Agricultural production relies heavily on man-made chemicals used as fertilizers and pesticides, and to regulate plant growth. Pesticides are released intentionally into the environment to control insects, weeds, plant diseases and other pests that affect crop or animal production, as well as to control insects that spread human diseases. Pesticides have a well-established role in agriculture and public health. The benefits of their use in terms of economic returns and of improved human health and well-being have led to the rapid world-wide adoption of this chemical technology
