The use of pesticides as a form of pest control is a widespread practice because they’re a fast and efficient method. However, there are a number of risks associated with them, the primary ones being the danger to human health and the environment. Below, they’re discussed more in-depth.
The Risk to Human Health
Studies have shown that health risks linked to pesticide use range from short-term to more severe and potentially fatal issues. The short-term ones include headaches and nausea, but pest control pesticides can also lead to severe congenital disabilities, cancer and reproductive complications, such as infertility. Long-term exposure can lead to severe neurological disorders such as Parkinson’s and developmental disorders and delays in children. Aside from these, pesticide exposure can also lead to respiratory problems such as asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.
People working in the agriculture industry or living near areas where pesticides are used frequently are at a higher risk of pesticide exposure. They are more likely to experience the above-mentioned health complications. For example, farmers and farmworkers who handle pesticides on a regular basis are at a higher risk of developing cancer. Similarly, people living near agricultural areas may be exposed to higher amounts of pesticides through the air, water, and food.
Even if you personally don’t use pesticides in your home or garden, it doesn’t mean you’re not exposed to them. The vast amount of the food we eat today is grown using pesticides. The food we buy can have leftover residue on it, which we ingest. Pesticides used on farmland can also find their way into ground water which provides us with drinking water supplies.
Many pesticides are mixtures of active ingredients and other chemicals, and their combined effects on human health and the environment aren’t yet fully understood. It’s important to note that not all pesticides are equally toxic, and some are considered less harmful than others. However, even low levels of exposure to some pesticides can have adverse health effects, especially if exposure is prolonged.
The Risks to the Environment
The environment is also at significant risk from pesticides, especially when safety practices are overlooked. This can adversely affect animal species by directly poisoning them and limiting their food and water sources.
Besides that, pesticides can also cause air pollution, amass in water systems and destruction of natural pest eradicators such as worms. They can also have a negative impact on pollinators. For example, bees, butterflies, and other insects play a crucial part in the welfare of the ecosystem. Without them, many plants won’t be able to produce fruits and seeds. In fact, pollinators are responsible for pollinating around 75% of global food crops. However, pesticides can directly kill them, make them more vulnerable to disease and predation or reduce their ability to reproduce. Some studies have shown that even sub-lethal pesticides can adversely affect bees’ ability to navigate, forage, and reproduce.
Each type of pesticide is designed to eliminate a particular pest, but it often also affects untargeted animals or plants. Because of that, strict regulations and precautions need to be followed in areas where the use of pesticides is a widespread practice.
Studies have shown that up to 95% of pesticides aren’t limited to one specific target. Currently, there are only ongoing efforts to make pest control treatments designed to eradicate only the intended pest species and lessen their negative impact on the environment.
The Economic Costs of Pesticides
Pesticide use can have significant economic costs, both in terms of treatment for health issues caused by exposure and the costs of damage to crops and the environment. The health issues resulting from pesticide exposure can require extensive medical treatment, which can be costly for individuals and the healthcare system as a whole. Additionally, long-term pesticide exposure can lead to decreased productivity and reduced wages for individuals and their families.
In terms of crop damage, pesticide overuse can lead to pesticide-resistant pests, decreasing crop yields and increasing the need for more pesticides. Pesticides can further decrease crop yields by harming beneficial insects and other organisms that help with natural pest control. This can lead to increased costs for farmers and decreased profits for agricultural businesses.
Last but not least, by harming non-targeted organisms, such as pollinators, beneficial insects, birds, and aquatic life, pesticides can lead to declines in biodiversity. This can negatively impact ecosystem services such as pollination, pest control, and water purification. Additionally, by contaminating the water and soil, pesticide use leads to costly clean-ups and water treatments.
Natural Alternatives to Pesticides
Despite only having limited control over the pesticides we’re exposed to from external sources, we’re able to manage their use in our homes and gardens. There are a number of safer natural alternatives. Some of them include the following:
- Conservation: Research what kind of plants deter the pest you’re targeting and plant them in your garden. Additionally, planting a variety of native plants that bloom at different times of the year can provide pollinators food and habitat and help support their populations.
- Natural Pesticides: Opt for a natural pesticide solution for your garden. This way, it’ll be as safe as possible for humans and animals. There are many options to manage your garden and home organically and chemically free.
- Integrated Pest Management (IPM): To protect pollinators, it’s essential to minimise the use of pesticides, particularly when plants are in bloom and when pollinators are active. IPM strategies rely on a combination of sustainable methods such as biological control, cultural control, and physical control to manage pests while ensuring that crop yields are well-maintained. The goal of IPM is to reduce the use of pesticides and to minimise the potential risks to human health and the environment.
Bottom Line
Generally, it’s recommended to avoid using pesticides. If necessary, use them with caution and always follow the label instructions and safety measures. Use personal protective equipment, and avoid exposing children and pregnant women to them. If you can, consider other, safer alternatives.
If you have any safety concerns regarding certain pest control products or want to know what approach is best for your home and garden, contact a pest control expert. They can provide professional advice and safely and effectively eliminate any pests from your property.
