Message from Dean
Health problems caused by pesticides exposure are a global concern, because these compounds lead to a significant burden of diseases, particularly in low- and middle-income countries. Based on documentation of WHO, one-third of these diseases are due to environmental factors and among them pesticides are of high importance. Certainly, reducing reliance on pesticides and using them optimally are crucial factors to cope with these diseases and to use pesticides properly in agriculture.
Pesticide legislators should take into account the negative health and environmental effects of pesticides so authorities can justify and control pesticide usages. For this purpose, there should be researches that show an increasing role of pesticides in a variety of diseases, such as cancer, asthma, allergy and Parkinson.
Studies on pesticide exposures in Irans environment and society during 1960 - 2012 found that high pesticide residues in the environment, besides acute and chronic pesticide poisonings are unquestionable. Then Iran should urgently improve pesticide laws. These laws must include the provision of resources and capacity for enforcement of pesticide regulations, managing supply chain and life cycles of pesticides, and guiding correct disposal of wastes and empty containers. Doing comprehensive studies on importation, production and distribution of pesticides is necessary to take preventive legal measures for inappropriate pesticide usages, to assess risks and their resulting dangers, and to reduce acute and chronic diseases.
The importance of essential researches on optimal use of pesticides and reducing their adverse effects on health and environment has been increased today. Then it is necessary to create a research group that expands data further and particularly can incorporate information on pesticide applications into other sectors. Prepared data are available for authorities and other researchers. Ministry of Agriculture Jihad, Ministry of Health and Medical Education and Department of Environment can also use findings of this group in their future, macro-regional plans.
Dr. Hasan Vatandoost
Dean of Environmental Toxicology and Pesticide Department