The presence of pesticides in fruits, vegetables, cereals, in other food items and even in breast

What has been brought to light in recent years is the effects of these chemicals on the body’s immune response. By introducing these toxic chemicals into the body, the potency of the immune system is compromised. More commonly than not, the body’s magnificent defense system will kick in and destroy foreign invaders but all it can take is an overwhelming amount of chemicals to slow or even shut down the body’s response systems. A large amount of these types of chemicals introduced into the body at one time would be considered acute toxicity and could even cause death. Additionally, a small amount of these poisonous substances brought into the body over a long period would be considered chronic toxicity and can have detrimental effects on the body’s natural response (Hoernschemeyer 55-57). This information is startling enough to want to make a change from conventionally grown food to pesticide-free organic

Traditional markets are replaced by the supermarket. “Market products are invariably indigenous and grown locally” (344) they remind us the kind of agriculture practiced in the area. Blemishes and the odd shapes of fruit and vegetables remind us they are still grown by traditional method. Foods are grown naturally without any pesticides, herbicides and antibiotics which are healthy for our lives. Technology has enormous benefits we can produce any kind of products even it’s not the season. The use of pesticides supplies higher crop yields, reduces the cost and labor of farming, and produces relatively unblemished, visually appealing produce. However, some scientists think that pesticide residues in conventional foods could, over many years,

“The study proved that this type of pesticide is only transmitted through diet” (Parvin). Although this study focused on only one particular pesticide, many of the possible pesticides we ingest through non-organic foods are the result of farmers using these pesticides on their crops, which later are absorbed by the body, possibly causing damage through various bodily systems.

To understand pesticides, we must look at the facts about them. According to the EPA, pesticides are chemicals specifically designed and sold to prevent, destroy, or repel pests from garden, greenhouses, fields, and orchards (Learn About Chemicals Around Your House). Charlotte Gerber’s article, How Do Pesticides Kill Bugs, explained that pesticides targets insects and kills them by attacking the nervous system and then when the muscles are over-stimulated, this will lead to paralysis and death. The effect of the organophosphates that cause that in pesticides was discovered in the 1930's during World War II. They were used in the creation of nerve gas, which was used in chemical warfare. When used in lethal dosages for humans, organophosphates cause extreme excitability, convulsions, paralysis and in most cases, death (Gerber). According to Effects of Pesticides on Human Health, The World Health Organization estimates that there are 3 million cases of pesticide poisoning each year and up to 220,000 deaths, primarily in developing countries (Lah and Glibert 2011). Children, and any other young and developing organisms, are particularly vulnerable to the harmful effects of pesticides. Even very low levels of exposure during development may have adverse health effects. Exposure can even lead to neurological health effects such as memory loss, loss of

Symptoms of pesticide poisoning are often deceptively misdiagnosed as flu or allergies. Other problems associated with the use of chemicals include headaches, nausea, fever, breathing difficulties, high blood pressure, and temporary paralysis. The National Academy of Sciences reports that at least one out of seven people are significantly harmed by pesticide exposure each year (American Defender Network, 1989). Unfortunately, due to the high costs of inspection, tests for pesticide poisoning are rarely performed.

It has been a prime location for studies to be conducted by health organizations to see if there are any links to the pesticide usage occurring along with people living in the vicinity of where it is being used. ARTICLE PESTICDES STUDY (Kehoe) The study correlates a link between certain chemicals that are used in the manufacturing of pesticides and these chemical ORGANOCHLORINES to Alzheimer’s disease along with many autism related defects between children. Children are who we try to keep safe as they are the young and will be our future. Pregnant women living in pesticide applied areas were more likely to have a child with birth defects as the chemicals are absorbed through the air and can reach the fetus via the bloodstream. These are also the most susceptible to these chemicals being used by farmers and the by the produce they

As stated from a survey at Harvard University, there are 20,000 people a year are reported to be suspected of pesticide poisoning in the United States. Out of all these people reported, only 10% of them are actually admitted to a hospital. Around the world, there are about 200,000 people who die from pesticide poisoning in a year. Children are more susceptible to pesticide poisonings since they are usually playing in areas closer to the ground and where pesticides are. By playing near these hazardous chemicals, their bodies can be permanently damaged. Some perceptual effects children may get include damage to the brain, reproductive organs, nervous system, lung, and the endocrine and immune systems (Pesticides: What You Need to Know). The risk increases depending on how exposed the children are; children living on farms are more likely to develop these problems (Agricultural Health Study). Even the flea and tick products put on pets have the capability to harm youths the same way regular pesticides used outside do (Pesticides: What You Need to Know). Although children are more likely to be affected by pesticides, it does not mean that adults are free from its dangers. In adults, those who are exposed to pesticides can get various types of cancers and diseases. More exposure to it causes a higher rate of being diagnosed with leukemia, non-Hodgkin lymphoma, multiple myeloma, and soft tissue sarcoma, as well as

This scholarly text book, part of a series called Current Controversies, is composed of primary sources taken from a diversity of informational categories including books, newspapers, periodicals, international government documents, and the publications of organizations. The authors in this series examine some of the issues that typical arise in the debate about pesticides, including whether they are detrimental to human health, animals and the environment, whether they are essential to curtailing international hunger, and what the future of pesticides might be. This book widely mirrors the mosaic of opinions in both parts of the debate regarding the benefits and harmful effects

Use of pesticide in farming has long been a topic of debate in both developed and developing countries. Significantly, Canadian farming also relies heavily on the use of pesticides. In Canada, Pest Management Regulatory Agency, a division of Health Canada regulates the use of pesticides. Although, the Ministry of Environment has banned the sale of a large number of highly toxic “pesticides for cosmetic purposes on lawns, gardens, parks and schoolyards….but the ban makes exceptions for agriculture, forestry and golf courses, and for public health or safety issues” (News Staff, 2009). However, this regulation does not wholly satisfy the majority of Canadians that supports pesticide bans on a larger scale due environmental and health concerns.

It is the role of EPA to determine that any cancer-causing pesticide or chemical may perhaps not be used despite of its health hazards. If a pesticides social, economic and environmental benefits are believed to have greater relevancies than risks, then there is a need to make food, air, water, and soils free from any form of toxic chemicals (EPA History 2017). Organically mature foods as well as sustainable pest control methods are very key issues to health environment and

Farmers dust or spray 850 million pounds of pesticides a year on food products that are available to american consumers. Some of the similar pesticides are sold in areas of stores that are near garden produce. These pesticides include fungicides, miticides, insecticides, rodenticides, and herbicides. In a survey done about pesticides in grocery stores, it was to see how close the pesticides were to “fresh produce”. “In approximately half the stores, pesticides were located 50 feet from the fruit and vegetable displays, and in 24 percent of the stores, pesticide displays were within 10 feet of the fruit displays. In 17.3 percent, the displays

Pesticides also have a great affect on the food we consume. Food is one of the great necessities of life. Yet, a growing amount of evidence indicates that the food supply is being contaminated with pesticides (Mott & Snyder vii). These pesticides are most commonly

It is also shown that pesticides are partly responsible for the rising cancer rates and birth defects among children (“Pesticides”).

One concern about pesticides and herbicide usage is the amount of residues left on the end product of crops sprayed with the chemicals, and their effects on human health. (Williamson, 2007, p. 184). However, these effects are closely tested and levels are strictly regulated to ensure there is no danger from possible pesticide residues. Since 1910, many rules, regulations, and agencies have been formed to monitor the safety of the pesticides and herbicides used in conventional farming. These chemicals must meet specific safety standards in order to be registered for use, and regulations on levels of each product safe for use are also put in place. (Tafel et al.,2007, p.184). All pesticides are rigorously examined to ensure they have no significant effects on human health, or the environment. The residues in the food chain are closely monitored, and regularly tested, to ensure they are below legal limits. In a recent survey of residues

In this reference work by the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences Community Outreach & Education Program, I gathered information mostly about pesticides used in conventional farming techniques. With their concentration on pesticides the EHP gave information about the different effects of pesticides on organic and conventional foods. Providing even