Plantation Paradox

By Courtney L. McGinnis, Jacob M. Laperche

Abstract

This interrupted case study was inspired by a real-life scenario, and tells the story of “Luis,” a local banana plantation seasonal worker whose health is impacted by the usage of pesticides on bananas.  With the help of a healthcare team, Luis and his wife become aware of the effects of pesticides on his reproductive health and their ability to have children. Students use their knowledge of the reproductive system and the human body in order to answer the case questions. This case was originally developed for undergraduate anatomy and physiology or toxicology courses. Students are expected to have some background knowledge in male and female reproductive structure and function before starting the case.

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Date Posted

09/23/2021

Overview

Objectives

Define assisted reproductive technologies.
Describe different types of assisted reproductive technologies.
Explain the role of follicle stimulating hormone (FSH), estrogen, luteinizing hormone (LH) and anti- Müllerian hormone (AMH) in female reproductive physiology.
Explain the role of male reproductive hormones in maintenance of reproductive health.
Differentiate between acute and chronic toxicity.
Describe different routes of exposure.
Explain the mechanism of action of DBCP.
Identify the social injustices described in this case study.

Keywords

Reproductive toxin; infertility; toxicology; environmental toxin; female reproductive cycle; spermatogenesis; ART; assisted reproductive technology; DBCP; Costa Rica; banana plantation; pesticides

Subject Headings

Biology (General)

Physiology

Toxicology

EDUCATIONAL LEVEL

Undergraduate lower division, Undergraduate upper division

FORMAT

PDF

TOPICAL AREAS

Social justice issues

LANGUAGE

English

TYPE/METHODS

Interrupted

Teaching Notes & Answer Key

Teaching Notes

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Answer Key

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Materials & Media

Supplemental Materials

Videos

Nicaraguan Banana Workers Seek Justice in France
A short video describing the effect of nemagon on Nicaraguan workers and the attempt to bring lawsuits against the manufacturers of the pesticide. Running time: 1:51 min. Produced by AFP News Agency, 2019.
Justice Eludes Migrant Workers Affected by Pesticide
Susanna Bohme, author of Toxic Injustice: A Transnational History of Exposure and Struggle, discusses some of the major themes of the book and lawsuits around the use of DBCP after it was banned in the United States. Running time: 50:51 min. Produced by WGBH Forum, 2015.