Pesticides and human health

Abstract

The impact of pesticide use on export agriculture has brought to the fore the potential health problems resulting from extensive use of theses products. This article seek to place the issues of pesticides and health not only in respect of acute poisoning, but al so in respect of the repeated and sustain exposure to residues in food. Two groups of the most commonly used pesticides are reviewed in regard to their toxicological relevance: insecticides and herbicides. We also report on standarization initiatives aimed at a better use of these products. We assert the need for developing in Chile a systematic program for monitoring pesticide residues in food and to guide improvements in production practices, in order to deliver to safer food.