Public Health Implications of Pesticide Use: Evaluating Acute, Long-Term, and Genetic Toxicity

Pesticides remain indispensable in modern agriculture for safeguarding crops and ensuring global food security. However, their widespread and often indiscriminate use has raised significant concerns due to acute, chronic, and genetic toxicities in humans. This review synthesizes current evidence on the health implications of pesticide exposure, highlighting both immediate and long-term risks. Acute effects include dermatological irritation, respiratory distress, gastrointestinal disorders, and ocular toxicity, while chronic exposure has been associated with endocrine disruption, reproductive abnormalities, neurodegenerative diseases such as Parkinson’s, cardiotoxicity, and carcinogenesis. Particular emphasis is given to genotoxic outcomes, with cytogenetic biomarkers—such as chromosomal aberrations, micronucleus frequency, and sister chromatid exchanges—serving as critical tools in assessing DNA damage among exposed populations. Genetic polymorphisms influencing metabolic detoxification further underscore individual susceptibility to pesticide-related harm. Additionally, the review discusses regulatory frameworks, maximum residue limits, and preventive strategies designed to minimize risks. Ultimately, this article emphasizes the urgent need for stricter regulatory enforcement, safer alternatives, and multidisciplinary collaboration among pharmacists, toxicologists, healthcare providers, and policymakers to mitigate pesticide-related health hazards and protect public health.