The Effect of Herbicide Metribuzin on Environment and Human: A Systematic Review

Abstract

Metribuzin is a synthetic organic compound used as a selective Triazinone herbicide, incorporated as a post-emergent soil applied herbicide to control weeds in wheat, potato, tomato and others. The aim of this study was to assess the impact of Metribuzin on the environment and human health. Human exposure to Metribuzin occurs through inhalation and ingestion, usually in agricultural settings. Farmers' occupational exposure to Metribuzin is highly variable and complex depending on the farm but Few studies have assessed the exposure of the population to this herbicide. Metribuzin can accumulate in soil and water and cause damage to flora and fauna. furthermore, Herbicides Metribuzin have a very variable toxicity, in the short term it can cause acute intoxication which can cause breathing and difficult drowsiness but the high exposures can cause stomach aches, fatigue and depression of the central nervous system, on the other hand in the long term and with strong exposure or other repeated it can cause modifications of the hepatic enzymes, disturbance in the kidneys, can affect the reproduction, the endocrine function and oxidant/antioxidant system imbalance. This study highlights on the undesirable effect of Metribuzin which allows to affirm their toxicity even at low doses, is not only following an occupational exposure, but also for the general population by their use of treated agricultural products by these pesticides, which poses a real public health problem. Accordingly, it is imperative that farmers avoid their use and replace them with biological fertilizers that are less harmful to human and animal health.

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