Pesticide Residues : Dithiocarbamates

Dithiocarbamates are synthetic organic compounds containing sulfur and often a sulfur-bound metal, some of which are used to protect fruits and vegetables from fungal infections. Exposure of the general population results from occasional residues in foodstuff. These chemicals are absorbed via skin, mucous membranes, respiratory, and gastrointestinal tracts. Dithiocarbamates and their metabolic products are found in the liver, kidneys, and thyroid gland. The toxicity of dithiocarbamates is attributed to their metabolic products, such as ethylenethiourea (ETU) and carbon disulfide, which accumulate in thyroids of animals. ETU is teratogenic, carcinogenic, mutagenic, and immunotoxic in animals and hence raises a concern to humans.