An evaluation of the genetic danger of pesticides

Literature and personal data are presented concerning the genetic effect of 160 pesticides. Methods and test objects used to detect genetically active pesticides are analyzed. A scheme is proposed for screening pesticides with mutagenic effect at all levels of the organization of life. In connection with the pervasive influence of pesticides on the biosphere, the necessity of detailed study of the genetic effects of pesticides on a series of test systems is stressed.