Photo credit: Kevin Wood

A new study published in the journal Science of The Total Environment investigates human health impacts of pesticide exposure. The study cites numerous environmentally induced diseases including short-term impacts such as skin and eye irritation, headaches, dizziness, and nausea as well as long-term impacts such as cancer, asthma, and diabetes. The authors noted that nearly all humans face pesticide exposure, and it can be difficult to detect relationships between pesticide exposure and adverse health outcomes because of the many differences among cases. Variables include the period and level of exposure, toxicity and persistence of the pesticide, and the environmental characteristics of the affected areas. However, researchers called for the development of eco-friendly pesticide alternatives and Integrated Pest Management techniques that do not rely on pesticides.