Mammalian toxicity and combined exposure to pesticides

Pesticides are capable of interaction with various entities, which include formulating agents, solvents and carriers, impurities in formulation, and isomeric forms of active ingredients. All these agents could act to reduce or potentiate pesticide toxicity. Pesticides when used in combination could also interact with each other to affect toxicity. Interaction between pesticides could take place via the absorption, distribution or elimination routes. Induction and inhibition of the liver microsomal enzymes could also play significant roles in pesticide interaction and toxicity. Knowledge of the various mechanisms of pesticide interaction should be utilized in predicting the human hazards of pesticide combinations. Hazardous combinations should be avoided.