Pesticides

A pesticide is a substance or mixture of substances used to kill a pest. A pesticide may be a chemical substance, biological agent (such as a virus or bacteria), antimicrobial, disinfectant or device used against any pest. Although there are benefits in the use of pesticides, there are also drawbacks, such as potential toxicity to humans and other animals.

Health effects
Pesticides can present danger to consumers or workers during manufacture, transport, or during and after use. The American Medical Association recommends limiting exposure to Pesticides, and using the least toxic chemical pesticide or non chemical alternative.

Environmental effects
Pesticide use raises a number of environmental concerns. Over 98% of sprayed insecticides and 95% of herbicides reach a destination, other than their target species, including air, water, bottom sediments, and food. Pesticide drift occurs when pesticides suspended in the air as particles are carried by wind to other areas, potentially contaminating them. Pesticides are one of the causes of water pollution, and some pesticides are persistent organic pollutants and contribute to soil contamination.

PESTICIDES

DDT
DDT (Dichloro-Diphenyl-Trichloroethane) is one of the best known synthetic pesticides.

Properties and chemistry DDT is an insecticide, similar in structure to the pesticides. It is highly hydrophobic, colorless, crystalline solid with a weak, chemical odor. It is nearly insoluble in water, but has a good solubility in most organic solvents, fats and oils. It is moderately toxic.

THE PERFECT PESTICIDE

Only affect few organisms High effect on target organisms Low (human) toxicity Short active lifetime Only few treatments necessary Fully biodegradeable

Herbicides
A herbicide is used to kill unwanted plants. Smaller quantities are used in forestry, pasture systems, and management of areas set aside as wildlife habitat Herbicides are widely used in agriculture and in landscape turf management.

Organic herbicides
Almost all herbicides in use today are considered "organic" herbicides in that they contain carbon as a primary molecular component. Organic herbicides are expensive and may not be affordable for commercial production. They are much less effective than synthetic herbicides and are generally used along with cultural and mechanical weed control practices.

Application of herbicides
Most herbicides are applied as water-based sprays using ground equipment. Ground equipment varies in design, but large areas can be sprayed using self-propelled sprayers equipped with a long boom.

Synthetic organic herbicides can generally be applied aerially using helicopters or airplanes, and can be applied through irrigation systems.

Health effects
Certain herbicides affect metabolic pathways and systems unique to plants. Because of the large number of herbicides in use, there is significant concern regarding health effects. Some of the herbicides in use are known to be mutagenic, or carcinogenic. Some herbicides may have therapeutic uses. There is current research into the use of herbicides as an antimalaria drug.