Pesticides

Deutsch: Pestizide / Español: Plaguicidas / Português: Pesticidas / Français: Pesticides / Italiano: Pesticidi /

Pesticides are chemical agents used to destroy pests. Pesticides are also chemical compounds used to control insects and other organisms that may reduce agricultural productivity; most are toxic.

Description

Pesticides are chemical substances used to control pests that cause harm to crops, animals, or humans. These chemicals can be insecticides, herbicides, fungicides, or rodenticides. While pesticides are effective in managing pests, they can also have negative impacts on the environment. Pesticides can contaminate soil, water, and air, leading to ecosystem imbalances and harming non-target organisms. The use of pesticides has raised concerns about their potential health effects on humans, including cancer, reproductive issues, and neurological disorders. As a result, there is a growing emphasis on finding alternative pest control methods that are less harmful to the environment.

Application Areas

• Agriculture
• Forestry
• Public health
• Household use

Treatment and Risks

• Treatment: If exposure to pesticides occurs, seek medical attention immediately
• Risks: Health hazards, environmental contamination, biodiversity loss

Examples

• Glyphosate (Roundup)
• DDT (dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane)
• Malathion

Similar Concepts and Synonyms

• Agrochemicals
• Chemical pest control
• Crop Protection products

Articles with 'Pesticides' in the title

• Biological pesticides: Biological pesticides are Certain microorganism, including bacteria, fungi, viruses, and protozoa that are effective in controlling pests. These agents usually do not have toxic effects on animals and people and do not leave toxic or persis . . .
• Conventional Pesticides: A Conventional Pesticides is Pesticides that are chemicals or other substances developed and produced primarily or only for use as pesticides. The term is generally used in reference

Weblinks

• umweltdatenbank.de: 'Pestizide' im Lexikon der umweltdatenbank.de (German)

Summary

Pesticides are chemical substances used to control pests in various areas such as agriculture, forestry, and public health. However, the use of pesticides comes with risks to the environment and human health, including contamination of soil, water, and air, as well as potential health effects such as cancer and reproductive issues. It is crucial to find a Balance between pest control and environmental protection to ensure sustainable practices in the use of pesticides.

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