Estrada-König, Sandra; Rivera-Castillo, Josué; Chaverri-Fonseca, Fabio; Blanco-Peña, Kinndle
In this investigation, the presence of antibiotics and pharmaceuticals in Costa Rican surface waters, specifically in regions near feline habitats, was examined. The study revealed that 47% of the water samples contained detectable traces of at least one antibiotic. Ciprofloxacin and norfloxacin were the most frequently detected compounds, each with a detection rate of 27%. Other antibiotics, such as erythromycin, roxithromycin, and trimethoprim, were also found but at lower frequencies, around 14%. Notably, all antibiotic concentrations remained below 10 ng/L, with ciprofloxacin, norfloxacin, and erythromycin showing the highest concentrations. Furthermore, the investigation revealed the presence of non-antibiotic pharmaceutical residues in the water samples, typically at concentrations below 64 ng/L. Tramadol was the most frequently detected compound, present in 18% of the samples. The highest concentrations were observed for acetaminophen and tramadol, measuring 64 and 10 ng/L, respectively. Comparing these findings with studies conducted in treated wastewater and urban rivers, it became evident that the concentrations of antibiotics and pharmaceuticals were notably lower in this study. While previous research reported higher values, the limited number of studies conducted in protected areas raises concerns about the potential environmental impact on biodiversity. In summary, these results emphasize the importance of monitoring pharmaceutical residues and antimicrobial resistance genes ARGs in vulnerable ecosystems, especially those in close proximity to feline habitats in Costa Rica. Additionally, the study delved into the detection of (ARGs). All tested water samples were positive for at least one ARG, with the blaTEM gene being the most prevalent at 82%, followed by tetS at 64% and qnrB at 23%. Moreover, this research shed light on the complexity of evaluating ARGs in environmental samples, as their presence does not necessarily indicate their expression. It also highlighted the potential for co-selection and coregulation of ARGs, showcasing the intricate behaviors of these genes in aquatic environments.
A multidisciplinary approach to analyze the antimicrobial resistance in natural ecosystems
(Elsevier, 2024-02-25) Blanco-Pena, Kinndle; Quesada-Alvarado, Francisco; Salas-González, Denis; Estrada- König, Sandra; Salom-Pérez, Roberto; Arroyo-Arce, Stephanny; Villalobos-Araya, Adriana; Rivera-Castillo, Josué; Martín-Maldonado, Bárbara; Corrales-Gutiérrez, Daniel; Gallardo-Castro, Valeria; Gutiérrez-Espeleta, Gustavo; Chaves, Andrea; Esperón, Fernando; Chaverri-Fonseca, Fabio
Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR) poses a global threat to both human health and environmental well-being. Our study delved into Costa Rican wildlife reserves, uncovering a substantial human impact on these ecosystems and underscoring the imperative to pinpoint AMR hotspots. Embracing a One Health perspective, we advocated for a comprehensive landscape analysis that intricately intertwined geographic, climatic, forest, and human factors. This study illuminated the link between laboratory results and observed patterns of antimicrobial use, thereby paving the way for sustainable solutions. Our innovative methodology involved deploying open-ended questions to explore antimicrobial usage across livestock activities, contributing to establishing a comprehensive methodology. Non-invasive sampling in wildlife emerged as a critical aspect, shedding light on areas contaminated by AMR. Feline species, positioned at the apex of the food chain, acted as sentinels for environmental health due to heightened exposure to improperly disposed waste. Regarding laboratory findings, each sample revealed the presence of at least one antimicrobial resistance gene (ARG). Notably, genes encoding resistance to tetracyclines dominated (94.9%), followed by beta-lactams (75.6%), sulfonamides (53.8%), aminoglycosides (51.3%), quinolones (44.9%), phenicols (25.6%), and macrolides (20.5%). Genes encoding polymyxins were not detected. Moreover, 66% of samples carried a multi-resistant microbiome, with 15% exhibiting resistance to three antimicrobial families and 51% to four. The absence of a correlation between forest coverage and ARG presence underscored the profound human impact on wildlife reserves, surpassing previous estimations. This environmental pressure could potentially modify microbiomes and resistomes in unknown ways. As not all antimicrobial families encoding ARGs were utilized by farmers, our next step involved evaluating other human activities to identify the primary sources of contamination. This comprehensive study contributed crucial insights into the intricate dynamics of AMR in natural ecosystems, paving the way for targeted interventions and sustainable coexistence.
A participatory assessment of ecosystem services and human wellbeing in Rural Costa Rica using Photo-Voice
(Springer, 2012-03-09) Berbes-Blazquez, Marta
Human well-being is intricately connected to ecosystem services. A keystone contribution to the ecosystem service literature has been the Millennium Ecosystem Assessment, MA, (Ecosystems and human well-being: a framework for assessment, Island Press, Washington, DC; 2003, 2005). Much of the work on ecosystem services to date has focused on the assessment and classification of environmental functions. The need for inclusion of community perspectives in ecosystem assessments has been widely recognized in order to better understand the distribution of impacts and benefits resulting from natural resource use. Communities can offer a direct route to understanding the complex relationships between ecosystems and human well-being and how environmental management affects their livelihoods. Photovoice has been made popular as a tool for participatory needs assessment but it has had limited use in ecosystem assessments to date. The purpose of this paper is twofold: (1) to present the results of a community-level assessment of environmental services in a watershed dominated by pineapple monoculture in Costa Rica; and (2) to evaluate the strengths and the limitations of photovoice as a tool for mapping the relationship between ecosystems and people. I argue that photovoice is an underutilized methodology that has the potential to complement biophysical ecosystem service assessments in the context of impoverished and resource-dependent communities, particularly, since assessing ecosystem services and acting upon that information requires integrating the knowledges of diverse stakeholders, recognizing power imbalances, and grappling with the complexity of social-ecological systems. Processes such as photovoice have the potential to catalyze community self-organization, which is a critical component for empowerment.
A pilot field evaluation on heat stress in sugarcane workers in Costa Rica: What to do next?
(Universidad Nacional, Costa Rica, 2009) Van Wendel de Joode, Berendina; Wesseling Hoogervors, Catharina; Crowe, Jennifer
Climate change is producing major impacts including increasing temperatures in tropical countries, like Costa Rica, where the sugarcane industry employs thousands of workers who are exposed to extreme heat. Objectives: This article outlines a pilot qualitative evaluation of working conditions and heat in the sugarcane industry. Design: A literature review, direct observations and exploratory interviews with workers were conducted to reach a preliminary understanding of the dimensions of heat-related health issues in the sugarcane industry, as a basis for the design of future studies. Results: The industry employs temporary workers from Nicaragua and Costa Rica as well as year-round employees. Temporary employees work 12-hour shifts during the harvest and processing ('zafra') season. In many cases, sugarcane field workers are required to carry their own water and often have no access to shade. Sugar mill workers are exposed to different levels of heat stress depending upon their job tasks, with the most intense heat and workload experienced by the oven ('caldera') cleaners. Conclusions: Research is needed to achieve better understanding of the multiple factors driving and interacting with heat exposures in the sugarcane industry in order to improve the health and safety of workers while maintaining worker productivity. © 2009 Jennifer Crowe et al.
Acute health effects of organophosphorus pesticides on Tanzanian small-scale coffee growers
(Nature Publishing Group, 2001-07-01) Ngowi, Aiwerasia; Maeda, David; Partanen, Timo; Sanga, Michael
A cute health effects of organophosphorus (PP) pesticides on coffee farmworkers in 1991-1992 in Tanzania are reported to provide a basis for concern over farmworkers being overexposed during application. Workers exposed to OP pesticides (N = 133) were drawn from a population of about 240,000 coffee farmers. They were interviewed on symptoms and personal protection, and their erythrocyte acetylcholinesterase (ACHE) activity was determined during both spraying and nonspraying period. AChE activities during spraying and nonspraying period were comparable (mean 32.0, SD 7.8 vs. 33.0, SD 8.7 U/g HgB, P = 0.26). The prevalence of cough, headache, abdominal pain, excessive sweating, nausea, excessive salivation, diarrhea, and vomiting did not differ significantly between spraying and nonspraying periods. There was no suggestion of decreased AChE in exposed subjects who complained of OP-related symptoms compared to symptomless exposed subjects. Use of gloves, long boots, head cover, face cover, and coverall was not significantly associated with AChE activity. No marked AChE depression was found during spraying season, which may explain the lack of association between symptoms and ACHE. The fact that only moderately toxic OP pesticides were used may indicate that toxicity was not sufficiently high to cause depression. Experience, however, suggests that occupational poisoning remains a potential serious danger in coffee cultivation in Tanzania.
Acute toxicity and cholinesterase inhibition of the nematicide ethoprophos in larvae of gar Atractosteus tropicus (Semionotiformes: Lepisosteidae)
(Universidad Nacional, Costa Rica, 2011) Mena Torres, Freylan; Pfennig, Sascha; Arias Andrés, María de Jesús; Márquez Couturier, Gabriel; Sevilla, Adrián; Protti, Maurizio
Biomarkers are a widely applied approach in environmental studies. Analyses of cholinesterase (ChE), glutathione S-transferase (GST) and lipid peroxidation (LPO) are biomarkers that can provide information regarding early effects of pollutants at different biochemical levels on an organism. The aim of this study was to evaluate the biomarker approach on a Costa Rican native and relevant species. For this, larvae of gar (Atractosteus tropicus) were exposed to the organophosphorus nematicide, ethoprophos. Acute (96hr) exposure was conducted with pesticide concentrations ranging from 0.1µg/L to 1 500µg/L. The 96hr LC50 calculated was 859.7µg/L. After exposure, three biomarkers (ChE, GST and LPO) were analyzed in fish that survived the acute test. The lowest observed effect concentration (LOEC) regarding ChE activity inhibition was 50µg/L. This concentration produced a significant inhibition (p<0.05) of the enzyme by 20%. The highest concentration tested without showing any effect on ChE activity and therefore considered as no observed effect concentration (NOEC) was 10µg/L. Ethoprophos concentration of 400µg/L caused a ChE inhibition by 79%. In this study, no significant variations (p>0.05) in GST activity and LPO were observed in A. tropicus larvae after exposure to ethoprophos.
Acute, chronic and biochemical effects of chlorothalonil on Agalychnis callidryas, Isthmohyla pseudopuma and Smilisca baudinii tadpoles
(Springer, 2016-08-05) Méndez, Michael; Obando, Priscilla; Pinnock Branford, Margaret Verónica; Ruepert, Clemens; Castillo, Luisa E.; Mena, Freylan; Alvarado, Gilbert
Declines of amphibian populations have been a worldwide issue of concern for the scientific community during the last several decades. Efforts are being carried out to elucidate factors related to this phenomenon. Among these factors, pathogens, climate change, and environmental pollution have been suggested as possible causes. Regarding environmental pollutants, some pesticides are persistent in the environment and capable of being transported long distances from their release point. In Costa Rica, some pesticides have been detected in protected areas, at locations where amphibian populations have declined. Information about toxicity of pesticides used in Costa Rican agriculture to amphibians is still scarce, particularly for native species. Toxicity tests with chlorothalonil, a fungicide intensively used in Costa Rica, were carried out exposing tadpoles of three Costa Rican native species: Agalychnis callidryas, Isthmohyla pseudopuma, and Smilisca baudinii in order to evaluate acute and chronic toxicity as well as the biomarkers cholinesterase activity (ChE), glutathione-S transferase activity (GST), and lipid peroxidation (LPO). 96-h LC50: 26.6 (18.9–35.8) μg/L to A. callidryas, 25.5 (21.3–29.7) μg/L to I pseudopuma and 32.3 (26.3–39.7) μg/L to S. baudinii were determined for chlorothalonil. These three species of anurans are among the most sensitive to chlorothalonil according to the literature. Besides, GST was induced in S. baudinii after exposure to sub-lethal concentrations of chlorothalonil while evisceration occurred in S. baudinii and A. callidryas tadpoles exposed to lethal concentrations of the fungicide. Chronic exposure to sub-lethal concentrations accelerated development in S. baudinii and caused lesions in tail of S. baudinii and I. pseudopuma tadpoles. Our results demonstrate that chlorothalonil is highly toxic to native amphibian species and that low concentrations can cause biochemical responses related to phase II of biotransformation and effects on development.
Aerial application of mancozeb and urinary ethylene thiourea (ETU) concentrations among pregnant women in Costa Rica: the Infants' Environmental Health Study (ISA)
(Environmental Health Perspectives, 2014-12-01) van Wendel de Joode, Berna; Mora, Ana Maria; Cordoba, Leonel; Cano, Juan Camilo; Quesada, Rosario; Faniband, Moosa; Wesseling, Catharina; Ruepert, Clemens; Öberg, Mattias; Eskenazi, Brenda; Mergler, Donna; Lindh, Christian
Background: Mancozeb and its main metabolite ethylene thiourea (ETU) may alter thyroid function; thyroid hormones are essential for fetal brain development. In Costa Rica, mancozeb is aerially sprayed at large-scale banana plantations on a weekly basis. Objectives: Our goals were to evaluate urinary ETU concentrations in pregnant women living near large-scale banana plantations, compare their estimated daily intake (EDI) with established reference doses (RfDs), and identify factors that predict their urinary ETU concentrations. Methods: We enrolled 451 pregnant women from Matina County, Costa Rica, which has large-scale banana production. We visited 445 women up to three times during pregnancy to obtain urine samples (n = 872) and information on factors that possibly influence exposure. We determined urinary ETU concentrations using liquid chromatography mass spectrometry. Results: Pregnant women’s median urinary ETU concentrations were more than five times higher than those reported for other general populations. Seventy-two percent of the women had EDIs above the RfD. Women who lived closest (1st quartile, < 48m) to banana plantations on average had a 45% (95% CI: 23, 72%) higher urinary ETU compared with women who lived farthest away (4th quartile, ≥ 565m). Compared with the other women, ETU was also higher in women who washed agricultural work clothes on the day before sampling (11%; 95% CI: 4.9, 17%), women who worked in agriculture during pregnancy (19%; 95% CI: 9.3, 29%), and immigrant women (6.2%; 95% CI: 1.0, 13%). Conclusions: The pregnant women’s urinary ETU concentrations are of concern, and the principal source of exposure is likely to be aerial spraying of mancozeb. The factors predicting ETU provide insight into possibilities for exposure reduction.
Aerial application of mancozeb and urinary ethylene thiourea (ETU) concentrations among pregnant women in Costa Rica: the Infants' Environmental Health Study (ISA).
(Research: Children´s health, 2014-12) van Wendel de Joode, Berna; Mora, Ana María; Córdoba, Leonel; Cano, Camilo; Quesada, Rosario; Faniband, Moosa; Wesseling, Catharina; Ruepert, Clemens; Oberg, Mathias; Eskenazi, Brenda; Mergler, Donna; Lindh, Christian
Background: Mancozeb and its main metabolite ethylene thiourea (ETU) may alter thyroid function; thyroid hormones are essential for fetal brain development. In Costa Rica, mancozeb is aerially sprayed at large-scale banana plantations on a weekly basis. Objectives: Our goals were to evaluate urinary ETU concentrations in pregnant women living near large-scale banana plantations, compare their estimated daily intake (EDI) with established reference doses (RfDs), and identify factors that predict their urinary ETU concentrations. Methods: We enrolled 451 pregnant women from Matina County, Costa Rica, which has large-scale banana production. We visited 445 women up to three times during pregnancy to obtain urine samples (n = 872) and information on factors that possibly influence exposure. We determined urinary ETU concentrations using liquid chromatography mass spectrometry. Results: Pregnant women’s median urinary ETU concentrations were more than five times higher than those reported for other general populations. Seventy-two percent of the women had EDIs above the RfD. Women who lived closest (1st quartile, < 48 m) to banana plantations on average had a 45% (95% CI: 23, 72%) higher urinary ETU compared with women who lived farthest away (4th quartile, ≥ 565 m). Compared with the other women, ETU was also higher in women who washed agricultural work clothes on the day before sampling (11%; 95% CI: 4.9, 17%), women who worked in agriculture during pregnancy (19%; 95% CI: 9.3, 29%), and immigrant women (6.2%; 95% CI: 1.0, 13%). Conclusions: The pregnant women’s urinary ETU concentrations are of concern, and the principal source of exposure is likely to be aerial spraying of mancozeb. The factors predicting ETU provide insight into possibilities for exposure reduction.
Agricoh: A consortium of agricultural cohorts
(Multidisciplinary Digital Publishing Institute(MDPI), Switzerland., 2011-04-29) Leon, Maria; Beane Freeman, Laura; Douwes, Jeroen; Hoppin, Jane; Kromhout, Hans; Lebailly, Pierre; Christian Nordby, Karl; Schenker, Marc; Schüz, Joachim; Waring, Stephen; Alavanja, Michael; Annesi Maesano, Isabella; Baldi, Isabelle; Aqiel Dalvie, Mohamed; Ferro, Giles; Fervers, Beatris; Langseth, Hilde; London, Leslie; Lynch, Charles; McLaughlin, John; Merchant, James; Pahwa, Punam; Sigsgaard, Torben; Stayner, Leslie; Wesseling, Catharina; Keun-Young, Yoo; Zahm, Sheila; Straif, Kurt; Blair, Aaron
AGRICOH is a recently formed consortium of agricultural cohort studies involving 22 cohorts from nine countries in five continents: South Africa (1), Canada (3), Costa Rica (2), USA (6), Republic of Korea (1), New Zealand (2), Denmark (1), France (3) and Norway (3). The aim of AGRICOH, initiated by the US National Cancer Institute (NCI) and coordinated by the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC), is to promote and sustain collaboration and pooling of data to investigate the association between a wide range of agricultural exposures and a wide range of health outcomes, with a particular focus on associations that cannot easily be addressed in individual studies because of rare exposures (e.g., use of infrequently applied chemicals) or relatively rare outcomes (e.g., certain types of cancer, neurologic and auto-immune diseases). To facilitate future projects the need for data harmonization of selected variables is required and is underway. Altogether, AGRICOH provides excellent opportunities for studying cancer, respiratory, neurologic, and auto-immune diseases as well as reproductive and allergic disorders, injuries and overall mortality in association with a wide array of exposures, prominent among these the application of pesticides. © 2011 by the authors.
Agriculture without paraquat is feasible without loss of productivity lessons learned from phasing out a highly hazardous herbicide
(Springer Nature Link, 2023-01-09) Ramírez-Muñoz, Fernando; Sánchez U., Jorge.; Stuart, Alexander M; Merfield, Charles N; Horgan, Finbarr G; Willis, Sheila; Watts, Meriel A.; Sánchez U., Jorge ; Utyasheva, Leah; Eddleston, Michael ; Davis, Mark L; Neumeister, Lars ; Sanou, Manoé R.; Williamson, Stephanie
A small proportion of the thousands of pesticides on the market today are associated with a disproportionately high incidence of severe acute pesticide poisoning and suicide. Paraquat stands out as one of the most lethal pesticides in common use, frequently involved in fatal incidents due to suicides or accidental exposure. Even though paraquat has been banned in over 67 countries, it is still widely used in many others, particularly in Asia and Latin America. Based on a literature review and consultations, this paper identifes options for replacing paraquat and distils practical lessons from numerous successes around the world. Our aim is to support regulators, policymakers, agronomists and the supply chain sector with practical information related to phasing out paraquat. Production data consistently failed to show any negative efects of banning paraquat on agricultural productivity. A wide range of alternative approaches to weed management and crop defoliation are available, many of which do not rely on herbicides. Over 1.25 million farmers in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) successfully produce a range of crops for private voluntary standards (PVS) in food and fber supply chains which prohibit paraquat use. We conclude from the fndings of this study that eliminating paraquat will save lives without reducing agri- cultural productivity. Less hazardous and more sustainable alternatives exist. To enhance successful adoption and uptake of these methods on a wide scale, farmers require training and support within an enabling policy environment.
Agua, sombra, descanso y eficiencia : valoración cualitativa del programa We
(Universidad Nacional, Costa Rica, 2020) Rojas Garbanzo, Marianela; Aragon, Aurora; Soto, Arlen
Antecedentes: Aunque no se ha establecido claramente, la enfermedad renal crónica de etiología desconocida (ERCd) ha estado relacionada a exposición a altas temperaturas, trabajo extenuante y mala hidratación, que contribuyen a la disminución de la tasa de filtración glomerular y al riesgo de episodios repetidos de lesión renal aguda (IRA). En un ingenio salvadoreño se ejecutó un programa de intervención basado en el aseguramiento de “Agua, Descanso, Sombra y Eficiencia” (WRS-E). Objetivo: Explorar la percepción de los trabajadores sobre la efectividad de cada componente del programa WRS-E, así como la sostenibilidad de la intervención desde la perspectiva de los trabajadores y otros actores clave. Método: Se realizó un estudio cualitativo con un diseño emergente mediante análisis temático. Cada componente de WRS-E se evaluó con análisis iterativo y triangulación de investigadores. El estudio se llevó a cabo en dos años consecutivos, previo a la finalización de cada zafra. Resultados: La mayoría de los entrevistados estuvo de acuerdo en que WRS-E redujo efectivamente el riesgo de deshidratación, aunque los componentes fueron adoptados en un gradiente de mayor a menor desde Zona 1 a Zona 3. En los casos donde las indicaciones de la implementación fueron mejor adoptadas (Zona 1), los trabajadores experimentaron una mejor salud y un mejor ánimo para trabajar. En la Zona 3, donde el riesgo de estrés térmico fue muy alto, hubo varias dificultades para la implementación. La aceptación y adherencia al programa se vieron obstaculizadas en el año 2 por la falta de claridad sobre la necesidad de mantener un cumplimiento estricto de los componentes WRS-E, particularmente en esa zona. Se destacan diferencias históricas, culturales y de condiciones de trabajo, como el trabajo a destajo, que impone un ritmo que interfiere con las pausas para descanso e ingesta de líquidos. También hubo falta de claridad y abastecimiento oportuno para la ingesta diaria de electrolitos. A esto se sumaron los cambios en la calidad de las herramientas y materiales disponibles en el año 2, diferentes a los del año 1. A pesar de lo anterior, hubo un gradiente de satisfacción con la intervención, y de manera unánime se concluyó que, a pesar de las diferencias, vale la pena sostener el programa. Conclusión: Un programa como éste debe ser planificado y ejecutado no solo con un fuerte compromiso de la gerencia, sino también de los mandos medios, quienes deben estar comprometidos con el cambio. Esto debe reflejarse en una dirección clara, apego estricto a los componentes del programa, implementación oportuna, retroalimentación adecuada, apropiación de los objetivos y una estrecha cooperación y flexibilidad de la gerencia e investigadores, para que en conjunto se puedan resolver los cambios inesperados.
Aislamiento, identificación y caracterización de cepas bacterianas con potencial de degradación de los plaguicidas clorotalonil y clorpirifos
(Universidad Nacional, Costa Rica, 2023) Estrada Gamboa, Joyce María; Umaña Castro, Rodolfo; Sancho Blanco, Carolina; Orozco Aceves, Martha
El uso indiscriminado de plaguicidas altamente tóxicos en la agricultura ha producido contaminación de los suelos y deterioro de los ecosistemas. Una solución prometedora para este problema ambiental es la biorremediación, que incluye el uso de bacterias para degradar sustancias contaminantes, incluidos los plaguicidas. [Objetivo] El presente trabajo tuvo por objetivo el aislamiento, identificación y caracterización de cepas bacterianas con capacidad de degradar los plaguicidas clorotalonil y clorpirifos, para su potencial uso en la biorremediación de suelos contaminados. [Metodología] Las cepas fueron aisladas de suelos agrícolas mediante cultivos de enriquecimiento, que contenían clorotalonil o clorpirifos (20 mg/L) como única fuente de carbono. Las cepas aisladas se caracterizaron por su morfología, fisiológicamente por su respuesta a 48 pruebas bioquímicas y frente a 15 antibióticos, cinética de crecimiento, y molecularmente (amplificación del gen 16S). [Resultados] Se aisló una cepa bacteriana capaz de utilizar (y degradar) clorpirifos como fuente de carbono, identificada como Stenotrophomonas maltophilia y dos cepas bacterianas con capacidad parcial de utilizar clorotalonil como fuente de carbono, identificadas como Enterobacter cloacae y Ochrobactrum anthropi. Las tres especies bacterianas son bacilos Gram negativo y presentaron características fisiológicas diversas, incluyendo resistencia variable a ciertos antibióticos. [Conclusión] Se concluye que las bacterias aisladas tienen potencial biotecnológico para ser incorporadas en una estrategia de biorremediación de suelos contaminados, especialmente para eliminación de clorpirifos. Finalmente, se plantean perspectivas de investigación a futuro para dilucidar procesos más eficientes de degradación de clorotalonil mediante cometabolismo.
Alternativas agroecológicas para UNA producción de plátano saludable en Talamanca
(Instituto Regional de Estudios en Sustancias Tóxicas, Universidad Nacional, 2011) Díaz Quesada, Melvin; Romero Boniche, Jenny Raquel; van Wendel de Joode, Berna
Realiza una comparación de plaguicidas químicos, con otras alternativas culturales y orgánicas.
Alternativas agroecológicas para UNA producción de plátano saludable en Talamanca: elaboración de abono foliar
(Universidad Nacional, Costa Rica, 2011) Rodríguez Gómez, Luis; Díaz, Melvin; Romero Boniche, Jenny Raquel; van Wendel de Joode, Berna
Describe los materiales y forma de elaboración de abono foliar orgánico.
Alternativas agroecológicas para UNA producción de plátano saludable en Talamanca: elaboración de abono orgánico sólido o tierra fermentada
(Universidad Nacional, Costa Rica, 2011) Rodríguez Gómez, Luis; Díaz Quesada, Melvin; Romero Boniche, Jenny Raquel; van Wendel de Joode, Berna
Describe los materiales y forma de elaboración de abono orgánico sólido o tierra fermentada.
Alternativas al clorpirifos y a otros insecticidas organofosforados
(Universidad Nacional, Costa Rica, 2023-08) Ramírez-Muñoz, Fernando; Quesada Cabezas, Osvaldo
El clorpirifos, un insecticida organofosforado ampliamente usado en Costa Rica, es altamente tóxico para la salud humana y el ambiente. Está prohibido en 41 países por su persistencia, bioacumulación y efectos neurológicos. Existen múltiples alternativas sostenibles basadas en la agroecología, como el manejo preventivo, cultural, físico, biológico y el uso de extractos naturales, que demuestran que estos químicos no son indispensables para la producción agrícola.

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