Apparent Khat chewers exposure to DDT in Ethiopia and its potential toxic effects: A scoping review

• Published in: Regulatory toxicology and pharmacology 2024-02, Vol.147, p.105555-105555, Article 105555
• Main Authors: Ali, Shimels Ayalew, Destaye, Addisu Getachew
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: DDT; Endocrine disruption; Khat; Organochlorines; Persistent pesticides; Toxicity
• ISSN: 0273-2300; 1096-0295
• DOI: 10.1016/j.yrtph.2023.105555

Dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane (DDT) is an insecticide, a member of dirty dozen persistent organic pollutants, used widely in the world until it was banned in the 1970s.The banning of DDT was strengthened by the Stockholm Convention in 2001. DDT is allowed only for malaria control in Ethiopia. However, farmers are misusing DDT and applying it to Khat (Catha edulis) farming. So, this review analyzes available data in the literature on the current trend, application, occurrence, fate and effects of DDT and its metabolites, dichlorodiphenyldichloroethane (DDD), dichlorodiphenyldichloroethylene (DDE), in the chewable parts of Khat. Generally, the concentration level of DDT, DDD, and DDE, designated as DDTs, is detected in different farmlands of Ethiopia. Some of the DDTs concentrations detected are very high (141.2–973 μg/kg (Gelemso), 194.4–999 μg/kg (Aseno) and 6253–8413.3 μg/kg (Gurage), and these concentrations may indicate increasing recent unmonitored application of DDT on Khat leaves. Some of the detected concentrations of DDT in the literature were above the maximum residue limit (MRL) set by FAO/WHO (100 μg/kg) and the European Commission 10 μg/kg in vegetables and 50 μg/kg in cereals. DDT exposure of Khat chewers linked to the concentration of DDT on Khat leaves and the amount of Khat consumed. DDT might pose health risks to chewers due to chronic toxicity, bioaccumulation, persistent and endocrine disruption properties. •DDT application on Khat farmlands.•High DDT concentration is detected in chewable part of Khat leaves.•Some concentration values are above MRLs set by FAO/WHO and EC.•DDT exposure causes long term toxicity effects.•DDT is endocrine disrupting chemical.