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Pesticides, because they are toxic chemicals meant to kill pest species, can affect non-target species, such as plants, animals and humans. Over 98% of sprayed insecticides and 95% of herbicides reach a destination other than their target species, because they are sprayed or spread across entire agricultural fields. [1]
Health effects of pesticides may be acute or delayed in those who are exposed. [1] Acute effects can include pesticide poisoning, which may be a medical emergency. [2] Strong evidence exists for other, long-term negative health outcomes from pesticide exposure including birth defects, fetal death, [3] neurodevelopmental disorder, [4] cancer, and neurologic illness including Parkinson's disease ...
However, the use of herbicides can cause phytotoxic effects on non-targeted plants through wind-blown spray drift or from the use of herbicide-contaminated material (such as straw or manure) being applied to the soil. [5] Herbicides can also cause phytotoxicity in crops if applied incorrectly, in the wrong stage of crop growth, or in excess. [1]
The third type of poisoning is a long-term low-level exposure, which individuals are exposed to from sources such as pesticide residues in food as well as contact with pesticide residues in the air, water, soil, sediment, food materials, plants and animals. [1] [2] [3] [4]
One of the major sources of arsenic exposure in humans is contaminated water, which is a problem in more than 30 countries in the world. Humans tend to encounter arsenic by "natural means, industrial source, or from unintended sources." [19] Water can become contaminated by arsenical pesticides or natural arsenical chemicals. There are some ...
Pesticide leaching occurs when pesticides dissolve in water, and these solutions migrate to off-target sites. Leaching is a major source of groundwater pollution. Leaching is affected by the soil, the pesticide, and rainfall and irrigation.
Just how common that is varies widely: Anywhere from 10% to 78% of samples of bottled water have been found to contain contaminants that may be harmful to human health. They include:
PeCB has also been used in PCB products, dyestuff carriers, as a fungicide, a flame retardant, and a chemical intermediate. This compound is moderately toxic to humans, whilst being highly toxic to aquatic organisms. [36] Perfluorooctanesulfonic acid (PFOS) and related compounds are extremely persistent and readily biomagnify.