Is a pesticide really that dangerous? Pesticides are intended to kill weeds, insects, fungi, rodents, and others. They are very toxic, requiring farmers to wear safety gear. Pesticides are not only used in farm fields, but in schools and other buildings. Pesticides are also in our water supply, making human contact with pesticides very high. Pesticides are a danger to humans, affect pollinators, and harmful to animals. Pesticides are dangerous to the health of humans in both short term and long term effects. Some effects on human health includes headaches, dizziness, nausea, and sometimes cause cancer. (Toxics Action Center) In “Silent Spring”, written by Rachel Carson, she raised public awareness about the effects of pesticides on our health.