Abstract
The BSAEM/BSNM reviews the effects of pesticides from the evidence in the literature and from members' experience: the epidemiological modelling of the marked increase in recent years in many chronic and recurrent illnesses fits well with the increase in the manufacture and use of chemicals. Pesticides were synthesized to interfere with enzyme systems, many of which are similar in different forms of life. Pesticides have been measured in human and animal tissues, and enzyme systems are adversely affected by them at very low concentrations: there is no safe lower limit of dosage. Pesticide exposure results in illness in patients, and preventative interventions are called for without waiting for full scientific proof of the magnitude of the long-term effects. A typical case history is appended.
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