Crops and people: the dangers and potential benefits of pesticides

Abstract

AbstractThe fields of agronomy and pesticides have assumed significant roles in contemporary society. Pesticides can have adverse effects on human health, both in the short and long term. We have conducted a comprehensive analysis of the various categories of pesticides, providing a thorough examination of their modes of operation, prevalence, and global utilization. A critical review of reported research has been conducted to investigate the carcinogenic effects of agricultural pesticide use on human health. The widespread utilization of malathion and parathion for pest management indicates that individual occupational choices significantly impact their exposure to these chemicals. Pesticides can cause neurological abnormalities, reproductive problems, respiratory irritations, ecological disturbance, and the emergence of pest resistance, among other sublethal consequences beyond their carcinogenicity (breast cancer, lymphomas, multiple myeloma, bladder cancer, and leukemia). Ultimately, there is an anticipation for a forthcoming surge in endeavors to mitigate the utilization of hazardous pesticides and the consequent peril they pose to human well-being and the ecosystem.

Keywords

• Pesticide exposure
• biopesticides
• cancer
• human health
• entomology
• Manuel Tejada, Universidad de Sevilla, Spain