Biological effects of pesticides

Caldwell, R.S. 1977. Biological effects of pesticides on the Dungeness crab. U.S. Environ. Protection Agen. Rep. 600/3-77-131. 125 pp. 

Foster TS. 1974. Physiological and biological effects of pesticide residues in poultry. Residue Rev 51 69-121. 

Future progress in understanding the geochemistry and biological effects of pesticide compounds... 

Since 1945 the use of synthetic pesticides in the United States has grown 33-fold. The amounts of herbicides, insecticides, and fungicides used have changed with time due, in large part, to changes in agricultural practices and cosmetic standards (14, 15). At the same time, the toxicity and biological effectiveness of these pesticides have increased at least 10-fold (15). For example, in 1945 DDT was applied at a rate of about 2 kg/ha. With the more potent insecticides available now, similar effective insect control is achieved with pyrethroids and aldicarb applied at 0.1 kg/ha and 0.05 kg/ha, respectively. 

Bradlow HE, Davis DL, Lin G, et al. 1995. Effects of pesticides on the ratio of 16a/2-hydroxyestrone A biologic marker of breast cancer risk. Environ Health Perspect 103(Suppl. 7) 147-150. 

The Rachel Carson Council follows in the footsteps of its namesake to inform the general public about the effects of pesticides not only on human beings-especially children-but also on other living organisms and biological systems. 

There is variability in exposure and effects of pesticides in the real world they vary over space and time, and between biological entities (between individuals, between species, etc). There is uncertainty in our knowledge of exposure and effects and of the parameters used to model them. 

Domsch KH. 1984. Effects of pesticides and heavy metals on biological processes in soil. Plant Soil 76 367-378. 

Pesticide residues in food in the developed world are extremely unlikely to ever have caused acute illness. Their levels are so low and relatively infrequent that it would be impossible to consume sufficient food to attain an intake of pesticides that even approached toxic levels. The chronic effects of pesticide residues, in particular mixed residues, is very much more difficult to assess in terms of biological effects on the consumer. We know very little about the synergistic or additive toxicological effects of pesticide residues, but we do know that in every meal that we consume it is very likely that more than one pesticide will be present, albeit at a vanishingly low concentration. 

The chapters in this volume examine the state of the art of the development of effective chemical and biological agents, as well as the unique application problems not encountered in conventional agricultural situations. The effectiveness of pesticides or pheromone technology in combating forest pests is not the only determinant. Factors peculiar to the forest situation, including the delicate balance of the ecosystem, must be considered in both the development and application stages of all control tactics. 

Extensive testing of pesticides and their formulations is required before they are granted registration in Canada. However, no data is presently obtained on the chemical or biological effects of the final spray mix which contain more adjuvant. This is surprising as in some mixes, such as the Matacil 1.8D OSC, the final adjuvant content is greater than that of the pesticide. 

To appraise the extent of environmental contamination is a problem in organic pesticide analysis. Analytical methods for such diverse samples as air and human tissue have been developed and are yielding important information. The fate and persistence of pesticides constitutes another complex problem. It includes consideration of environmental and biological effects upon pesticides, how they move in rivers, and how they are translocated from one environmental medium to another. Finally, there is the question of damage control. Can we reduce the introduction of pesticides into air and water If not, can we effectively remove these poisons from the parts we consume ... 

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