Toxicity of pesticides based on their mode of action.

Abstract Pesticides have been reported as contaminants of food products, fruits, vegetables and cereals, processed food, baby food and drinking water; they can be neurotoxic, immunotoxic or endocrine disruptors. This chapter discusses the toxicity and mode of action of neurotoxic and immunotoxic pesticides (organochlorine compounds, organophosphate and carbamate compounds, pyrethroids, other insecticides, botanical insecticides, herbicides and fungicides), as well as endocrine and sex hormone disruptors, to target and non-target organisms (including humans, animals, plants, beneficials, and aquatic organisms).