Introduction
Ethephon, also known as 2-chloroethyl phosphonic acid, has been one of the most popular plant growth regulators in recent years. It promotes fruit coloring, leaf, flower, or fruit abscission, fruit ripening, fruit production, germination, and flower induction. Even though oranges, lemons, and grapefruits are frequently still green when fully ripe, people do not purchase them. Hence, these green citrus fruits are artificially made to develop an attractive citrus color by using ethylene.
Ethephon regulates the stages of plant growth and development through application to various growth locations. Its use varies with plant type, chemical content, and time of application. It is sprayed or misted on plants before being fertilized. After being applied, ethephon passes via the cuticles and stomata (tiny openings on the leaves) to reach the apoplast (nutrient and water transporter for the plant), decomposing at a pH of 5 or higher to produce ethylene, chloride, and phosphate. Many fruits and vegetables contain ethylene, a hormone that occurs naturally in plants. When internal concentrations rise from 0.1 to 1.0 ppm, it impacts the physiological functions of plants and starts the ripening process (parts per million). The ripening process can also be formed by applying ethylene externally. The Ministry of Agriculture states that depending on the crop, variety, and maturity, ethylene concentrations between 0.001 percent and 0.01 percent are considered safe.
What Are the Functions of Ethephon?
Ethephon is a common pesticide that is used all over the world.
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It is an organophosphorus chemical quickly absorbed into experimental animals' intestines. It is postulated that some of it will change into ethylene oxide, ethanediol, hydroxyethyl-glutathione, and mercapturic acid.
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Ethephon is a far more effective inhibitor of butyrylcholinesterase than acetylcholinesterase. It is one of the few synthetic compounds possibly the only agrochemical that spontaneously reacts to produce phosphoproteins (a protein that contains phosphorus).
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It has been established that 2-chloroethyl phosphonic acid contributes to certain antibiotics' biogenesis (the synthesis of substances by living organisms). Streptomyces (bacteria) growth and antibiotic production are both impacted.
What Are the Adverse Health Effects of Ethephon Poisoning?
The following are the adverse health effects of ethephon poisoning:
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Regular intake of fruits that have been artificially ripened has been linked to heart and liver illnesses as well as weakness, skin ulcers, and dizziness.
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Following subchronic administration of plant growth regulators to mice, reported negative health impacts.
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Recent research using rats and mice found that brain, red blood cells, and plasma cholinesterase were all inhibited in a dose-related manner. There has been a noticeable rise in incorporating C-acetate into lipids and cholesterol in the liver, heart, brain, and serum.
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Birds, bunnies, and dogs all significantly reduced body weight, food intake, vocalizations, and motor activity.
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Salivation, lacrimation, diarrhea, intestinal urgency, stomach cramps, increased urgency and frequency of urination, decreased appetite, and inhibition of plasma cholinesterase are toxic effects of ethephon documented in adult humans to date.
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It is mildly acutely poisonous when consumed orally, topically, or inhaled.
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In a rat reproductive toxicity research, treatment of the test substance resulted in decreased offspring survival and reduced adult female body weight but had no impact on fertility, gestation, mate choice, organ weights, or histopathology in any generation.
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Based on research with hens, it does not produce delayed neurotoxicity; nonetheless, trials with mammals are now needed as confirmation data.
What Preventive Measures Should Be Taken by the Workers for Ethephon Poisoning?
According to current usage patterns, ethephon treatments employing open pouring techniques, broadcast (aerial and ground) treatment, or hand-held spray equipment may expose employees to the substance during and after use in agricultural and other contexts. There are no systemic dermal or inhalation toxicity hazards with ethephon. However, specific Worker Protection Standard (WPS) rules apply because it does carry a risk of severe skin and eye irritation:
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A 48-hour restricted access interval (REI) mandated by the WPS is being kept to protect post-application workers. When ethephon is used outside in dry environments, this time frame must be extended to 72 hours.
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Specific personal protection equipment (PPE), including protective glasses, is necessary for early access into treated areas.
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Additionally, "double notice" is necessary because ethephon is in the toxicity category for skin irritation. Agricultural personnel must be verbally informed of its application, and WPS warning signs must be displayed at entrances.
What Is the Ecological Risk Assessment of Ethephon Poisoning?
Fish, freshwater invertebrates, marine, and estuarine animals, birds, mammals, and fish are all predicted to be least affected by ethephon.
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When applied on apples, cotton, tobacco, macadamia nuts, blackberries, and pineapple, ethephon may provide a risk to semi-aquatic or wetland plants, including endangered semi-aquatic flora, even if minor effects to aquatic and terrestrial (dry land) plants are anticipated.
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Ethephon is not meant to be poisonous to plants because it is a growth regulator. Furthermore, the risk is insignificant. Therefore, although there is a possibility of harm to semi-aquatic plants, it could only occasionally occur during times of high exposure and is geographically limited.
What Are the Ways to Reduce Ethephon Poisoning?
The points given below are some of the ways to reduce ethephon poisoning:
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Health education to raise public knowledge of the adverse effects on most body systems of routinely used artificial fruit and vegetable ripeners (central nervous system). Primary care doctors should be educated to share this information.
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To determine the health danger, it is crucial to do qualitative and quantitative examinations of the presence of ripening agents in the fruit's skin and flesh.
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It is necessary to encourage healthy habits, such as avoiding fruits and vegetables that have apparent blemishes, necrosis (lesions), or any other abnormalities.
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Before eating, carefully wash fruits and vegetables in water. Fruit and vegetable peeling before consumption and cooking should be encouraged.
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Sending goods to voluntary testing facilities helps to ensure their quality.
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The ideal option is organic farming, which should be adopted and encouraged, so the immune system boosters continue to be boosters rather than toxins.
Conclusion
Salivation, lacrimation, diarrhea, intestinal urgency, stomach cramps, increased urgency and frequency of urination, decreased appetite, and suppression of plasma cholinesterase activity are the toxic effects of ethephon that have been documented in adult humans to date.
