Introduction

Pesticides are substances that are meant to control pests. The term pesticide includes all of the following: herbicide, insecticides (which may include insect growth regulators, termiticides, etc.) nematicide, molluscicide, piscicide, avicide, rodenticide, bactericide, insect repellent, animal repellent, antimicrobial, and fungicide. The most common of these are herbicides which account for approximately 80% of all pesticide use. Most pesticides are intended to serve as plant protection products (also known as crop protection products), which in general, protect plants from weeds, fungi, or insects. As an example, the fungus Alternaria is used to combat the aquatic weed Salvinia.

Because of the widespread use of agricultural chemicals in food production, people are exposed to low levels of pesticide residues through their diets. Scientists do not yet have a clear understanding of the health effects of these pesticide residues. The Agricultural Health Study, an ongoing study of pesticide exposures in farm families, also posts results online. Other evidence suggests that children are particularly susceptible to adverse effects from exposure to pesticides, including neurodevelopmental effects. People may also be exposed to pesticides used in a variety of settings including homes, schools, hospitals, and workplaces.

Pesticides are chemical compounds that are used to kill pests, including insects, rodents, fungi and unwanted plants (weeds). Over 1000 different pesticides are used around the world. Pesticides are used in public health to kill vectors of disease, such as mosquitoes, and in agriculture to kill pests that damage crops.

Are pesticides harmful to human health?

By their nature, pesticides are potentially toxic to other organisms, including humans, and need to be used safely and disposed of properly. They are among the leading causes of death by self-poisoning, and this burden is felt disproportionately in low- and middle-income countries.

Many of the older, cheaper (off-patent) pesticides, such as Dichloro Diphenyl Trichloroethane (DDT) and lindane, can remain for years in soil and water. These have adverse effects on larger parts of the ecosystem and can accumulate in the food chain. These chemicals have been banned by countries who signed the 2001 Stockholm Convention.

Risk factors

The general population is exposed to low levels of pesticides through food and water, and these are not typically cause for concern. People at higher risk of adverse health effects are those who work directly with pesticides, such as agricultural workers, and those who are in the immediate area when pesticides are applied. People not involved with applying the pesticide should avoid the area during and immediately after its use.

Care while handling or applying pesticides

WHO recommends reducing the use of pesticides when possible. First, determine to what extend the use of pesticides are actually needed. Look for ways to solve the issue with non-chemical pest management where possible.

If pesticides are necessary, seek products with the lowest risk to human health and the environment. In many cases, personal protective equipment (PPE) is appropriate to avoid direct contact with the pesticide and minimize exposure during handling and application.

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Regards,

Mary Wilson,

Editorial office,

Clinical Pharmacology and Toxicology Research

E-mail: pharmatoxicol@eclinicalsci.com