May
The health hazards associated with pesticide use have been known for years and the extent of harm they cause has increased,yet,chemical companies keep on pouring millions of tons of pesticides annually into the world’s biosphere.Annually,approximately 25 million people are poisoned by pesticides in the countries of the south.Many pesticides companies,in fact,acknowledge the health problems associated with pesticides but claim that these can be “managed”. In 1995,the world pesticide market has expanded to US$30.265 B,representing a 5% growth over the previous year.More companies are being attracted to locate their active ingredient production facilities in the growing markets in the South particularly here in Asia.
Most farmers in Third in Third World countries are aware that pesticides are hazardous but there is lack of awareness of exposure risks.Actual usage of protective clothing is very low due to high temperature and humidity.Pesticide handlers are exposed heavily.Exposure of households in farming communities occur due to spray drifts.This exposure is further enhanced by the practice of washing pesticide sprayers near or in irrigation canals.Farmers also use this water source for washing hands,feet,clothes and for taking a bath.The manner of disposal of pesticide left-overs and containers also increase the risk of exposure to pesticides.
Most pesticides are highly toxic and may remain in the environment for long periods,become concentrated as they go up the food chain,and can spread thousands of kilometers from the point of emission.Pesticides cause death, disability,organ dysfunction, incapacitating symptoms,and various other illnesses.Immediate effects may include dizziness,headache,nausea and vomiting,abdominal pain,difficulty of breathing,palpitations,weakness,and many other symptoms which,very often,may not be readily recognized as pesticide poisoning.Depending on the degree and circumstances of the exposure,the health effects may be mild,moderate or severe.Pesticides can be brutal killers of farmers who get heavily exposed due to occupational use.
The use of chemicals in farming is dangerous to human health and environment.Its effect can be chronic or immediate.Scientific evidences show that even low levels of exposure to pesticides can cause serious immune and metabolic disorders,neurologic defects,reproductive anomalies,cancer,and other chronic diseases in animals and in humans.These effects may occur after months or years of exposure.Women and children are also vulnerable.