Genotoxicity of pesticides: potential risk for consumers

Abstract

Pesticide residues in vegetables and fruits continue to generate concern in the general population mainly about their potential long term adverse effects such as cancer. The pesticides currently in use include a wide variety of compounds belonging to different chemical classes. More than 800 chemicals marketed as multiple formulations, are used in the European Union, as insecticides, herbicides, fungicides. Pesticides have been considered potential chemical mutagens. Experimental data revealed that various agrochemical ingredients possess mutagenic properties inducing gene mutation, chromosomal alteration or DNA damage. The genotoxic potential for agrochemical ingredients is generally low: they give positive results in few genotoxicity tests. In human biomonitoring studies genetic damage associated with pesticides has been detected for high exposure levels and intensive use. The genetic effects depend on quantity and variety of chemical formulations consumed. Improvements of agricultural practices and of safety of work conditions has reduced the genotoxic hazard. The most recent studies failed to reveal genotoxic damage. This evidence suggests a negligible risk for general population exposed to very low levels of residues.