Pesticides: How do they affect health?
Pesticides are chemical substances used to eliminate or control pests in agriculture, but their use is affecting human health. According to various studies, these effects can be either acute or chronic, depending on the duration and amount of exposure
What are pesticides?
Pesticides are chemical or biological substances used to prevent, eliminate, or control pests such as insects, weeds, fungi, and other organisms that can damage crops. While they play an important role in agricultural productivity, scientific studies have shown that their use can pose risks to human health and the environment.
How do pesticides affect your health?
Pesticides are chemical substances used to eliminate or control pests in agriculture, but their use can have adverse effects on human health. According to various studies, these effects can be either acute or chronic, depending on the duration and amount of exposure. Below is a summary of some of the main effects:
Acute effects
- Acute poisoning: Immediate symptoms may include nausea, vomiting, headaches, dizziness, skin and eye irritation, and respiratory difficulties.
- Neurological damage: Acute exposure can cause seizures, loss of coordination, and in severe cases, coma or death.
Chronic effects
- Cancer: Studies associate prolonged exposure to certain pesticides with an increased risk of cancers such as non-Hodgkin lymphoma, leukemia, prostate cancer, and breast cancer.
- Neurological diseases: Long-term exposure may contribute to the development of neurodegenerative diseases such as Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s.
- Reproductive problems: Adverse effects on fertility have been observed, including reduced sperm count in men and menstrual issues in women, as well as increased risks of miscarriage and birth defects.
- Endocrine disorders: Pesticides can act as endocrine disruptors, affecting hormone production and regulation, which may lead to growth, developmental, and metabolic problems.
- Respiratory diseases: Chronic exposure may cause or worsen respiratory conditions such as asthma and chronic bronchitis.
Specific vulnerabilities
- Children: Particularly vulnerable due to lower body weight and ongoing development. Childhood exposure is linked to cognitive and behavioral development issues.
- Agricultural workers: At higher risk due to direct and frequent exposure, with higher rates of pesticide-related illnesses compared to the general population.
- Communities near sprayed areas: May also be at risk due to pesticide drift contaminating air, water, and food.
Prevention and Control
To mitigate these risks, several measures are recommended:
- Use of personal protective equipment (PPE) by workers.
- Implementation of sustainable agricultural practices and the use of less toxic pesticides.
- Strict regulations and continuous monitoring of pesticide residues in food.
- Education and awareness on safe pesticide handling.
Studies emphasize the need for stricter policies and safer agricultural practices to protect public health and the environment.
Studies on pesticides effects on health
Pesticides and early puberty in children
A study by the University of Granada, led by Carmen Freire and Nicolás Olea, revealed that pesticide exposure is linked to early puberty in children. Published in Environmental Pollution, the study found pesticide residues in over 60% of urine samples from children in Granada, potentially causing long-term developmental and health issues.
Impact on child health and development
Research suggests that pesticides, especially organophosphates like diazinon, can act as endocrine disruptors, altering children’s hormonal systems. This may lead to premature breast development in girls and negative effects on fertility.
Pesticides in baby food: risks and recommendations
A study by the Environmental Working Group (EWG) found pesticide residues in conventional baby foods, highlighting the dangers of substances such as acetamiprid and captan, which are linked to cancer (EWG).
Impact on the human gut microbiome
Recent research shows that prolonged pesticide exposure can significantly alter the gut microbiome, contributing to metabolic and neurological health problems (EWG).
Prenatal exposure and fetal development
Studies indicate that pesticide exposure during pregnancy can negatively affect fetal development, reducing gestational length and birth weight (EWG).
Studies on environmental effects of pesticides
River and ocean contamination
Research from the University of Sydney shows that pesticides can travel far from their source, contaminating rivers and oceans and affecting marine life (The University of Sydney).
Persistence and toxicity of pesticide byproducts
Glyphosate, a common herbicide, breaks down into AMPA, a toxic compound that persists in the environment and poses significant health risks (The University of Sydney).
Recent studies and recommendations
Advances in pesticide regulation
The ban on highly toxic pesticides such as chlorpyrifos demonstrates the positive impact of regulation and advocacy, although challenges remain in eliminating residues from food (EWG).
Sustainable pesticide management strategies
Research suggests adopting biopesticides and other sustainable strategies to reduce the use of harmful pesticides without compromising food safety (The University of Sydney).
