The Health Concerns of Pesticides
January 8th, 2009 Posted in Organic & Chemical Pesticides
It’s 2009 – by now, consumers are well aware that pesticides can be as nasty as the bugs they intend to kill. But let go of the idea of hairy-legged freaks for a while and focus on yourself – what are pesticides doing to you? Studies are being conducted every day on the effect of pesticides on health and the human body. Do YOU know the results?
This article will tell you:
- Most common pesticides
- Most lethal pesticides
- Pesticide Side Effects
- Who is susceptible
Everyday Pesticides
The slaves to suburbia have to keep their lawn tidy; housewives want to keep their house tidy and pest-free; and farmers need their crops to grow properly. And the answer to all of their problems? Pesticides.
-However, 13 of 30 lawn pesticides are linked with birth defects.
-Household pesticides can increase a child’s risk of contracting leukemia by 7 times
Most common pesticides:
- Malathion – landscaping & agriculture. When it enters the body, our metabolism changes the substance to malaoxon, which is 61 times more toxic and known to cause seizures.
- Diazinon – insecticide. Known to cause as much damage to our nervous system as the bug.
- Chloripyrifos – insecticide. Neurotoxin and endocrine disrupter. Associated with Asthma and ADHD.
The Most Lethal Pesticides
The side effects often include development problems in children, neurological damage, asthma and other respiratory diseases, birth defects, and even cancer. More recently, scientists have discovered that other health issues point to supression of the immune system in its prevention of viruses and bacteria entering the body. They can delay antibody production and lower T-cell response as well. This weakening of the immune system, leaving the body utterly defenseless, often results in cancers such as melanoma, leukemia and Hodgkin’s disease.
Pesticides linked to these health problems include:
- Organophosphates – acute and chronic neurotoxic effects that alter proper brain development
- Carbamates – very toxic. Can harm kidneys, liver and lungs and cause convulsions
- Metal-Based (copper, mercury, etc.)
- Pyrethroids – A 2008 study found a strong link to autism
Even More Side Effects
So you know pesticides are toxic. They’re fit for a skull and cross bones, or in the least, a Mr. Yuck sticker. But wait… there’s more :
- Decreased Fertility
- Pancreatic Damage
- Increase in Stillbirths
- Gangrene
- Neuropathy
- Brain Cancer
- Lymphoma
Who is at Risk?
- Children
- Farmers
- Pets
- Adults
-You occasionally zap a roach or two in the nooks and crannies of your home with a common insecticide. Sure, you feel healthy. But the truth is, these chemicals are toxic, and can harm anyone. Unfortunately, children are most susceptible to contracting a disease or showing symptoms related to pesticide exposure.
-Studies also show that people who work in the agricultural industry, who are surrounded by pesticidal fumes every day are at high risk of developing a health problem related to those chemicals.
-Sadly, whether these little guys are flying, crawling or walking, they have little say it what you spray. And since they’re small, they’re in much more danger.
-If you have asthma, skin issues, or are sensitive to chemicals, you may be older and wiser, but not safer.
A Solution
EcoSMART ORGANIC INSECTICIDE
- It is a natural formula that focuses on plant oils to do the job. It is the perfect bug killer. The children are safe, and so are your lungs, liver,and brain. It leaves no pesticide residue. It is effective and safe, so the only ones who should be worried are the insects.
- Their concerns branch out of the household: EcoSMART is launching a line of products that will keep our agricultural workers and crops safe and healthy.
Alyse Popp
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