Chemical compounds used to kill insects, weeds and fungi have drastic effects on the world and creatures around where they are used. It is impossible to contain them directly to the intended target. Pesticides have been used for thousands of years, but until the 1950's, from naturally occurring sources. Since then synthetic compounds have become prevalent.
Pesticides are used to control the spread of organisms that are considered harmful. While this sounds like a good idea, in theory, the side effects of the application can be worse than the problem wished to be contained. Pesticides have a tendency to spread from their applied source. They find their way into nearby ponds, fields and yards, and can be indirectly brought into your home. It is estimated that only 5% of herbicides actually kill the target weeds. Drift from large landscaping applications can spread from 12 feet to 14.4 miles.
These pesticides have a number of effects on the environment, and its inhabitants. Death can be the most severe result, but there are many effects that are long term, and can affect subsequent generations. Cancer is a common result, as well as asthma and allergies. Birth defects, decreased fertility and neurological damage are other known results of contact with pesticides. Children whose homes and gardens are treated with pesticides have 6.5 times greater risk of leukemia than children living in untreated environments.
Even with regulations set down by organizations like the Environmental Protection Agency and the World Health Organization pesticides are still detrimental to the state of the world. Even the tests conducted are somewhat inadequate. They typically test against acute effects, of single chemicals on healthy, adult animals over short periods of time. They do not test the effects of multiple chemicals , chemically-sensitive or immune weak young or fetal subjects over long periods of time. It is under these circumstances that the effects of these dangerous chemicals is most noticeable. Those who handle pesticides directly may be able to protect themselves from short term exposure, but what of the children who play everyday in the field next to where they are sprayed? How do they protect themselves to something they are unaware of?
It is estimated that 28 million workers worldwide in the agricultural industry experience severe poisoning from exposure to pesticides. Approximately 18,000 of those die. There are many links between pesticides and numerous forms of cancer; non-Hodgkin lymphoma, leukemia (especially in children), prostate cancer, multiple myeloma, and soft tissue sarcoma to name a few.
It is primarily due to the use of pesticides that Organic foods are becoming so prominent. People are becoming aware of the dangers involved with pesticides, and how it can affect them directly. People are grateful for the opportunity to choose a healthier lifestyle, not one that is chemically induced. We can all make the effort to minimize the amount of exposure to pesticides in our own lives, but we need to take steps to reduce or negate its use in the world around us. It may be good to purchase only Organic fruits and vegetables, but what of the park you take a daily stroll in? Do you know if they spray pesticides to control weeds and insects?
There are alternatives to pesticides now. Dangerous chemicals are not the only option. Biological control is a viable method of controlling pests. Something as simple a implanting natural predators into the ecosystem, like ladybugs, to feast on aphids such as green flies and black flies. Another seemingly simple option is mixed planting and the provision of flowering borders. This can easily increase the diversity of habitats, and provide shelter and alternate food sources. These methods do require more forethought and planning, but the ecological impact would be much less disastrous than the chemical 'spray and pray' method.
Alternatives also include: using coffee grounds, salt and hot water, vinegar and warm water, organic mulch, and even insects. It all is dependant on researching the problem at hand, and finding viable, safe options to deal with the matter. There are countless resources on the matter. The world has come to be more aware of the troubles of pesticides and their use. This is an issue that we can affect directly, in our own lives, and will have an effect on those around us.
Next time you desire to acquire some chemical pesticides to solve your little weed problem, think of the woman out for a walk with her child in the stroller. Do you want to be the one is the cause for that child's future health problems, and the grief the mother will feel? Then think that it is your child that gets leukemia. We can make a difference.
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