1.1 Introduction
A pesticide is a toxic chemical substance or a mixture of substances or biological agents that are intentionally released into the environment in order to avert, deter, control and/or kill and destroy populations of insects, weeds, rodents, fungi or other harmful pests. Pesticides are used to kill the pests and insects which attack on crops and harm them. Different kinds of pesticides have been used for crop protection for centuries. Pesticides work by attracting, seducing and then destroying or mitigating the pests. Pests can be broadly defined as the plants or animals that jeopardize our food, health and/or comfort. Pesticides are widely used in most areas of crop production to minimize infestations by pests and thus protect crops from potential yield losses and reduction of product quality. Thus, they play an essential role in ensuring high profits to farmers, providing reliable supplies of agricultural produce at prices which are affordable to consumers, and also improving the quality of produce in terms of cosmetic appeal which is also important to buyers. Benefits from pesticide use can accrue to a number of different recipients, not only to farmers or consumers, but also to the society.
As a prelude to other parts of this study, this chapter will discuss the background upon which this study was initiated, the statement of problems that led to this study, the Aim and Objectives of the study. Others are Significance of the study, Scope of work, Research questions, Limitation of the study and Definition of technical terms.
1.2 Background of Study
Nowadays, chemical pesticides and insecticides are becoming a dominant agent for eliminating pests, when these chemical pesticides are used in a combination of effective natural enemy than that result in enhanced integrated pest management and act as a comprehensive prophylactic and remedial treatment (Gentz et al. 2010). Pesticides are known to be one of the extremely useful and beneficial agents for preventing losses of crops as well as diseases in humans. Based on the action, pesticides can be classified as destroying, repelling and mitigating agents. Insects and pests are getting immune to the commercial pesticides due to over usage. Recently pesticides have been developed which target multiple species (Speck-Planche et al. 2012).
The use of pesticide is as old as human civilization in fact when human being started the agricultural activity for the sustainable life. In ancient times, the first intentional use of a pesticide dates back to 2500 BC when the Sumerians rubbed foul smelling sulfur compounds on their bodies to control insects and mites. The use of a wide range of chemicals to destroy pests and weeds is an important aspect of agricultural practice in both developed and developing countries. Although since ancient times there has been a major changes occurred as a result we get more elaborate molecule to tackle our agriculture produce safety, which has led to widespread concern over the potential adverse effects of these chemicals on human health. It is clear that the possibility for exposure to pesticides is greatest among farm workers. Also, it is exceedingly plausible that less controlled and regulated uses of pesticides may offer the greatest opportunity for exposure to toxicologically significant quantities.
Pesticides promise the effective mitigation of harmful bugs, but unfortunately, the risks associated with their use have surpassed their beneficial effects. Non- selective pesticides kill non-target plants and animals along with the targeted ones. Moreover, with the passage of time, some pests also develop genetic resistance to pesticides. This chapter focuses on the use of pesticides since the ancient times, merits of pesticide usage and most importantly, the harmful impact of pesticides on human health and the environment.
The use of pesticides has increased many folds over the past few decades. According to an estimate, about 5.2 billion pounds of pesticides are used worldwide per year. The use of pesticides for pest mitigation has become a common practice all around the world. Their use is not only restricted to agricultural fields, but they are also employed in homes in the form of sprays, poisons and powders for controlling cockroaches, mosquitoes, rats, fleas, ticks and other harmful bugs. Due to this reason, pesticides are frequently found in our food commodities in addition to their presence in the air (Pesticides n.d.). Pesticides prevent disease outbreaks through the control of rodent and insect vectors hence they contribute to improved human health. Deaths of about seven mil- lion people all around the world have been prevented through insecticide mediated killing of disease vectors. The most significant example is of malaria control that was responsible for an average of 5000 deaths per day (Ross 2005).
Therefore, in Nigeria where the research was carried out, the activities that was conducted is to know the Potential Health Risks Associated With Pesticide.
1.3 Statement of Problems
Investigation revealed that tremendous scientific progress in chemistry, biology, and molecular biology has revolutionized the way of searching for new agrochemicals. Requirements, in terms of safety to humans and the environment, have also changed. The development of new agrochemicals with novel modes of action, improved safety profiles, and adapted to the changing requirement of the food and feed production chain are more than ever the challenge.
1.4 Aim and Objectives of Study
The aim of the study is to examine the Potential Health Risks Associated With Pesticide. In achieving this aim, the following specific objectives were laid out as follows:
- To examine the benefit of pesticides on plant growth; and
- To assess the level of pesticide exposure to plant and its effect on human health.
1.5 Research Questions
The study came up with research questions so as to be able to ascertain the above stated objectives. The specific research questions for the study are stated below as follows:
- What is the benefit of pesticides on plant growth?
- What is the level of pesticide exposure to plant and its effect on human health?
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