Review on Toxicity, Mechanisms and Health Effects of Herbicides and Prevention Mechanisms

Abstract

In agricultural crop production, herbicides are typically used to prevent or control weeds and other plant pathogens by reducing crop losses and maintaining high product quality. This brief overview sheds light on the level of toxicity, mechanisms of toxicity, health effects and prevention strategies. Three main levels of toxicity have been identified in herbicides: acute (short-term exposure), sub-chronic (medium-term exposure), and chronic (long-term exposure). These levels of toxicity have detrimental effects on humans, animals, and the environment. Herbicides must be handled and administered appropriately to minimize or completely prevent their negative side effects. It is recommended to manage herbicide to its minimum residue level while using them in agriculture. On the hand, certain mechanisms of action must be followed including contact, absorption, movement, toxicity, and death in order to be effective in management of weed by herbicides. This mechanism of actions of herbicides are also applied to humans and animals too. Improper usage of herbicides has adverse health effects on humans such as carcinogenic, cardiovascular, respiratory, hormonal, metabolic, cellular and neurological effects. In order to eliminate or minimize their effect the preventive safety mechanisms/strategies such as employing alternative and less herbicide-dependent cropping systems, properly using all certified personal protective equipment (PPE), proper packaging and package leaflet, proper labeling and giving general awareness about the use or handle of herbicide for farmers or any others who are not familiar with the use of herbicides must applied before or after handling of herbicides. In order to minimize or totally avoid the negative impacts of herbicides on humans, animals, and the environment, it is not just the responsibility of farmers but also of other stakeholders (agricultural experts, policymakers, etc.).