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PRINCIPLES OF TOXICOLOGY

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15 Properties and Effects of Pesticides<br />

EFFECTS PROPERTIES <strong>OF</strong> PESTICIDES<br />

AND EFFECTS <strong>OF</strong> PESTICIDES<br />

JANICE K. BRITT<br />

The term “pesticide” encompasses a group of chemical compounds that are used for the elimination<br />

or control of pests. Pesticides are grouped into classes based on their target of action and include such<br />

groups as insecticides, fungicides, herbicides, rodenticides, and molluscicides. Pesticides have economic<br />

and public health benefits and have been used over the years for the control of vectorborne<br />

diseases such as malaria and Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever, for the promotion of agricultural<br />

production in the United States as well as in other countries, and by homeowners for the control of<br />

domestic pests (e.g., household and garden pests).<br />

Individuals may be exposed to pesticides either occupationally (e.g., from working in a<br />

pesticide formulating plant or from commercial pesticide application) or environmentally (e.g.,<br />

from food products such as fruits and vegetables treated for pests). Individuals may also be<br />

exposed to pesticides at their residences (e.g., from use as home or garden insecticide). The most<br />

commonly used pesticides have recently been reported by the U.S. Environmental Protection<br />

Agency (USEPA) (see Table 15.1).<br />

The registration and regulatory requirements concerning pesticides are governed under the Federal<br />

Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act, also known as FIFRA. Rules aimed at the protection of<br />

TABLE 15.1 Most Commonly Used Pesticides in the United States<br />

Most Commonly Used Pesticides in U.S. Agricultural Crop Production<br />

Atrazine<br />

Metolachlor<br />

Metam sodium<br />

Methyl bromide<br />

Dichloropropene<br />

Most Commonly Used Pesticides in Nonagricultural Sectors of the United States<br />

Home and garden market<br />

2,4-Dichlorophenoxyacetic acid<br />

Glyphosate<br />

Dica mba<br />

MCPP<br />

Diazinon<br />

Industrial/commercial/government uses<br />

2,4-Dichlorophenoxyacetic acid<br />

Chlorpyrifos<br />

Glyphosate<br />

Methyl bromide<br />

Copper sulfate<br />

Principles of Toxicology: Environmental and Industrial Applications, Second Edition, Edited by Phillip L. Williams,<br />

Robert C. James, and Stephen M. Roberts.<br />

ISBN 0-471-29321-0 © 2000 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.<br />

345

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