IC043 DDT and malaria control and POPs in South Africa

Faculty of Science
Spring 2010
Extent and Intensity
1/0/0. 1 credit(s) (plus extra credits for completion). Type of Completion: z (credit).
Teacher(s)
Dr. Henk Bouwman (lecturer)
Guaranteed by
prof. RNDr. Jakub Hofman, Ph.D.
RECETOX – Faculty of Science
Contact Person: prof. RNDr. Jakub Hofman, Ph.D.
Course Enrolment Limitations
The course is offered to students of any study field.
Course objectives (in Czech)
1. Malaria control using DDT and pyrethroids – Human exposure
Indoor Residual Spraying (IRS) of DDT and pyrethroids are mainstays of malaria control in many parts of Africa. I will present the basic concepts of malaria control, as well as the levels and dynamics of insecticides found in blood and breast milk of inhabitants.
2. Malaria control and insecticides – Residential and environmental dynamics
Although IRS of insecticides is commonly practiced in the homes of millions of people in Africa and elsewhere, very little is understood of the dynamics of the applied insecticides, as well as how humans interact with these dynamics. I will also discuss some environmental issues.
3. Malaria control and insecticides – Human health concerns
Since the insecticides used in IRS are found in humans at appreciable levels, this lecture will investigate health concerns. I will touch on reproductive and neurological associations of these chemicals, as well as options, precaution, and risk reduction strategies.
4. Pollutants in bird eggs – South Africa and Mauritius
With more than 900 bird species in South Africa and associated oceans, levels of pollutants in these animals would be indicators of environmental levels of pollutants. I will introduce some of the work that has been done, and thoughts on why ecotoxicological concerns might be different in warmer climates.
5. Gold, birds, and cyanide
South Africa is well known for its vast gold reserves and mining operations. Cyanide is used in the recovery of gold from the ore, and the slurry is pumped on mine dumps. The supernatant still contains cyanide, but also attracts migratory and residential birds. The interaction and implications of these interactions will be discussed.
6. Crocodile mortalities
A seasonally dependant spate of mass crocodile deaths in the world-renowned Kruger National Park is a grave cause for concern. We understand some of the issues and factors, but a definite cause has not yet been found.
Language of instruction
English
Further Comments
The course is taught only once.
The course is taught: in blocks.
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