There are presently more than 865 recorded pesticides according to the Environmental Protection Agency. However, fewer than half of the pesticides are employed for the protection of the United States food supply. Pesticides are man-made and are regulated by the U.S. Department of Agriculture. This particular agency determines how much of these pesticides can be deposited on crops as well as how much of the pesticides lingers on the foods being bought by consumers. Due to the nature of pesticides, there are, of course, some damaging risks involved considering that pesticides are chemically based and are intended for the purpose of killing and/or poisoning. Therefore, there are some pesticides that can be extremely toxic. Pesticides containing nicotine are one example. Pesticides can be harmful not only to intended insects and pests, but also to humans, animals and the environment simply because they are designed with the intention to adversely affect live organisms. Today, there are bio-pesticides or biologically-based pesticides that are progressively becoming more popular and are considered to be safer than the customary chemical pesticides.

From Network Resources