Message of Dean:

Health problems arising from exposure to pesticides are a global issue, as these compounds contribute to a significant burden of diseases, especially in low- and middle-income countries. According to documentation from the World Health Organization, one-third of this disease burden is attributable to environmental factors, with pesticides recognized as a very important contributing factor. Reducing reliance on pesticides and optimizing their use to address this burden is undoubtedly critical, while still allowing pesticides to play an appropriate role in agricultural production.

The negative effects of pesticide consumption on health and the environment should guide the country’s policymaking and relevant regulations so that their use can be justified and better controlled. This is crucial in light of research that identifies the increasing role of pesticide exposure in the onset of a wide range of diseases, such as cancer, asthma, allergies, and Parkinson’s disease.

Based on studies conducted on the environment and community regarding exposure to pesticides in Iran from 1960 to 2012, the presence of high levels of pesticide residues in the environment and the occurrence of acute and chronic poisoning due to pesticides has been confirmed. Therefore, there is an urgent need for action to enhance pesticide regulations in Iran. Such regulations should include the development of resources and capacity building for the implementation of regulations and the management of the procurement and application cycle of pesticides in Iran, from production or import to consumption, as well as the disposal of residues and empty containers. Without comprehensive studies on the import, production, distribution, and consumption of pesticides, legal measures to prevent improper pesticide use, risk assessment, and planning to reduce acute and chronic illnesses caused by these hazardous compounds will not be feasible.

Given the increasing importance of investing in necessary research for the optimal use of pesticides and the reduction of their adverse health and environmental effects, the establishment of a research group with the capacity for data enhancement in subsequent stages, particularly with the ability to integrate pesticide application information from other sectors, appears essential for the use of authorities and researchers in the country. The results from the studies of this group will be utilized in future planning at the national and regional levels by the Ministries of Agriculture Jihad and Health, Treatment, and Medical Education, as well as the Department of the Environment.