North Carolina Pesticide Application Practice Test

What is one effect of pesticides on human health that might arise from systemic exposure?

1. Increased energy levels

2. Nausea and headaches

3. Improved cognitive function

4. No detectable effects

The correct answer is: Nausea and headaches

Systemic exposure to pesticides can lead to a variety of detrimental health effects in humans, and one of the more common reactions is the experience of nausea and headaches. This occurs because many pesticides are designed to disrupt the biological processes of pests, and these chemicals can also affect humans when absorbed into the body, leading to symptoms like nausea and headache. When pesticides enter the bloodstream, they can interfere with the normal functioning of cells and organs. These toxic effects occur because the body may react defensively to these foreign substances, which can present as acute symptoms such as gastrointestinal distress or neurological disturbances, including headaches. The other options, while potentially beneficial in different contexts, do not accurately reflect the typical health effects associated with systemic pesticide exposure. Increased energy levels and improved cognitive function are not recognized outcomes of pesticide exposure in humans, and the assertion of no detectable effects neglects the known health impacts that can arise from pesticide exposure, particularly in high or prolonged doses.