Toxicity of agrochemicals: Impact on environment and human health

Abstract

Agrochemicals, while essential for increasing agricultural yields and pest control, have unintended consequences. They contaminate soil and water, disrupting ecosystems, reducing biodiversity, and threatening aquatic life. Furthermore, agrochemicals harm non-target organisms, disrupting ecological balance. On the human health front, farmworkers and pesticide applicators face acute poisoning risks, with symptoms ranging from discomfort to severe illness or death. Chronic health effects include links to cancer, neurological disorders, and reproductive problems, raising concerns about food safety and worker well-being. Addressing agrochemical toxicity requires a multifaceted approach. Governments must enforce strict regulations to minimize environmental contamination and ensure safe handling practices. The agricultural industry can adopt sustainable methods like integrated pest management (IPM) and organic farming to reduce reliance on agrochemicals. Innovations such as precision agriculture, biological pest control, nanotechnology, and artificial intelligence for early risk detection are essential. Collaboration among stakeholders is critical for a more sustainable and environmentally friendly agriculture sector, involving regulatory measures like maximum residue limits (MRLs) and sustainable practices like IPM and organic farming. In summary, this review highlights the urgent need to address agrochemical toxicity holistically, balancing agricultural productivity with environmental and health concerns to ensure a sustainable future for agriculture and the planet.