Pesticides and their adverse effects on the environment: Comprehensive risk assessment

Abstract

The current market for pesticides has an established track record of short-term success within the system, providing high yields at low cost. With the dismantling of traditional labour-sharing systems and increased options for non-farm employment, the use of pesticides increases the attractiveness of replacing manual labour. In addition, decades of use of insecticides have wiped out the natural predators of many insects and at the same time deeply damaged the fertility of the soil. The challenge of adopting alternative techniques has increased due to the increase in the use of pesticides. The presented review is a comprehensive risk assessment of pesticides and their adverse effects on the environment.