WHO reports ~600 million annual cases of food borne illnesses (420,000 deaths); pesticide exposure contributes to ~200,000 acute poisoning deaths yearly (primarily in developing countries).
◉ Acute poisoning: High-dose ingestion leads to respiratory distress, seizures, or death (common in occupational exposure).
◉ Chronic effects
● Carcinogenicity: Certain pesticides are linked to liver cancer and breast cancer (e.g., DDT, an organochlorine pesticide).
● Developmental toxicity: Prenatal exposure may cause fetal malformations or intellectual delays.
● Endocrine disruption: Pyrethroids mimic estrogen, contributing to early puberty in children or adult infertility.
● Immunosuppression: Weakens resistance to infections and allergies.
◉ Acute poisoning: High-dose ingestion leads to respiratory distress, seizures, or death (common in occupational exposure).
◉ Chronic effects
● Carcinogenicity: Certain pesticides are linked to liver cancer and breast cancer (e.g., DDT, an organochlorine pesticide).
● Developmental toxicity: Prenatal exposure may cause fetal malformations or intellectual delays.
● Endocrine disruption: Pyrethroids mimic estrogen, contributing to early puberty in children or adult infertility.
● Immunosuppression: Weakens resistance to infections and allergies.