Pollution and agricultural practices. Two concepts: acceptable daily intake and chemio-defence

Pollution coming from agricultural practices can exist: pesticides, veterin ary drugs, heavy metals but also mycotoxines. However, these contaminants a re always at low or trace doses in our environment (foods, water, air, soil s). In terms of foods, two concepts have been developed to protect the cons umers: acceptable daily intake (ADI) and maximum residue limits (MRL). The impact of this pollution on public health is not evident, in contradiction with the level fear in the population. Moreover, the distinction made betwe en natural and synthetic substances by the public in terms of toxicity is q uite nonsense scientifically. Human beings and all living organisms have a good defence system against chemical xenobiotics which ensures their protec tion. (C) 2000 Academie des sciences/Editions scientifiques et medicales El sevier SAS.