ABSTRACT
This chapter outlines the different classes of pesticides and their widely different mode of action, hazards, exposure, and risks. Using the example of the widely applied weed killer, glyphosate, several common misconceptions about its toxicity are highlighted. While the herbicide's long-term toxicity as a potential endocrine disruptor is still a matter of debate, the low risk of glyphosate as a potential human carcinogen is controversial, and more data are needed. It is explained why the sole presence of pesticides on our foods is not sufficient to make long-term predictions about their toxicity.
