Harmful Effects Of Pesticides
| The Federal Insecticide Fungicide and Rodenticide Act (FIFRA) is responsible for regulation the use of pesticides in the United States. Under this act, all pesticides have to be registered with the EPA if they have to be sold and distributed. The EPA will register the pesticide only after determining that it will not have adverse effects on human and environment when used according to the recognized practices. |
Pesticides are made to control or eliminate pests like insects, rodents, weeds, bacteria and fungi. Although pesticides are useful in increasing food production and eliminating diseases and pests, harmful effects of pesticides cannot be overlooked.
Harmful effects of pesticides can occur from short term or long term exposure or from low level or high level exposure. These exposures can happen when pesticides come in contact with the skin, they are inhaled or ingested. Some pesticides are more toxic than others and just a few drops can cause extremely harmful effects. The pesticides that are less toxic can also cause harmful effects if a person is exposed to them for longer durations.
Symptoms of pesticide exposure include mild headaches, fatigue, skin rash, eye irritation, burns, paralysis and in extreme cases death. Sometimes, people get symptoms that are similar to flu leading doctors to misdiagnose the condition. Long term exposure can result in cancer, neurological disorders and reduced cognitive skills. Certain illnesses and conditions have delayed onset and people and doctors may not connect it to pesticide exposure.
There is no doubt that harmful effects of pesticides have potential to effect not just humans but also animals, plant and other living organisms.
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