Risks of Herbicides Herbicides chemicals that kill weeds are important in the control of weeds but pose risks to humans and the environment. Human Health and Safety . Exposure to some herbicides can cause nausea, headache, skin rashes, and other symptoms. Long-term consequences can be impairment of organ functions, genetic changes, birth defects, cancer, and other ailments. The risks vary tremendously from chemical to chemical and from person to person.
Some people have severe allergic reactions to herbicides.
People who apply the pesticides suffer the greatest risk, which must be minimized by applicator training and use of protective clothing and equipment. Park visitors experience far less exposure than applicators. Environmental Risks . Herbicides have killed birds and fish, usually as a result of misapplications or accidental spills. Long-term exposure could have the same consequences for animals as for humans.