Final answer:
The claim that pesticides contaminating food are a physical hazard is false; rather, they are considered chemical contaminants. Pesticides like DDT, DDE, and PCBs can be harmful to humans and the environment, with risks including long-term health issues. Safe usage regulations and organic farming practices are essential to mitigate these risks.
Step-by-step explanation:
The statement that pesticides contaminating food are a physical hazard is false. Pesticides fall into the category of chemical contaminants, which include agrochemicals and environmental contaminants. These substances can become part of the food through various means, including cultivation, transportation, and storage. The physical contact of food with its environment can result in its contamination by these chemicals.
Pesticides, such as DDT and its byproduct DDE, and polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), are examples of environmental contaminants that have significantly impacted food safety. Unlike foodborne pathogens, chemical contaminants are generally not eliminated by cooking or thermal processing and can cause long-term health issues, including cancer, after prolonged exposure at low levels.
Organic foods, as defined by the USDA, must meet strict regulations that prohibit the use of most synthetic pesticides and fertilizers, emphasizing the potential health risks that pesticides pose not only to human health but also to ecosystems, including bee populations. Additionally, exposure to pesticides can pose significant health risks to individuals who work in industries that handle these chemicals, such as agricultural workers and emergency responders.