A lot of research has been conducted on the negative impacts of the use of synthetic pesticides on the health of the population (1). They are known to have the capacity to cause many kidney and cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, liver dysfunctions, neurological destruction, as well as dermatological, gastrointestinal, neurological, carcinogenic, respiratory, reproductive and endocrine adverse effects due to their chemical composition (2) (3). When these chemicals are discharged into seas, rivers or lakes, often lead to death of fish, and even when fish survive, their consumption by humans may lead to the bio-magnification of chemicals in the body system and can result in deadly diseases, such as those mentioned above (4).
Fortunately, there are biopesticides, defined by the United States Environmental Protection Agency as certain types of pesticides derived from such natural materials as animals, plants, bacteria and minerals (5). The most common biopesticides are biochemical pesticides, naturally occurring substances that control pests by non-toxic mechanisms such as various scented plant extracts that attract pests to traps. Second, microbial pesticides, which consist of a microorganism (bacterium, virus or protozoan) as the active ingredient, and can control many types of pests; for example, there are fungi that control certain weeds and other fungi that kill insects. Last, plant-incorporated protectors, which are pesticidal substances that plants produce from genetic material implanted by scientists. That is, scientists take the gene from the Bt (Bacillus thurigiensis) pesticidal protein and introduce the gene into the plant’s own genetic material, and the plant itself manufactures the substance that destroys the pest (5) (6).
Out of concern for public health and the stringent regulation of synthetic pesticide residues in agricultural products, the use of biopesticides is becoming increasingly important because they are safer to use, can be easily washed away from the fruits and vegetables we consume, and pose lower risks for human health (2). The Farm to Fork strategy for the agricultural sector, an initiative at the heart of the European Green Deal, aims to accelerate the transition to a sustainable food system. One objective of the strategy is to reduce by 50% synthetic pesticide use by 2030, although further scientific knowledge is needed on what plants have real biopesticidal effects and what formulations include synthetic pesticides that are expensive and dangerous to humans (3).
In the 1090s, Europe regulated the commercialisation of biopesticides, including rodenticides, insecticides, oils and extracts, naturally occurring substances, pheromones, and microorganisms, viruses and fungi. However, with the Regulation (EC) No. 1107/2009, any biopesticide must undergo the necessary toxicological and environmental testing and be proved safe before being placed on the market in any member state of the European Union (2).
References
- (PDF) IMPACT OF CHEMICAL PESTICIDES VS. BIOPESTICIDES ON HUMAN HEALTH AND ENVIRONMENT [Internet]. [cited 9 December 2023]. Available at: https://www.researchgate.net/publication/338194669_IMPACT_OF_CHEMICAL_PESTICIDES_VS_BIOPESTICIDES_ON_HUMAN_HEALTH_AND_ENVIRONMENT
- Daraban GM, Hlihor RM, Suteu D. Pesticides vs. Biopesticides: From Pest Management to Toxicity and Impacts on the Environment and Human Health. Toxics. December 2023;11(12):983.
- Fragkouli R, Antonopoulou M, Asimakis E, Spyrou A, Kosma C, Zotos A, et al. Mediterranean Plants as Potential Source of Biopesticides: An Overview of Current Research and Future Trends. Metabolites. September 2023;13(9):967.
- Ayilara MS, Adeleke BS, Akinola SA, Fayose CA, Adeyemi UT, Gbadegesin LA, et al. Biopesticides as a promising alternative to synthetic pesticides: A case for microbial pesticides, phytopesticides, and nanobiopesticides. Front Microbiol. 16 February 2023;14:1040901.
- US EPA O. What are Biopesticides? [Internet]. 2015 [cited 9 December 2023]. Available at: https://www.epa.gov/ingredients-used-pesticide-products/what-are-biopesticides
- Ondarza M. BIOPESTICIDAS: TIPOS Y APLICACIONES EN EL CONTROL DE PLAGAS AGRÍCOLAS BIOPESTICIDES: TYPES AND APPLICATIONS IN THE CONTROL OF AGRICULTURAL PESTS AGRO PRODUCTIVIDAD AGRO PRODUCTIVIDAD. Rev Agroproductividad COLPOS. 1 January 2017;10:31-6.
Mónica Miriam García Cuéllar
Master’s Degree in Public Health and Health Promotion
OSMAN Scientific Editor