Abstract

DEL PUERTO RODRIGUEZ, Asela M; SUAREZ TAMAYO, Susana  and  PALACIO ESTRADA, Daniel E. Effects of pesticides on health and the environment. Rev Cubana Hig Epidemiol [online]. 2014, vol.52, n.3, pp.372-387. ISSN 1561-3003.

Ever since early stages in the development of mankind, there has been a need to fight pests affecting crops and products with the use of substances capable of eliminating them. A presentation is provided of the main effects of pesticides on human health and the ecosystem. The following topics are dealt with: history of the use of pesticides, classification, most common uses, effects on the environment and human health, and alternatives to their employment. Enough evidence has been gathered about the risks posed by the excessive, indiscriminate use of pesticides for health and the environment.

Keywords : pesticides; environmental effects; effects on health.

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