Pesticides kill pests. The category includes insecticides, herbicides, fungicides, and rodenticides. Farmers use them to protect crops. Public health agencies use them to control disease-carrying insects. Homeowners use them on lawns and gardens. The chemicals save lives and boost food production. They also cause harm.

Their effects go beyond target species. Pesticides contaminate soil, water, and air. They kill beneficial insects like bees and ladybugs. They accumulate in the food chain, harming birds and fish. Farmworkers face direct exposure, often with inadequate protection. Chronic exposure is linked to cancers, neurological disorders, and reproductive problems.

Regulation varies widely. The European Union bans many pesticides still allowed in other countries. Organic farming avoids synthetic pesticides but can still use natural ones. Integrated pest management combines biological controls, crop rotation, and targeted spraying to reduce chemical use. The goal is to protect crops without poisoning the environment. Progress is slow but measurable.

Common types

• Insecticides
• Herbicides
• Fungicides
• Rodenticides
• Biopesticides