What potential risk is associated with hazardous residues from pesticide use?

The potential risk associated with hazardous residues from pesticide use primarily pertains to the contamination of the food supply. When pesticides are applied to crops, they can leave remnants that may persist on or within the produce, potentially leading to human exposure through consumption. This contamination can pose significant health risks to consumers, including acute poisoning or long-term health effects such as developmental issues, endocrine disruption, or cancer, especially if the residues exceed established safety thresholds.

In contrast, enhancing crop health, increasing biodiversity, and improving pest resistance are generally considered benefits of proper pesticide use within a well-managed Integrated Pest Management (IPM) framework. These aspects emphasize the importance of using pesticides judiciously to minimize negative impacts while still addressing pest issues effectively. However, if pesticide residues become hazardous, they overshadow these potential benefits by posing a risk to both human health and environmental safety. Hence, awareness and management of pesticide residues are crucial components of responsible pesticide application and food safety.