ABSTRACT

Pesticides have been used in Colombia to control not only agricultural pests but also vectors of both medical and veterinary importance (Calderón, 1994). The vectors for malaria, Chagas’ disease, dengue, yellow fever, and Venezuelan equine encephalitis have been controlled with pesticides, leaving no doubt as to the contribution of judicious pesticide applications to the public health. However, any use of pesticides implies risks for humans, domestic animals, and the environment with contamination of air, water, soil, and foodstuffs as potential unintended effects that should be considered when making the decision to use pesticides. The potential risks should also serve to guide the development of regulations and procedures for determining economic and public health thresholds for the safe use of pesticides. A risk to benefits-based approach can and should guide users when they try to determine the correct choice of pesticide, application equipment, timing, and optimal conditions for employing pesticides.