The World Health Organization explains that pesticides remain important for protecting crops and increasing agricultural yields. However, unsafe exposure can cause acute poisoning and long-term health effects. WHO emphasizes strict pesticide regulation, regular residue monitoring, good agricultural practices and compliance with internationally accepted maximum residue limits for food.

FAO reported that agricultural pesticide use reached 3.73 million tonnes of active ingredients in 2023. This was 2% lower than in 2022 but 14% higher than a decade earlier and approximately twice the 1990 level. Global exports reached 6.7 million tonnes of formulated products, while export value declined to USD 42.8 billion.

A Nature Communications study assessed the expected effects of transforming global agricultural pest management using responses from 473 experts. The study found that the greatest anticipated benefits would be related to environmental protection and human health. It also noted that the transition would require locally adapted pest-management solutions, research funding, implementation support and an enabling policy environment.

Down To Earth reported that India, Brazil, China and the United States together account for an estimated 53%–68% of global pesticide toxicity. The article also reported that a limited group of highly toxic pesticides contributes more than 90% of the pesticide-toxicity burden in many countries. Chemical pesticide use in India reportedly increased from 57,353 tonnes in 2014–15 to 67,221 tonnes in 2024–25.

AgroLatam reported that a new petition is asking the United States Environmental Protection Agency to require cancer-warning labels for pesticide products containing 124 active ingredients associated with evidence of carcinogenicity. The petition requests warning requirements for products containing ingredients categorized as probable, likely, possible or suggestive human carcinogens.