Revisiting the Environmental Interactions of Pesticides

As population increases, the demand for safe and nutritious food, safe water and air quality increases. The emergence of pesticides has played as an essential role in preventing pests from destroying various valued properties in our homes, offices and farmlands. The usage of pesticides has a role to play in the achievement of a sustainable developed earth. The earth today needs to be sustainable for future generations, and hence the need to develop it sustainably. The sustainable development aspect consist of the social, economic and environment. The benefits of pesticide in these recent years seem to have been overlooked since the risks associated with its exposure to our health and environment is fatal. As a result, this study revisits the benefits (primary and secondary) of pesticides to man, its economy and environment. The negative effects of pesticide residue exposure in the environment: the atmosphere, soil and water, and how pesticide exposures affect the human system are revisited. Despite the evidence of the adverse effects of the use of pesticides, its usage has increased in the past decades. This paper ascertains the reasons behind the use of pesticides and propose some recommendations to reduce the effects of its exposure.