se states may additionally enhance the destructive potential of various pesticides in specific individuals (Fan & Jackson, 1989, p. 160). Lastly, environmental effects may alter a pesticide's toxicity. For example, nondegradable compounds may persist in the environment and create a potential for low level, long term toxic exposures. In addition, biodegradable compounds may undergo biological transformation to more dangerous breakdown products. In fact, most of the pesticide residues which can be found in food are actually an environmentally altered form of the original chemical (Fan & Jackson, 1989, p. 161).
Taking all of these factors into account, a given pesticide's effects may be either acute, subchronic, or chronic. Certain of these chemicals can alter reproductive function; some have been associated with birth defects. Moreover, other compounds may have mutagenic or carcinogenic effects. Even pesticides which don't damage the genetic material can potentially cause harm. Through epigenetic mech
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