Biological Effects of Pesticides in the Environment

An adequate understanding of the biological effects of pesticides upon people and their living environment requires a synthesis of two important categories of scientific information: (1) the biology, biochemistry, and ecology of the human being and his environment, and (2) the action and effect of each pesticide, over the full course of its influence, as it impinges upon the human being and invades the environment. That we have something less than a full complement of this basic knowledge should be obvious. Undertaking to acquire this information is a monumental and never-ending task. Nevertheless, there is no choice but to pursue it and make much more substantial inroads into it. Introducing new chemicals should be a scientific enterprise based on knowledge and subject to continuous evaluation, criticism, and correction if it is to contribute effectively to human welfare.