Impacts of Pesticide Use on Human Health and the Environment among Horticultural Farmers: A Conceptual Review

Abstract

Pesticides are widely used in horticultural production to control pests and plant diseases and to enhance agricultural productivity. However, improper pesticide use may pose significant risks to both farmers’ health and the environment. This study aimed to examine the health and environmental impacts of pesticide use among horticultural farmers through a conceptual review approach. Relevant articles were retrieved from the ScienceDirect database using keywords related to pesticide exposure, health, environment, farmers, and horticulture. The article selection process was conducted based on predefined inclusion and exclusion criteria, resulting in 10 articles published between 2016 and 2025 being included in the review. The findings indicate that pesticide exposure among horticultural farmers is associated with a variety of adverse health effects, including acute poisoning, respiratory disorders, thyroid dysfunction, and other chronic health conditions. In addition, pesticide use contributes to soil and water contamination, the accumulation of pesticide residues in the environment, ecotoxicological risks to non-target organisms, and the degradation of ecosystem quality. The magnitude of these impacts is influenced by several factors, including farmers’ knowledge and training, the use of personal protective equipment (PPE), pesticide type, spraying intensity, and pest management practices. Therefore, the implementation of safe and sustainable pesticide management practices is essential to minimize the adverse effects of pesticides on human health and the environment.