ABSTRACT
Pesticides destroy plant pests, whether insects (insecticides), weeds (herbicides), or diseases. Disease pathogens are controlled by bactericides (bacteria) and fungicides (fungi). The active ingredient in a pesticide is toxic to its target pest. Synthetic pesticides may be organochlorides, organophosphates, or carbamates. Integrated pest management uses non-synthetic pesticides, improved targeting of pesticides and biological controls.
The Manufacturer’s Safety Data Sheets (MSDS) provide the chemistry, handling, storage, and emergency procedures of pesticides. Pesticides are either general use or restricted use pesticides (RUPs).
Mutagens cause genetic mutations that may lead to cancer. Compounds known to cause cancer are carcinogens; those that cause birth defects when a fetus is exposed are teratogenic. Some pesticides are endocrine disruptors, as they interfere with hormones. Acetylcholinesterase inhibitors have neurological effects. Carbamates may cause or contribute to oxidative stress of erythrocytes (red blood cells). In animal testing, the amount of active ingredient that kills half the subjects is the LD50 (LD = lethal dose). Acute effects of pesticide poisoning are immediate. Chronic effects appear only after years or decades. Cholinesterase is an enzyme involved in the proper functioning of the nervous system. Most pesticides use carriers consisting of petroleum-based hydrocarbons, which can cause hydrocarbon poisoning when absorbed through skin. Pesticide formulation is the form in which the pesticide is carried. Some may have an adjuvant or spreader added to enhance the application. Personal protective equipment, or PPE, may be required for handling of some pesticides.
