Mathematical Evaluation of the Effect of Agrochemicals on Human Health

Abstract

The fast growing economical and political needs and demands for increase agricultural activities and produces in most parts of the world necessitate the need for a careful evaluation of the general crop cultivation processes and the increasing usage of diverse toxic chemicals in the form of pesticides, fertilizers, etc. in the agricultural sector to control pests and weeds to improve soil nutrients during cultivation and in some cases, for preservation of cultivated crops. Agrochemicals are used in a manner that suggests farmers do not take into cognisance the fact that residue of the chemicals which is harmful to man is always left on such foods. This paper applies a mathematical model to examine the impact of agrochemicals on human health by using the conventional principle of an SEIRS epidemic model. From the overall outcome, it was observed that the consumption of these hazardous plants before the elapse of the incubation (waiting) period affect the human health negatively. Consequently, the need for a wake up call to all farmers, agricultural workers, Government and Non-Governmental monitoring agencies to arise to the task of saving human lives from these toxic chemical residues in agricultural produces.