SOME TOXICOLOGICAL HEALTH HAZARDS OF MANCOZEB: REVIEW ARTICLE

Abstract

Fungicides are pesticides that specifically, in agriculture, used to protect fruits and vegetables during storage or are applied directly to ornamental plants, trees, field crops, cereals and turf grasses. Mancozeb (MZ), a broad spectrum dithiocarbamate fungicide used in Egypt, is one of the most frequently utilized pesticides in homes, agricultural, and industrial settings worldwide. The main mechanism of mancozeb toxicity is the creation of reactive oxygen species and the activation of oxidative stress, which leads to mitochondria dysfunction, apoptotic pathways activation and increase lipid peroxidation that are implicated in the pathophysiology of numerous diseases and has been linked to acute and chronic exposure to such dithiocarbamates pesticides. The purpose of this review article is to highlight on MZ regarding chemical structure, environmental fate, ways of human exposure, mechanism of toxicity and some of its potential health hazards. So, it is important to recommend the presence of an applicable access of information for farmers and workers about proper use or the precautions needed when handling pesticides or at least using the simplest hygienic and protective measures, also, attention to sanitary environmental work place is required to avoid take-home mechanism of toxicity. Also, widespread public education regarding the health hazards of dithiocarbamates pesticides is essential.