A review of endosulfan, dichlorvos, diazinon, and diuron – pesticides used in Jamaica

Abstract

The global agricultural sector is the primary user of pesticides, consuming more than three billion kilograms of pesticides annually. Although pesticides are beneficial in controlling the proliferation of pests, they have been associated with adverse human and ecological impacts. Approximately 87% of the annually imported pesticides in Jamaica are applied within agricultural or household settings. However, in Jamaica, the potential impact on humans, their property, and the environment is unknown, as the fate of many of the locally applied pesticides has not been established. This review discusses four pesticides extensively applied in agricultural practices in Jamaica – endosulfan, diazinon, diuron, and dichlorvos. The information presented is essential for the development of fate and transport models of these chemicals. Consequently, health and ecological impact assessments may be conducted from the generated models.

Keywords:

• pesticides
• persistence
• fate
• standards
• toxic effects