The Effects of Pesticides on Human Health
The terms "Pesticides" refers to many chemicals including
herbicides, insecticides and fungicides and are designed to kill
certain types of pest. These include insects, plants, fungi,
moulds and rodents. Pesticides are used in modern farming on
fruit and vegetables to increase yields and are thought to
increase produce quality. However, pesticides are toxic
chemicals designed to kill agricultural pests but can also cause
problems with human health if exposed to in large amounts.
Aldicarb used on potatoes, Carbendazim used on cereals, oilseed
rape, fruit and vegetables, Chlormequat used on wheat, rye,
oats, flowers, pears, almonds and tomatoes, Chlorothalonil used
to kill fungal disease in crops, Chlorpyrifos used on apples,
Pirimiphos-methyl used in cereal based infant food, Trifluralin
used to kill weeds in fruit, vegetables and arable crops and
Vinclozolin used peas, vines, oilseed rape and other fruit and
vegetables to kill plant disease are all harmful to human health
and the environment. I feel that because I eat a lot of these
types of food that I have a great potential to be affected by
the toxic chemicals used in these pesticides. Many organ systems
such as the nervous and the brain can be subtly or permanently
damaged in childhood. The endocrine system is more sensitive to
pesticides and it is now known that many pesticides are
"endocrine disrupters" which can affect the hormone balance
within the body.
Pesticides are not only used in farming but we also use them
within our homes and gardens. We use them on our lawns to kill
weeds such as clover and dandelions and on our flowerbeds to
kill insect pests such as greenfly. In our homes we use them in
"fly killer sprays" to kill house flies and in insecticides to
kill wood boring insects such as woodworm. Children's immune
systems are more susceptible to these pesticides as they spend
more time playing in the garden and in the home. Children are
also susceptible to catching head lice which is treated with
shampoo with pesticides within them.
To protect children from pesticides it is best to feed them
organically or ecologically grown food especially those foods
that are produced with the aid of high amounts of pesticides.
Wash and peel all fruits and vegetables especially if waxed,
wash in mild dish detergent or diluted vinegar. Cut out the
stork end of fruit as this funnel shape of the fruit is where
pesticides are concentrated most. Buy locally grown food as this
has not been sprayed for shipment or export. Pesticide residues
are also found in meat and diary foods so it is best to buy
organic. Make sure that children's play areas are free from
pesticides. If children have head lice than use non-chemical
shampoo, shampooing with tea-tree oil can help with head lice.
Avoid using pesticides to deal with pets fleas use herbal
shampoos and vacuum pets bedding. Use all-natural insect
repellent as an alternative to pesticide based repellent. Avoid
using pressure treated wood within the home as all pressure
treated wood contains pesticides. Encourage schools to use
natural native plants within their playing fields and yards to
reduce the use of pesticides. Native plants are hardier to pests
than introduced plants species. Make sure children wash their
hands after playing in school play areas which tend to use
pesticides.
A lot of people are exposed to pesticides within their working
environment. Farmers, pesticide applicators and workers in
pesticides manufactures are the occupations that we tend to
think of first but forestry employees, horticultural workers,
textile workers, airline crews, military personnel, park
workers, food service workers, golf course employees,
veterinarians and employees of electrical utilities all come in
contact with pesticides within their working environment.
Exposure to pesticides within a working environment can cause
cancer, brain tumours, stillbirths, birth defects, spontaneous
abortions, and neurological and psychiatric effects. Workers
should wear proper protective clothing when exposed to
pesticides.
Urban lawns and gardens, public parks, golf courses, playing
fields and road verges are sprayed with pesticides more than
agricultural land. Indoors, pesticides are used to spray
cockroaches, fleas, and other pests within homes, schools,
hospitals, office buildings, supermarkets, stores, arenas and
food storage buildings increasing exposure especially if the
building is poorly ventilated.
To reduce the use of pesticides within cities, indoors and in
outside spaces it is best to avoid using pesticides on lawns,
there are many books on organic gardening, avoid outside spaces
that have been recently sprayed, whilst playing golf keep balls
and tees away from the mouth and wash hands and shoes after
playing the game, if pets have a flea problem use herbal
shampoos and collars plus avoidance methods such as flea combs,
to combat insects within the home, keep it clean, avoid leaving
food out, fill in cracks and gaps where they tend to like to
live and research natural ways of insect control.
To conclude, to reduce the risk from pesticides eat organically
and ecologically grown food, wash and peel vegetables and fruit,
grow your own food, avoid fatty foods or trim fat from meat as
persistent pesticides are stored in fatty tissue, cook
vegetables rather than eat them raw all the time, cook meat and
chicken thoroughly, garden in a non-chemical way without
pesticides, avoid using chemical and pesticide based head lice
shampoos, encourage schools to use non-pesticide methods within
their environment, keep away from areas that have been freshly
sprayed with pesticides and if your job involves exposure to
pesticides make sure you are wearing proper protective clothing.