Are You Concerned About Pesticides?

A pesticide, in the realm of agriculture, is any substance that is used to prevent, destroy or repel pests such as insects, small rodents or weeds.
The Environmental Protection Agency delineates the kinds of pesticides in use and their effects on humans, animals and the environment.

Four major areas of Chemical Pesticides are:
1. Organoclorines: These once commonly used pesticides, like DDT and Clordane, have largely been banned from use because of their long life span and their detrimental effect on human health and the environment.
2. Organophosphates: These pesticides can affect the enzyme that regulates acetylcholine, a neurotransmitter. Its negative effects can be reversed over time.
3. Caramates: The pesticides also affect the nervous system but any damage is reversed over time.
4. Pyrethroids: Synthetic pesticides developed to mimic the naturally-occurring pesticide pyrethrum, found in chrysanthemums. Some synthetic pyrethroids are toxic to the nervous system.