Environmental Impact of Damu-Safen Herbicide A Complete Risk Evaluation

Introduction

The growing demand for sustainable agriculture has intensified the need for safe and effective pesticide management. A recent study published in the Annals of Civil and Environmental Engineering evaluates the environmental and occupational exposure risks associated with Damu-Safen, EC (fomesafen 250 g/L) a selective post-emergence herbicide used in soybean cultivation.

As pesticide safety remains central to environmental engineering and public health, this research provides critical insights into air, soil, water, and worker exposure levels. For more peer-reviewed environmental research and engineering studies, visit https://www.civilenvironjournal.com/index.php/acee.

The full study can be accessed via its https://doi.org/10.29328/journal.acee.1001012

Research Objective

The primary aim was to assess:

• Environmental safety of fomesafen application
• Occupational exposure risks (inhalation and dermal)
• Residual contamination in soil, water, and atmospheric air
• Compliance with hygienic and regulatory standards

The research was conducted in Kazakhstan agricultural fields using standardized toxicological and environmental monitoring methods.

Toxicological Profile of Fomesafen

Fomesafen is classified as a WHO Hazard Class II pesticide (moderately hazardous).

Key Toxicity Data:

• Acute Oral LD50 (rats): 1250 mg/kg
• Acute Dermal LD50: >1000 mg/kg
• Inhalation LC50 (4h): 4.97 mg/m³
• Mild skin irritation (temporary erythema)
• Moderate eye irritation
• Weak sensitization potential

Hygienic Standards

• MAC (Working Area Air): 2.0 mg/m³
• MAC (Water Reservoirs): 0.0001 mg/dm³
• Soil Limit: 0.05 mg/kg
• Atmospheric Air Limit: 0.003 mg/m³

Environmental Monitoring Results

Air Quality Working Zone

• Tanker exposure safety coefficient (SCSUM): 0.00245
• Tractor operator safety coefficient: 0.00145
• Both values ≤ 1 → Risk classified as acceptable

Atmospheric Air

• Measured concentration: 0.00135 mg/m³
• Permissible limit: 0.003 mg/m³
• Within regulatory standards

Water Contamination

• Detected concentration: 0.000032 mg/dm³
• Limit: 0.0001 mg/dm³
• Below maximum allowable concentration

Soil Residues

• Measured: 0.018 mg/kg
• Limit: 0.05 mg/kg
• Within safe threshold

Occupational Risk Assessment

The total safety coefficient (SCSUM) was calculated using inhalation and dermal exposure formulas.

Acceptable risk condition:
SCSUM ≤ 1

Results confirmed:

• No excessive inhalation hazard
• Minimal dermal contamination
• Adequate protection with PPE compliance

According to global pesticide risk assessment frameworks, organizations such as the World Health Organization emphasize strict toxicological evaluation before pesticide registration to protect workers and ecosystems

Broader Environmental Implications

The findings highlight:

• Controlled pesticide application reduces ecological contamination
• Proper personal protective equipment (PPE) significantly lowers occupational risk
• Monitoring soil and irrigation canals is critical for sustainable agriculture

A detailed technical analysis can be found in our main journal article published in the Annals of Civil and Environmental Engineering. You can also explore related research in our Pesticide Risk Assessment and Environmental Toxicology categories on the journal platform.

Key Takeaways

• Fomesafen exposure levels remained below regulatory limits
• Worker inhalation and dermal risks were minimal
• Soil, air, and water contamination complied with hygienic standards
• Proper application protocols ensure environmental safety

These findings support the controlled registration and responsible agricultural use of Damu-Safen in compliance with environmental engineering standards.

Final Conclusion

The integrated environmental and occupational risk assessment confirms that Damu-Safen (fomesafen 250 g/L) can be safely applied when regulatory guidelines and protective measures are followed. Such studies reinforce the importance of scientific validation in pesticide registration and sustainable crop protection strategies.

Call to Action

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This content is generated using AI assistance and should be reviewed for accuracy and compliance before considering this article and its contents as a reference. Any mishaps or grievances raised due to the reusing of this material will not be handled by the author of this article.