Bioengineering and Occupational Study

Bioengineering and Occupational Study 1
BIOENGINEERING AND OCCUPATIONAL STUDY
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Bioengineering and Occupational Study 2
Bioengineering and Occupational Study
Occupational health is a branch of medicine that deals with the promotion of a healthy
work environment. It prevents and controls occupational accidents and diseases, and eliminates
occupational factors that are hazardous to the health of the works. An important area in
occupational health is chemical safety and the environment. Chemicals have both positive and
negative effects on the well-being of humans and the environment (Beehr 2019 p. 1).
Health and Toxic Effect of Rotenone Pesticide
Exposure to chemicals, for example chemicals such as paraquat and rotenone of the
compound family of pesticides, affect human health. These chemicals are highly flammable. The
auto-ignition temperature and the flammable limits are usually lower than most compounds
commonly used. This chemical should be used in a controlled environment. Pesticides are also
very irritable. They react violently with contact with the skin. Rotenone burn or erode the skin
and other tissues. The flammability and the reactivity of a chemical are usually indicated on the
container label or SDS. Alternatively, this information can be obtained from other sources such
as books, pamphlets, and the internet. In high concentration, pesticides can be inhaled and cause
damage to the breathing system. Inhalation of pesticides can result in gasping for air, loss of
consciousness, or even death (Amponsah-Tawiah and Mensah 2016 p. 225-230).
Route of exposure and the tissues and organs that they affect
Rotenone pesticide can enter the body through various entry points. The most common is
skin and mucosal membranes such as the eye. Skin contact with the pesticide can result in a
localized reaction, for example, a burning effect, rash, redness, swelling, blisters, itchiness or
corrosion of the skin and membrane. Skin that has laceration cracked or contains open wounds
are more vulnerable to the entry of chemicals than unbroken skin. If a chemical is absorbed into

Bioengineering and Occupational Study 3
the bloodstream, it can spread its toxic propertied to other body parts. In case of pesticide contact
with the skin, carefully remove any clothing surrounding the contact area. Rinse the affected area
with running water for 15 minutes. Seek medical advice in the symptoms persist (Diaz 2016 p.
153-163).
Rotenone pesticide can get into contact with the eyes through accidental splashes, and
sprays.it can result in pain, redness, or blindness. In case of contact with chemicals, rinse
immediately with running water for at least 15 minutes. Always wear safety goggles and face
shield when handling toxic pesticides. Contact lenses should be removed during rinsing and do
not rub the eyes.
Most pesticides do not have a detectable odor, allowing them to be easily inhaled in large
amounts. Overexposure to pesticide gas can harm the lungs and surrounding tissue. The toxin
may also be absorbed to other body parts and result in more harm. In the event of exposure, close
the container, open windows, or doors to increase ventilation. In severe cases, a respirator may
be used to achieve adequate ventilation (Wang et al. 2018 p.1-11).
Rotenone pesticide can also enter the body through ingestion. Although it is highly
unlikely for an individual to ingest a pesticide unless they are children, chemical exposure may
occur through eating contaminated food or touching the mouth area with contaminated hands.
Pesticides should not be sprayed near any food or beverages to reduce the risk of exposure
through ingestion. Also, proper handwashing is encouraged after handling pesticides or other
related chemicals.
Chemical exposure may occur through accidental injection; this may happen through
accidents with sharp objects that have been contaminated with chemicals. The chemical enters
the bloodstream and is spread to other organs in the body. If accidental injection occurs, wash the

Bioengineering and Occupational Study 4
affected area with soap and water and seek medical advice immediately (Maceachen et al. 2016
p. 3-16).
In vitro Model- (Lab Based) Using Cell or Tissue Modeling
Exposure and toxicity of pesticides should be studied in detail in order to understand the
mechanisms of toxicity. Further studies can also help in understanding a dose-response
relationship. Animal tissues are commonly used for toxicology. These cellular systems model the
mammalian tissues and reveal a similar response to the toxin. The animal tissues can be used to
test the effect of the pesticide on the skin and on other mucosal tissues. A sample of the tissue
can be obtained and preserved in its ‘live’ state using the various advancements in technology.
The tissue will continue to receive nutrients and water even after being detached from the body.
The tissue is then exposed to the pesticide, and the reaction monitored. Advances in cell-based
screening have resulted in tools that allow the researcher to study the cell signaling pathways
while monitoring the cell parameters (Lee et al. 2019 pp.186-199).
Live mice can be used to study the effect of inhalation to the lungs and other body parts
once the toxin enters other body parts. The mice can be placed in a container that has controlled
ventilation, the pesticide is then sprayed into the container and the mice observed. The behavior
of the mice will be similar to what may happen if the pesticide is exposed to human beings
(Beehr 2019 p. 1)
Swiss mice can be used to study the dose-response relationship. Swiss mice can be
grouped into four groups. The first group can be injected with 20mg of the pesticide, the second
30, the third 40 and the last group 50. These mice can then be analyzed after a couple of hours.
The group that will have the most affected mice indicates the most lethal dose of the pesticide.
This technique is also commonly used in the manufacture of insecticide in order to determine the