Challenges and Opportunities in Pesticide Regulations

Abstract

A large amount of the annual food production can be lost due to infestation with pests, with the addition of high temperatures and humidity conditions that would contribute to the multiplication of pests. Hence, applying pesticides to crops is essential to help fight various types of borne diseases and increase crop productivity. However, with the growth of agriculture over the years, there has been uncontrolled use of pesticides, which has led to adverse environmental and health consequences. Increased use of pesticides causes the chemicals to accumulate in the environment and food products to reach high toxic levels, polluting the soil, air, ground, and surface water. Humans can also come into direct contact with pesticides through skin contact, inhalation, or ingestion while handling the chemicals or by being close to the area where pesticides are used. Livestock and animals in the area are also at risk of toxicity through the ingestion of contaminated food and drinking water [1].