[Pollution and agricultural practices. 2 concepts: acceptable daily dose and chemo-defense]

Pollution coming from agricultural practices can exist: pesticides, veterinary drugs, heavy metals but also mycotoxins. However, these contaminants are always at low or trace doses in our environment (foods, water, air, soils). In terms of foods, two concepts have been developed to protect the consumers: acceptable daily intake (ADI) and maximum residue limits (MRL). The impact of this pollution on public health is not evident, in contradiction with the level of fear in the population. Moreover, the distinction made between natural and synthetic substances by the public in terms of toxicity is quite nonsense scientifically. Human beings and all living organisms have a good defence system against chemical xenobiotics which ensures their protection.