Pesticides and disease causing contaminants in Khat and Khat products

Despite several kinds of research done that has revealed the toxicity of pesticides in the environment and humans, there is still high uncontrollable use of pesticides. Khat and Cannabis are some examples of crops where uncontrolled pesticides are extensively used in many other parts of the world, posing a significant threat to consumers. The presence of pesticide residues in Khat and cannabis consumed by humans has resulted in a variety of physical health issues such as cancer genotoxicity and endocrine disturbances. In 2012 pesticide-treated Khat consumption was reported to have association with the development of non-insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus. The carcinogenic load of nonmedicinal cannabis, particularly when consumed via smoking, is also significant. Identified carcinogens include vinyl chloride, nitrosamines, reactive oxygen species and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, notably benzo pyrene and benzanthracene, as well as arsenic and aflatoxins.