Pesticides - Introduction
Introduction
A pesticideSubstance used to reduce the abundance of pests. is any substance that prevents, repels, or kills pests. The definition of a pest is a relative one. A pestAny living thing that is unwanted by humans or causes injury and disease to crops and other growth. is an organism that is unwanted by humans at a specific time or in a specific place. Pests can range from cockroaches and mice, to fungi and plants. In modern day, pesticides are an integral part of food production and household use.
The use of pesticides has a long history. There is evidence that ancient Romans and Chinese, for example, used various minerals and plant extracts as pesticides. Manufactured chemical pesticides began in the 1930s and dramatically increased after World War II (1939–45). The widespread use of chemical pesticides led to an increased concern for how pesticides were affecting the environment, animals, and people. Over the years, pesticides have undergone much advancement, including the development of natural substances and improvements on the traditional.
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