Chapter 11 - Genotoxicity of Pesticides

Abstract

This chapter provides an overview of methods of genotoxicity testing and their application to identifying pesticides capable of inducing genetic damage. Pesticides are biologically active compounds selected and used for their biocidal properties. In many cases, these agents are highly specific in their toxic effects, acting on a unique molecular target or affecting a narrow range of organisms. As a subspecialty of toxicology, genetic toxicology is concerned with the adverse effects of chemicals and other physical agents on the DNA and other genetic components of living organisms. The primary focus of this discipline is to identify the agents and mechanisms involved in the formation of mutations—heritable genetic alterations in cells. A significant number of pesticides have exhibited genotoxic effects in short-term genotoxicity assays and may pose significant risks to humans. In addition to human and chronic animal studies, regulatory agencies often rely on other relevant biological data to assist in the evaluation of carcinogenicity. The ongoing challenge for researchers, regulators, and those interested in environmental health is to effectively use genotoxicity data to distinguish noncarcinogenic and nonmutagenic pesticides from those capable of inducing cancer and heritable mutations in humans, to determine which of the latter pose significant risks at human exposure levels, and, if continued use is needed, to identify safe methods and levels for the use of these agents.