Summary
This narrative review, published in Interdisciplinary Toxicology, examines the dual role of pesticides in modern agriculture — their contribution to pest control and agricultural productivity on one hand, and their risks to human health, wildlife, and ecosystems on the other. The paper likely synthesises existing literature on pesticide classes, exposure pathways, and regulatory considerations, offering a broad overview of the trade-offs involved in pesticide-dependent farming. It is intended as an accessible reference for researchers and practitioners navigating the complexity of pesticide risk assessment.
UK applicability
Although the paper takes a global perspective, its review of pesticide hazard classifications and health risks is broadly applicable to UK agriculture, where pesticide regulation is overseen by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) and the Chemicals Regulation Division, and where post-Brexit regulatory divergence from EU standards remains an active policy concern.
Key measures
Pesticide toxicity classifications; human health risk indicators; environmental contamination evidence; crop loss prevention estimates
Outcomes reported
The paper reviews the documented benefits of pesticides in protecting crop yields and food security alongside their hazardous effects on human health, non-target organisms, and environmental quality. It likely surveys evidence on acute and chronic toxicity, bioaccumulation, and ecological disruption associated with pesticide exposure.
Topic tags
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