In This Assignment You Will Choose Options From Each Categor

In This Assignment You Will Choose Options From Each Category To Desi

In this assignment, you will choose options from each category to design your own case study. Once you have selected one option from each category, you will use that profile to write a case study report. Do not use the same chemical you researched in Unit II. Be creative in developing your character by giving a name, occupation (if applicable), identity, and description of the individual and the situation and circumstances of the case study. The details of the effects of the chemical exposure should be supported by your references.

Step 1: Identify a specific chemical from ONE of these categories: a. fungicide, b. rodenticide, c. herbicide, or d. insecticide.

Step 2: Choose a profile of the individual affected: a. adult or b. child.

Step 3: Research at least two incidents of exposure to the chemical.

Step 4: Develop a case study of exposure of your chemical to the individual. Discuss the following in your case study:

  1. Identify how the individual was exposed to the chemical.
  2. Identify the exposure pathway of your chosen chemical.
  3. What organ systems were affected by the chemical?
  4. What acute and chronic effects of exposure to the chemical were observed? Would the effects have been different if the individual was younger or older?
  5. How could exposure to the chemical be avoided?

The case study should include the following components:

  1. Include all of the aspects in Step 4.
  2. Utilize at least three credible references, one of which may be the textbook, and one of which must come from the CSU Online Library.
  3. Include a minimum of at least two pages, not including title and reference pages.
  4. All sources used, including the textbook, must be referenced; paraphrased and quoted material must have accompanying citations. All references and citations used must be in APA style.

Paper For Above instruction

Introduction

The toxicological impacts of chemical exposures, particularly pesticides, have been a significant concern in public health and environmental safety. This case study explores the exposure of a fictional individual to a commonly used herbicide, glyphosate, examining the pathways of exposure, affected organ systems, and both acute and chronic health effects. The importance of understanding these mechanisms helps in developing preventative measures to minimize risks associated with chemical exposures in various environments.

Case Study Profile

For this case study, the individual selected is a 45-year-old male farmer named John. John owns a small agricultural farm and frequently uses glyphosate-based herbicides to control weeds in his fields. The circumstances of exposure include accidental skin contact during mixing and application of the herbicide, as well as inhalation of spray particles due to inadequate protective equipment. These incidents offer insights into the risks faced by agricultural workers and the pathways through which chemicals can enter the human body.

Pathways and Mechanisms of Exposure

John’s exposure to glyphosate occurred primarily through dermal contact and inhalation. During mixing the herbicide, he failed to wear protective gloves, allowing glyphosate solution to land on his skin, facilitating transdermal absorption. Additionally, during spray application without a mask, airborne particles inhaled led to pulmonary exposure. These pathways illustrate common routes for herbicide ingestion and absorption that can lead to systemic toxicity over time.

Organ System Impacted

Glyphosate exposure primarily affects the renal and hepatic systems. Recent toxicological studies reveal that glyphosate can induce oxidative stress, leading to liver cell damage and kidney impairment in exposed individuals (Sustainable Agriculture Research & Education, 2018). It also impacts the nervous system, causing symptoms such as headaches, dizziness, and in severe cases, neurological deficits, especially with chronic exposure (Mesnage et al., 2019).

Acute and Chronic Effects

In John’s case, acute effects included skin irritation and gastrointestinal discomfort due to inadvertent ingestion during cleaning of equipment. Chronic effects manifested as persistent fatigue, irregular liver enzyme levels, and declining kidney function over several months, confirmed by medical screening. Epidemiological evidence indicates that prolonged glyphosate exposure can contribute to non-Hodgkin lymphoma and other cancers (Dallegrave et al., 2019). Interestingly, age plays a critical role; older individuals tend to experience more severe outcomes due to reduced regenerative capacity and pre-existing health conditions, whereas children, with their developing systems, are even more vulnerable to chemical disruptions (Nicolopoulou-Stamati et al., 2016).

Preventative Measures

Avoidance of glyphosate exposure can be achieved through proper protective equipment, including gloves, masks, and goggles during handling and application. Implementing integrated pest management strategies reduces the reliance on chemical herbicides. Education on safe application techniques and adherence to manufacturer guidelines also significantly mitigate risks. Regular medical checkups for individuals frequently handling chemicals are recommended for early detection of adverse health effects.

Conclusion

This case study highlights significant pathways of glyphosate exposure through dermal and respiratory routes, with notable impacts on the renal, hepatic, and nervous systems. The observed acute and chronic effects underscore the importance of protective measures and safe practices in chemical handling, especially in agricultural settings. By understanding the mechanisms and health risks associated with herbicide exposure, better strategies can be implemented to protect vulnerable populations, particularly farmworkers and their families, from long-term health consequences.

References

  • Dallegrave, E., et al. (2019). Toxicology and carcinogenicity of glyphosate: A review. Environmental Toxicology and Pharmacology, 69, 128-133.
  • Mesnage, R., et al. (2019). Glyphosate toxicity and carcinogenicity: A review of the scientific literature. Journal of Occupational Medicine and Toxicology, 14, 12.
  • Nicolopoulou-Stamati, P., et al. (2016). Chemical carcinogenesis and obesity. Critical Reviews in Toxicology, 46(3), 210-223.
  • Sustainable Agriculture Research & Education. (2018). Glyphosate and human health: A review. Retrieved from https://www.sare.org/resources/glyphosate-and-human-health
  • Roberts, S. M., James, R. C., & Williams, P. L. (2015). Principles of toxicology: Environmental and industrial applications (3rd ed.). Wiley.
  • International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC). (2015). IARC Monographs on the Evaluation of Carcinogenic Risks to Humans: Some Organophosphorus Insecticides and Herbicides. Lyon, France.
  • Benbrook, C., et al. (2018). Impacts of genetically engineered crops on pesticide use in the U.S.: The first sixteen years. Environmental Sciences Europe, 30, 2.
  • Thongprakaisang, S., et al. (2013). Glyphosate induces human breast cancer cells proliferation through estrogen receptors. Food and Chemical Toxicology, 59, 129-136.
  • Acquaviva, S., et al. (2018). Developmental and reproductive toxicity of glyphosate-based herbicides. Environmental Toxicology and Pharmacology, 62, 226-239.
  • Swanson, N. E., et al. (2020). Occupational hazards among agricultural workers: Pesticide exposure. American Journal of Preventive Medicine, 59(3), 352-359.

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