Toxicology

This module is part of a collection of nine green chemistry teaching modules developed in the early 2000s by a team of faculty (Donna Narsavage-Heald, Trudy Dickneider, David Marx, Timothy Foley, Joan Wasilewski) led by Michael Cann at the University of Scranton and has been migrated to the GCTLC. The subjects of the modules are based on winners of the Green Chemistry Challenge Awards. The modules were used to infuse green chemistry across the curriculum (courses: general chemistry, organic, advanced organic, biochemistry, environmental, industrial, polymer, inorganic, toxicology). Infusion of green chemistry across the curriculum provides students the understanding that green chemistry is not a field unto itself but impacts all areas of chemistry. Having been exposed to many green chemistry examples students are likely to think green in their ensuing careers. The resources are provided as is in their original form, for reference and archival purposes. Therefore, some of the material may no longer be current, and some links may no longer be active. An interesting project would be to update the material in this module.

This toxicology module discusses the historical use of insecticides in agriculture and the associated controversies due to their impact on beneficial insects and potential risks to humans and animals. Traditional insecticides targeting nervous system functions have raised concerns about non-target toxicity and environmental exposure risks, potentially linked to diseases like Parkinson's. The emergence of bisacylhydrazine insecticides, exemplified by compounds like RH-5829, offers promising selective toxicity by interfering with insect growth physiology. These compounds designated "reduced-risk" by the EPA, represent a greener alternative in pesticide development. This discussion also explores subcellular mechanisms of xenobiotic action, including mitochondrial dysfunction, alterations in cytochrome P450 monooxygenases, and disruption of hormone balance, shedding light on potential long-term health effects beyond acute toxicity. This concludes by emphasizing the need for continued advancement in insecticide development, combining insect physiology targeting and subcellular screening to ensure safer alternatives with reduced environmental impact. Major funding for this project came from The Camille and Henry Dreyfus Foundation Special Grant Program in the Chemical Sciences. The ACS/EPA Green Chemistry Educational Materials Development Project and the University of Scranton provided additional funding.

The module is also available in Spanish and Portuguese.