Identifying and preventing the neurotoxic effects of pesticides

Pesticides are important tools for our food system and for public health. Designed to control pests, they can also adversely impact human health and the environment. Pesticide use has evolved over time due to environmental contamination, pest resistance, or concerns about human or animal health effects. The goal is to find the safest pesticide for humans, animals, and the environment that effectively controls the pest. This chapter presents background information on the types of pesticides, their toxicity, and mechanisms of action. It also provides an overview of how pesticides are used in agriculture, the pathways of exposure, and methods to control pesticide exposure. A case study describing adolescent pesticide exposure in Egypt is presented to demonstrate factors to consider when designing a research study or an intervention to reduce exposure. Understanding these factors are critical to understand how to prevent exposure to pesticides and the subsequent neurotoxic effects.