Definition

Pesticides are pest-killing substances that help protect plants against molds, fungi, rodents, noxious weeds, and insects.

Pesticides help prevent crop loss and, potentially, human disease.

There are currently at least several hundred registered pesticides in the United States.

Human-made pesticides are regulated by the US Department of Agriculture. This agency determines how pesticides are applied during farming and how much pesticide residue can remain in foods sold in stores.

Exposure to pesticides can happen in the workplace, through foods that are eaten, and in the home or garden.

Alternative Names

Pesticides and food

Side Effects

For those not exposed to pesticides at work, the precise risks of exposure from eating nonorganic foods or using pesticides around the home and garden are not entirely clear.

Studies have found that organic foods typically contain lower levels of pesticide residue.

Contact with pesticides may cause complications during pregnancy and affect fetal development.

Studies have found that eating organic foods may be associated with lower levels of multiple types of cancer, including lymphoma.

However, those types of studies are difficult to perform, and to date it has not been proven that reduced exposure to inorganic pesticides will definitely reduce your risk of cancer.

FOOD AND PESTICIDES

To help protect yourself and your family from pesticides on nonorganic fruits and vegetables, discard the outer leaves of leafy vegetables and then rinse the vegetables well with tap water. Peel hard-skinned produce, or rinse it with lots of warm water mixed with salt and lemon juice or vinegar.

Organic growers do not use pesticides on their fruits and vegetables.

HOME SAFETY AND PESTICIDES

When using pesticides at home:

• Do not eat, drink, or smoke while using pesticides.
• Do not mix pesticides.
• Do not set traps or place bait in areas where children or pets have access.
• Do not stock up on pesticides; buy only as much as you need.
• Read the manufacturer's instructions and only use as much of the product as directed, in the manner directed.
• Store pesticides in the original container with the lid firmly sealed, out of the reach of children.
• Wear any protective clothing, such as rubber gloves, specified by the manufacturer.

When using pesticides indoors:

• Do not apply pesticide sprays to items or areas touched by family members, such as furniture.
• Leave the room while the pesticide takes effect. Open the windows to clear the air when you return.
• Remove or cover food, cooking utensils, and personal items from the area being treated, then clean kitchen surfaces well before preparing food.
• When using baits, clear away all other food debris and scraps to ensure the pests are drawn to the bait.

When using pesticides outdoors:

• Close all doors and windows before using the pesticide.
• Cover fish ponds, barbecues, and vegetable gardens, and relocate pets and their bedding before using pesticides.
• Do not use pesticides outdoors on rainy or windy days.
• Do not water your garden after using a pesticide. Check the manufacturer's instructions for how long to wait.
• Tell your neighbors if you use any outdoor pesticides.

To reduce the need for pesticides to eliminate rodents, flies, mosquitoes, fleas, or cockroaches in and around your home:

• Do not place food scraps in the garden for birds, raccoons, or possums. Throw out any food left in indoor and outdoor pet bowls. Remove fallen fruit from any fruit trees.
• Do not place piles of wood chips or mulch near your house.
• Drain any puddles of water as soon as possible, change birdbath water at least weekly, and run swimming pool filter at least a few hours each day.
• Keep gutters free of leaves and other debris that can collect water.
• Keep potential nesting places, such as wood and trash piles, off the ground.
• Close outdoor trash bins and compost containers securely.
• Remove any standing water in the house (base of shower, dishes left in sinks).
• Seal cracks and crevices where cockroaches may enter the house.
• Wash pets and their bedding regularly and see your veterinarian for treatment options.

People who handle or are otherwise exposed to pesticides at work should carefully clean any residue from their skin and remove their clothes and shoes before entering the home or having contact with family members.

Do not buy illegal pesticides.

References

Donley N. The USA lags behind other agricultural nations in banning harmful pesticides. Environ Health. 2019;18(1):44. PMID: 31170989 pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31170989/.

Stevens CW. Toxicology principles and the treatment of poisoning. In: Stevens CW, ed. Brenner and Stevens' Pharmacology. 6th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2023:chap 5.

Welker KL, Thompson TM. Pesticides. In: Walls RM, ed. Rosen's Emergency Medicine: Concepts and Clinical Practice. 10th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2023:chap 152.

Zoeller R, Heindel JJ. Endocrine-disrupting chemicals and human disease. In: Robertson RP, ed. DeGroot's Endocrinology. 8th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2023:chap 137.