What can result from pesticide residues exceeding safe levels?

When pesticide residues exceed safe levels, it can lead to potential health risks to humans and the environment. This outcome is significant because higher levels of pesticide residues can contaminate food sources and water supplies, posing direct health risks to consumers. For example, excessive exposure to certain pesticides has been linked to health issues such as neurological disorders, cancers, and other chronic diseases.

Additionally, the environment can be adversely affected; pesticides that accumulate in soil and water systems can harm non-target organisms, including beneficial insects, aquatic life, and plants, disrupting ecosystems and biodiversity. Regulations are put in place to ensure that pesticide residues remain within safe limits to protect public health and the environment, highlighting the importance of adherence to label instructions and safety practices when applying these chemicals.

In contrast, adequate plant growth, compliance with agricultural guidelines, and increased profit margins for farmers are outcomes that are ideally sought after in agricultural practices. However, these are not direct results of exceeding pesticide residue levels and can often be negatively impacted if safety thresholds are not maintained.