To substantiation of the list of hazardous highly toxic chemicals that are subject to special control regarding handling, storage, use and disposal. Part III (bipyridyl herbicides paraquat and diquat)

Abstract

The Aim of the Research. To identify a group of highly toxic chemicals which over the past decades are most often used in deliberate criminal and suicidal incidents, sabotage, and terrorist act; the handling, storage, use and disposal of which must be especially carefully monitored by law enforcement agencies. In this part of the article bipyridyl herbicides paraquat and diquat are considered. Materials and Methods. An analytical review of scientific publications was carried out using the abstract databases of scientific libraries Pub Med, Medline and text databases of scientific publishing houses Elsevier, Pub Med, Central, BMJ group as well as other VIP databases. Methods of systemic, comparative, and content analysis were used. Results and Conclusions. Analytical review of literature data and research carried out at the State Enterprise Scientific Centre of Preventive Toxicology, Food and Chemical Safety named after Academician L.I. Medved of the Ministry of Health of Ukraine, showed that highly toxic bipyridyl herbicides paraquat and diquat can pose a threat to human life and health. Recently, in particular for more than a quarter of a century, they have become a real weapon in the hands of criminals, delinquents, and terrorists all over the world. Suicidal incidents, which also take place along with intentional criminal, terrorist, and sabotage acts, should not be concealed. Based on the analysis of the toxicity, clinical and morphological expression of intoxication when exposed to these chemicals, considering various routes of entry into the body, the need to include them in the List of hazardous highly toxic chemicals, the handling, storage, use, and disposal of which require stricter control of law enforcement agencies, is justified. Key Words: bipyridyl herbicides, paraquat, diquat, health risk, acute poisoning.