Pesticide exposure has long been a cause for concern, and with good reason. Studies have shown that all persons, but especially children, pregnant women, farmers, farmworkers, and the elderly, may experience negative health effects from pesticide exposure. These effects may include acute poisoning, cancer, neurological damage, birth defects, reduced sperm count, suppressed immune systems, and reproductive and developmental harm. This book is a comprehensive examination of pesticide use, pesticide harm, and alternatives to harmful pesticides. The author highlights the role of farming, because a substantial majority - 70 per cent or more annually - of pesticides are applied in agricultural uses, thereby making their way into the food chain and into the water supply. More than 20 types of pesticides have been detected in groundwater in the U.S., and it is believed that nearly 100 have the potential to invade municipal water systems. Some level of pesticide contamination has been detected in both urban and agricultural areas. The book also looks at the use of pesticides in the home, schools, and public parks. The author also discusses ways to reduce our use of pesticides. No other book currently examines this issue in such breadth and depth.