What are the primary toxicological concerns in traditional agriculture?
Traditional agriculture often relies on chemical pesticides and fertilizers to enhance crop yield and manage pests. However, these chemicals pose several toxicological concerns. Pesticides can contaminate soil, water, and air, leading to potential health risks for humans and wildlife. Persistent organic pollutants, such as certain insecticides, can bioaccumulate in the food chain, posing long-term health risks. Similarly, nitrate leaching from fertilizers can contaminate groundwater, leading to issues like methemoglobinemia or 'blue baby syndrome' in infants.
