From Fields to Bodies: The Human Cost of Pesticide and Fertilizer use
1Department of Pharmacology, SSS’s Divine College Pharmacy, Nampur Road, Satana,
Nashik, Maharashtra, India - 423301.
2Department of Chemistry, SSS’s Divine College Pharmacy, Nampur Road, Satana,
Nashik, Maharashtra, India - 423301.
*Corresponding Author E-mail: vitthalkundgir357@gmail.com
ABSTRACT:
Fertilizers and pesticides have played a vital role in boosting agricultural output, but their extensive use has raised major concerns regarding human health. Exposure to these agrochemicals can occur through various routes, including direct contact in the workplace, consumption of contaminated food and water, and environmental pollution. This review examines the different types and chemical makeup of these substances, along with how they can harm the body through mechanisms such as hormonal disruption, oxidative damage, nervous system toxicity, and potential links to cancer. Documented health effects include both immediate poisoning and long-term conditions like cancer, fertility problems, and neurological illnesses. Studies from around the world, including clinical and occupational research, underline the rising health burden tied to these chemicals. Although global safety standards exist, enforcement is often lacking, particularly in developing regions. This article highlights the pressing need for safer farming practices like integrated pest management, the use of organic inputs, greater awareness, and improved policy measures to protect public health while maintaining food security.
INTRODUCTION:
Fertilizers and pesticides have become essential components of modern agriculture, contributing significantly to increased crop productivity, improved soil health, and the protection of plants from various pests and diseases.
Their use has enabled farmers to meet the growing global demand for food, particularly in areas facing land limitations and environmental challenges such as drought and climate change.
These agrochemicals have played a vital role in stabilizing food supplies and ensuring agricultural efficiency. However, their extensive and sometimes indiscriminate application has raised serious concerns regarding their impact on human health and the environment1.
Multiple studies have shown that both acute and chronic exposure to these chemicals can lead to a range of health issues. People can be exposed through several pathways, including direct contact during agricultural work, consumption of contaminated food and water, and inhalation of pesticide residues present in the air. Short-term exposure may cause immediate symptoms like skin rashes, respiratory distress, nausea, and even poisoning. More concerning is the long-term exposure, which has been associated with severe health outcomes such as cancer (including non-Hodgkin lymphoma and leukemia), hormonal imbalances, reproductive issues, neurological disorders like Parkinson’s disease, and damage to vital organs such as the liver and kidneys. Vulnerable populations including farmers, agricultural laborers, children, and pregnant women—are at particularly high risk due to either occupational exposure or weakened immunity2.
Fig 1: Impact of chemical pesticides on human health31
Environmental contamination is another significant issue. Excessive use of chemical fertilizers leads to nitrate leaching into groundwater, while pesticide runoff pollutes rivers, lakes, and soil. These contaminants not only harm ecosystems but also return to human populations through the food chain and drinking water sources, creating a continuous cycle of exposure.
Given these risks, there is an urgent need to adopt more sustainable and responsible agricultural practices. Integrated Pest Management (IPM) offers an effective alternative that combines biological, cultural, and mechanical methods with minimal use of chemicals. The promotion of organic fertilizers and bio-pesticides, public education on safe handling practices, regular residue monitoring, and the enforcement of stricter regulatory standards are crucial steps in minimizing health hazards. Balancing the benefits of agricultural chemicals with the need to protect human health and the environment is essential for ensuring long-term food safety and sustainability.
Fertilizers can be mainly divided into two types: chemical (inorganic) and organic. Chemical fertilizers are made through industrial processes and are grouped based on the key nutrients they provide. Nitrogen-based fertilizers like urea and ammonium nitrate help plants grow more leaves, phosphorus-rich fertilizers such as superphosphate support root growth and blooming, while potassium fertilizers like muriate of potash improve fruit development and boost plant immunity. In contrast, organic fertilizers come from natural materials like animal manure, compost, and plant residues. These improve soil quality and fertility slowly over time and are generally safer for the environment. While all fertilizers support plant growth in different ways, using chemical ones too much or incorrectly can cause harm to both human health and nature3.
Fig 2: Overuse of fertilizers and pesticides32
Fertilizers mainly provide three essential nutrients nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), and potassium (K) collectively known as NPK, which are necessary for plant growth and development. Nitrogen (N) helps plants grow more leaves and stems. It plays a major role in making chlorophyll, which is important for photosynthesis and overall greenery in plants. Phosphorus (P) is useful for strong root growth, blooming, and seed production. It also helps plants store and use energy effectively. Potassium (K) helps plants fight off diseases, improves the taste and color of fruits and flowers, and controls water movement within the plant4.
Besides these main nutrients, fertilizers may also have secondary nutrients like calcium, magnesium, and sulfur, which are needed in smaller quantities but are still important for plant health.
Some fertilizers also contain micronutrients such as zinc, iron, manganese, copper, boron, and molybdenum. Even though these are needed in tiny amounts, they are essential for enzyme activities and healthy plant functions5.
Fig 3: overdose of fertilizers and pesticides on vegetables33
Table 1 – category and use of pesticides6
|
Category |
Purpose |
Common Active Ingredients |
|
Insecticides |
Used to kill or repel harmful insects that damage crops |
Organophosphates: Target insect nervous systems- Carbamates: Similar action to organophosphates- Pyrethroids: Synthetic version of natural insecticides (pyrethrins) |
|
Herbicides |
Applied to control or eliminate unwanted weeds and grasses |
Glyphosate: Widely used herbicide, especially in large-scale farming |
|
Fungicides |
Prevent or treat fungal infections that harm crops |
Triazoles: A group of chemicals that stop fungi from growing |
|
Rodenticides |
Used to kill rodents like rats and mice that spoil crops or stored grains |
(Varies – typically contains anticoagulants or toxic baits; not specified in original text) |
Occupational (farmers, pesticide applicators):
Individuals who handle fertilizers and pesticides as part of their job such as farmers, field workers, and spray operators are at the greatest risk of being exposed to these chemicals. This exposure can occur during activities like mixing solutions, spraying on crops, filling containers, or even touching plants and tools that have been treated. The chemicals can enter the body through breathing in fumes, getting on the skin, or accidentally swallowing them. If workers do not use proper safety gear or follow protective measures, they may suffer from immediate health effects like skin rashes, dizziness, or vomiting, and could also develop serious health problems over time, such as cancer, nerve damage, breathing difficulties, or reproductive issues. Therefore, it is very important to have regular safety checks, proper use of protective equipment, and training to lower the health risks in agricultural jobs7,8.
Dietary Exposure:
People are often exposed to harmful chemicals from fertilizers and pesticides through the food they eat and the water they drink. Crops like fruits, vegetables, and cereals may still have traces of these chemicals if they weren’t washed properly or if too many pesticides were used during farming. These chemicals can also mix with underground or surface water, which many people use for drinking. Eating or drinking such contaminated items regularly can lead to serious health problems such as hormonal changes, stomach issues, developmental delays in children, and even cancers. Those most vulnerable include kids, expecting mothers, and individuals with weaker immune systems. To lower the risk, it is important to wash food thoroughly, support the use of organic farming methods, and test water sources regularly9.
Environmental Exposure:
Fertilizers and pesticides not only pose a risk to people through direct contact but also harm the environment by polluting the air, water, and soil. When sprayed on crops, these chemicals can travel through the air and be breathed in by nearby residents. During rainfall or irrigation, leftover chemicals can wash into rivers, lakes, or seep into the ground, polluting water sources used by both humans and animals. Over time, these substances can also accumulate in the soil, lowering its fertility and damaging helpful soil organisms like earthworms and bacteria. People living near farms even if they don’t work in agriculture can still be affected by this kind of pollution. To reduce these risks, it's important to use agrochemicals carefully and promote environmentally friendly farming methods10.
Accidental and Chronic Low-Dose Exposure:
People can sometimes come into contact with fertilizers and pesticides by accident this might happen due to spills, leaks, or unsafe storage, especially in homes or on farms. Small children are particularly vulnerable if they touch or swallow these substances without knowing. Apart from accidents, many individuals are exposed to low doses of these chemicals over a long time, usually through the food they eat, the water they drink, or the air they breathe. Even though the amounts are small, continuous exposure can slowly harm the body and lead to serious health problems like hormonal imbalances, weakened immunity, delayed development in children, and a higher risk of cancer. Since these effects don’t show up right away, they often go unnoticed. That’s why it’s important to follow safety precautions, spread awareness, and carry out regular checks to avoid both accidental and long-term chemical exposure11.
Mechanisms of Toxicity:
Fertilizers and pesticides can harm the human body in many ways, depending on how long and how often a person is exposed. Some of the key ways these chemicals affect health include: Fertilizers and pesticides can harm the human body through several mechanisms that depend on the duration and frequency of exposure. Many of these chemicals are persistent and resistant to breakdown, leading to bioaccumulation in body tissues especially fat over months or years, which can result in chronic health problems. Some act as endocrine disruptors, mimicking or blocking natural hormones and disturbing vital processes such as growth, reproduction, and metabolism, potentially causing infertility, thyroid disorders, early puberty, or birth defects. Others induce oxidative stress and DNA damage by generating free radicals that attack healthy cells, accelerating aging and increasing susceptibility to long-term diseases. In addition, certain pesticide components exert neurotoxic effects, impairing memory, coordination, and child development, while others suppress the immune system, leaving individuals more vulnerable to infections and chronic illnesses12. Long-term contact with some pesticides has been associated with different types of cancer, such as leukemia and lymphomas. These substances may cause cells to divide abnormally or grow uncontrollably, increasing the chances of tumor formation13. These toxic effects show that even small, repeated exposure to chemical fertilizers and pesticides can result in serious health concerns over time.
Excessive or careless use of chemical fertilizers can pose significant health risks to humans. A key issue is nitrate contamination, where nitrogen-based fertilizers like urea leach into drinking water and may cause methemoglobinemia or “blue baby syndrome” in infants, a condition that reduces the blood’s ability to carry oxygen and can be life- threatening14. Certain fertilizer ingredients also act as endocrine disruptors, interfering with hormonal balance and contributing to reproductive problems such as infertility, irregular menstrual cycles, and complications in fetal growth and development15. Long-term exposure has been associated with an increased cancer risk, since nitrates can be converted within the body into nitrosamines, compounds known to be carcinogenic16. Continuous consumption of fertilizer-contaminated food or water may also overburden vital organs, leading to liver and kidney damage as well as chronic health issues17,18. These concerns emphasize the need for careful fertilizer application, regular monitoring of water quality, and greater reliance on organic or natural alternatives to better protect public health.
Cancer and Pesticide Exposure: Focus on Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma and Leukemia Pesticides contain harmful chemicals that, when a person is exposed to them for a long time, can interfere with how cells grow and divide. Some of these substances are known as carcinogens, meaning they can increase the risk of cancer. Research shows that people who work in agriculture or live in areas where pesticides are used often are more likely to develop certain types of cancer especially non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL) and leukemia19.
NHL is a type of cancer that begins in the lymphatic system, which helps the body fight infections. It starts in white blood cells (lymphocytes) that multiply in an abnormal way, forming tumors in various parts of the body. Connection to Pesticides: Studies, including those by the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC), have shown that people exposed to certain herbicides (like glyphosate) and insecticides (such as organophosphates and carbamates) are more likely to develop NHL. These chemicals may damage DNA, disturb hormone functions, and weaken the immune system factors that contribute to cancer development. At-Risk Groups: Those most at risk include farmers, pesticide sprayers, and people living near farms where chemicals are sprayed regularly.
Leukemia is a group of blood cancers that begin in the bone marrow, where blood cells are made. In leukemia, the body produces too many abnormal white blood cells, which affects the immune system and blood functions. Connection to Pesticides: Long-term exposure to benzene-based pesticides, organochlorines, and organophosphates has been linked to acute myeloid leukemia (AML) and childhood leukemia. These chemicals may damage bone marrow and cause changes in genes that lead to cancer. Who is Vulnerable: Children are particularly sensitive20. Exposure to pesticides during pregnancy or in early childhood either through parental use or from living near treated areas greatly increases their risk of developing leukemia.
DNA Damage (Genotoxicity): Some pesticides can directly harm the DNA in cells, which may lead to cancer-causing mutations. Weakened Immunity: Long-term chemical exposure can reduce the immune system’s ability to destroy abnormal or cancerous cells. Hormone Disruption: Pesticides that act like or block hormones can affect cell growth and lead to tumor formation21.
Table 2: Natural Detoxification Formula for Reducing Pesticide Residues on Fruits and Vegetables22,23:
|
Ingredient |
Quantity (grams/ml) |
Purpose |
|
Baking Soda (Sodium Bicarbonate) |
10g |
Helps break down and loosen pesticide residues on fruit/vegetable surfaces. |
|
Turmeric Powder |
5g |
Offers natural antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties. |
|
Activated Charcoal |
5g |
Binds to and absorbs chemical residues, impurities, and toxins. |
|
Vinegar (White or Apple Cider) |
15ml |
Removes bacteria and dissolves many pesticide compounds; acts as a disinfectant. |
|
Salt (Table Salt) |
5g |
Enhances cleaning; helps in loosening and removing pesticide residues. |
|
Lemon Juice |
10ml |
Provides natural acidity; helps kill microbes and dissolve surface residues. |
|
Baking Powder (optional) |
5g |
Aids in removing stubborn pesticide layers when combined with other agents. |
|
Neem Powder(Azadirachta indica) |
5g |
Natural antimicrobial and insect-repelling agent; helps detoxify surfaces. |
|
Water |
1liter |
Solvent and mixing base for all ingredients. |
1. Take 1 liter of clean water in a large bowl or container.
2. Add all the above ingredients in the specified quantities.
3. Stir the mixture thoroughly until the powders are mostly dissolved and evenly distributed.
4. Soak fruits and vegetables in this solution for 15–20 minutes.
5. Rinse thoroughly with clean water before use or storage.
A Natural Detoxification Formula prepared from simple ingredients like baking soda, vinegar, lemon juice, activated charcoal, turmeric, and neem can provide several advantages in lowering pesticide residues on fruits and vegetables. It is effective in cleaning produce, as baking soda helps neutralize acidic pesticides, activated charcoal traps and removes toxins, while vinegar breaks down surface chemicals and works as a natural disinfectant25. The addition of turmeric and neem further boosts the formula with strong antimicrobial and antifungal properties, helping eliminate harmful microbes such as E. coli and Salmonella, which makes raw produce safer to eat26. Unlike many commercial cleaners that may leave chemical traces, this natural formula is safe and non-toxic, relying only on food- grade ingredients, making it suitable even for sensitive groups like children, pregnant women, and the elderly27. Another major benefit is its eco-friendly nature, as the biodegradable components do not pollute water or soil, unlike synthetic washing agents. It is also inexpensive and easy to prepare since common items like salt, lemon juice, and neem are widely available, which makes it especially useful for rural and low-income populations most affected by pesticide exposure28. Moreover, this natural wash maintains the nutritional quality, taste, and freshness of fruits and vegetables while reducing the risk of long-term health issues such as cancer, hormonal imbalance, nerve damage, and reproductive disorders. Beyond health protection, it also raises awareness about food safety and promotes self-reliance by encouraging people to use natural, accessible, and sustainable methods to reduce pesticide risks at home.
Using this formula, some tests for cleaning of fruits and vegetables and getting an arropriate results29,30
These tests help verify the formula’s consistency, safety, and whether it leaves residues:
1. pH (immediately after mixing and over time): acidity affects pesticide solubility and microbe kill (vinegar, lemon juice change pH). Record because pH can affect produce surface and taste.
2. Conductivity/total dissolved solids (TDS) — indicates salt content and ionic strength (table salt, baking soda).
3. Turbidity / particulate count — to detect suspended activated charcoal or neem/plant powders that might deposit on produce. A turbid solution may leave visible residues.
4. Total Organic Carbon (TOC) — optional, gives measure of organic load (turmeric, neem, lemon compounds).
5. Residuals of active ingredients (non-pesticide chemicals) — if concerned about charcoal or turmeric pigments (e.g., curcumin staining), run a simple HPLC or targeted assay for these if you want to quantify.
6. Particle size/settleability for slurries (activated charcoal, neem): centrifuge + weigh settled solids per L determines whether charcoal might mechanically embed into skin crevices.
7. Stability testing: store the mixed formula (or dry mix) at intended storage temperatures and measure pH, turbidity, microbial growth over time (0, 7, 30 days) to see shelf-life.
1. Check how many general bacteria remain on the produce after using your cleaning formula—this tells you if it's effectively reducing microbes instead of adding them.
2. Test specifically for serious pathogens like Salmonella, E. coli O157:H7, and Listeria to make sure your method really improves safety, especially for commercial use.
3. Ensure no harmful cleaning agents (like soaps or detergents) are left behind FDA guidance warns produce can absorb these, and their leftover residues haven’t been proven safe.
For each fruit × treatment × replicate record:
Pre-treatment pesticide concentration (µg/kg) Post-treatment pesticide concentration (µg/kg) % removal pH of wash solution
Turbidity/visible residue notes Microbial plate counts (CFU/cm²) Sensory score (visual, smell, taste) Notes on particulates/staining
Future Prospective:
Acute pesticide poisoning continues to pose a major global health concern. According to estimates from a WHO task group, nearly 1million cases of serious unintentional pesticide poisoning occur every year, along with up to 25million mild cases, mostly among agricultural workers in developing countries. Long-term exposure to these chemicals has been linked to a wide range of health issues, including birth defects, infertility, reproductive problems, impaired neurodevelopment, and various cancers. Much of this harm is attributed to their role as endocrine disruptors, interfering with hormonal balance and affecting sperm quality. Exposure during pregnancy or early childhood is especially harmful, leading to congenital abnormalities, low birth weight, and impaired fetal growth. In addition, farm workers are at higher risk of respiratory problems such as asthma, reduced lung function, and even lung cancer due to constant exposure. On a cellular level, pesticides can trigger oxidative stress, DNA damage, and epigenetic changes, which may also impact future generations. In Brazil, pesticide usage increased by 91% between 2010 and 2021, raising alarm about the continued import of hazardous chemicals already banned in other countries a phenomenon critics describe as “chemical colonialism.” To address these challenges, safer alternatives like Integrated Pest Management (IPM), which relies on natural methods of pest control, have shown success in reducing dependence on chemical pesticides and lowering human exposure, particularly in farming communities.
In the future, one promising approach could be the development of Natural Detoxification Formulas to reduce pesticide residues on fruits and vegetables. These formulations, prepared using plant-based bioactives, organic acids, enzymes, or probiotics, may help break down or neutralize pesticide residues while preserving food safety and nutritional value. By integrating advances in food science, toxicology, and green chemistry, such natural detoxification solutions could be applied both at the household level and in large-scale food industries, ultimately offering consumers safer produce and reducing the long-term health burden associated with pesticide exposure.
Agricultural productivity has significantly increased with the use of fertilizers and pesticides, but growing evidence highlights their serious impacts on human health and the environment. Agricultural workers and exposed populations face both immediate poisoning and long-term risks such as cancer, neurological disorders, hormonal disruptions, reproductive issues, respiratory problems, immune suppression, and organ damage, with acute pesticide poisoning affecting millions globally each year and causing thousands of deaths, particularly in developing regions. Environmentally, fertilizers contribute to nitrate runoff and groundwater contamination, while pesticides persist in ecosystems, drift off-target, disrupt soil microbiomes, and pollute water bodies. To ensure food security without compromising health and ecological integrity, a multi-pronged approach is needed—emphasizing sustainable farming practices like Integrated Pest Management (IPM), which combines monitoring, cultural methods, biological controls, and judicious pesticide use; stronger regulations and residue monitoring to safeguard public health; promotion of greener alternatives such as organic fertilizers, bioremediation strategies, and awareness campaigns to reduce reliance on chemicals; and focused protection of vulnerable groups including farmworkers, women, children, and rural communities who are disproportionately at risk.
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Received on 31.08.2025 Revised on 14.11.2025 Accepted on 17.01.2026 Published on 06.07.2026 Available online from July 20, 2026 Asian J. Pharm. Res. 2026; 16(3):313-319. DOI: 10.52711/2231-5691.2026.00046 ©Asian Pharma Press All Right Reserved
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