A Study on Harmful Effects of Pesticide Residue in Vegetables

Pesticides are very hazardous and lethal for organisms as well as for humans. They present danger to consumers, bystanders and workers during manufacture, transport or, during and after use. Pesticides are also toxic to plants and many food crops, including fruits and vegetables, contain pesticide residues after being washed or peeled. Pesticides decrease the biodiversity in soil and it has been found that the quality of soil is higher in the absence of pesticides with the additional effect of higher water retention. A number of pesticides are highly toxic and even in very small quantities these pesticides can result in the death of humans and animals, while exposure to a sufficient amount of almost any pesticide can initiate long-term illness. Due to this the use of organophosphorus pesticides has been increased as they are less persistent and damaging to the environment when compared to organochlorine pesticides. KeywordsPesticides, organophosphorus pesticides, organochlorine pesticides, DDT, DDE