Even though Rachel Carson’s seminal work Silent Spring was published in 1962 and resulted in the banning of DDT, millions of tons of pesticides continue to be used around the world. In fact, an estimated US$55 billion is spent on the global pesticide market each year. Six major players — Syngenta, BASF, Bayer, Dow, Du Pont and Monsanto — control the majority of the toxic chemical market.
Although global figures are hard to come by, industry reports suggest an estimated 1.5 - 2.5 million tons of pesticides are used annually. Between 1991-1998 more than 1.5 billion pounds of pesticide were applied in California reports the Pesticide Action Network in their Hooked on Poison report. Even with a growing backlash against deadly pesticides, the amount used globally continues to increase each year.
Pesticide residues are now found in every body of water on earth and in almost all animal species and human populations (including in the breast milk of women) throughout the world.
Deadly Poisons
Pesticides (herbicides and insecticides) are used on crops, ornamentals (lawns and gardens), for forestry, pest control (cockroaches and dryrot), and to treat timber. Despite pesticides continuing to be so widely used, numerous studies demonstrate that pesticides pose serious risks for human health.
Pesticide Free CRD, a pesticide educational group in British Columbia, reports that ‘…the Canadian Association of Physicians for the Environment (CAPE) is very concerned about pesticide usage in Canada; pesticides have been linked to neurological damage in humans, a variety of cancers, reproductive abnormalities, and of particular concern is the effect of pesticides on the health of children.’
Numerous other serious health conditions and diseases are directly linked to pesticides including autism, birth defects, brain damage, non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma, miscarriages, male infertility, Parkinson’s Disease, and even ADHD. The International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) has identified over 45 pesticides as potential or known carcinogens, reports Cancer 101 Solutions to a Preventable Epidemic. Even though the adverse heath affects associated with pesticides are regularly documented and reported, these deadly substances continue to be used virtually unchecked.
Environmental Effects
Unfortunately, pesticide is never contained within the original location where it is used. Once applied, the toxic chemicals seep into the ground; rain and water run off further spread pesticide contamination across large distances. It is estimated only .01-5% of pesticides used actually reach their original targets. Pesticide residues are now found in every body of water on earth and in almost all animal species and human populations (including in the breast milk of women) throughout the world.
The World Wildlife Foundation explains how pesticides have numerous deadly legacies including persistence (they don't break down), bio-accumulative (they collect in the fatty tissues of living organisms), hormone disruptors (they disrupt hormone function in humans and other mammals), all of which can undermine reproductive, immune and behavioral fitness, especially affecting the next generation. Pesticide use has been linked to a decline in species populations in frogs, snakes, sea turtles, salmon, birds, bees and butterflies. The effects of deadly pesticides will continue for hundreds of years – even after they are no longer in use.
Figures vary, but some studies have shown eating an organic (or pesticide-free diet) may reduce exposure by as much as 10-40 times.
Food Choices
Humans can cut their pesticide exposure down significantly by consuming organic foods. Figures vary, but some studies have shown eating an organic (or pesticide-free diet) may reduce exposure by as much as 10-40 times. Scientists are starting to agree consuming a pesticide-free diet provides a dramatic reduction in exposure to certain pesticides (exposure and residue varies according to pesticide type).
Resources
Pesticide Action Network North America (PANNA) challenges the global proliferation of pesticides, defends basic rights to health and environmental quality, and works to ensure the transition to a viable pesticide-free society: http://www.panna.org/
Sierra Club Canada works to raise awareness about the negative health effects of pesticide use and educate the public on natural alternatives: http://www.sierraclub.ca/
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