Why the need – Agriculture

Agro-chemical companies develop compounds that are inherently toxic for insect, fungus and weed control, with over 350,000 registered in the US. These compounds end up in the food chain as well as the environment. The Food Quality Protection Act (1996) mandates toxicity testing on new compounds, with a focus on infants and children. Toxicity is determined by short-term testing, at single high does in laboratory animals, and does not take into consideration repeated, long-term exposure.