Fate, Effects and Regulatory Measures for Organochlorine Pesticides

Organochlorines are chlorinated hydrocarbons that have been used as pesticides over several decades. Humans and several other non target organisms are exposed to pesticides due to occupational or dietary and environmental exposure (water, soil, air). This article contains a brief review of persistence, toxicity and metabolism into non-toxic forms by microorganisms, by a process of bioremediation. In the last section of the article, the safety measures that must be taken in order to protect ourselves as well as the natural environment has been discussed. Finally other alternatives like organic farming, use of GM crops, proper regulatory measures that must be taken so that usage of these toxic compounds is limited has been discussed.