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Pesticides - Overview

Alternative Names

Pesticides and food

Definition of Pesticides:

Pesticides are substances that help protect plants against molds, fungi, rodents, and insects.

Pesticides help prevent crop loss and, potentially, human disease.

According to the Environmental Protection Agency, there are currently more than 865 registered pesticides.

Man-made pesticides are regulated by the U.S. Department of Agriculture. This agency for how pesticides are applied during farming and how much pesticide residue can remain in foods sold in stores.

Exposure to pesticides can happen in the workplace, through foods, and in the home or garden.

  • Reviewed last on: 8/3/2011
  • Eric Perez, MD, Department of Emergency Medicine, St. Luke's-Roosevelt Hospital Center, New York, NY. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.

References

Chey H, Buchanan S. Toxins in Everyday Life. Prim Care. 2008;35(4).

Karr CJ, Solomon GM, Brock-Utne AC. Health Effects of Common Home, Lawn, and Garden Pesticides. Pediatr Clin North Am. 2007;54(1).

Robey WC III, Meggs WJ. Insecticides, herbicides, rodenticides. In: Tintinalli JE, Kelen GD, Stapczynski JS, Ma OJ, Cline DM, eds. Emergency Medicine: A Comprehensive Study Guide. 6th ed. New York, NY: McGraw-Hill; 2004: chap 182.

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The information provided herein should not be used during any medical emergency or for the diagnosis or treatment of any medical condition. A licensed medical professional should be consulted for diagnosis and treatment of any and all medical conditions. Call 911 for all medical emergencies. Links to other sites are provided for information only -- they do not constitute endorsements of those other sites. © 1997- A.D.A.M., Inc. Any duplication or distribution of the information contained herein is strictly prohibited.
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