ASPECTS OF ENVIRONMENTAL EXPOSURE TO AGROCHEMICALS ON ANIMAL DEVELOPMENT

Abstract

The identification of biomarkers of exposure in non-target organisms is growing. The neurobehavioral changes are among the studied biological events as possible biomarkers of agrochemical exposure. However, many of the agrochemicals applied frequently in our agriculture fields do not have a well defined exposure biomarker. In this way, the biomarkers traditionally utilized as fertility, abortion and birth rates will be joining other parameters as physical development and behavioral evaluations. In the last years, as the search for genetic methodologies is also growing, the biomarkers for genetic changes are improving. The results of such studies may be interpreted in a holistic basis of the development, detecting initial damage in the organism. The tests utilized for that, besides the identification of health harm, will be used in monitoring of risks for human population exposed to agrochemicals. Beyond that, the obtained results may be used as sensitive endpoints of the sustainability evaluation of the agricultural model in relation to environmental health.