Pesticide Awareness in Agriculture
Pesticide use in agriculture.
While the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) notes that food grown using pesticides is safe to eat, consumers are hesitant about the associated potential chemical risks that can impact their health. While there are strict regulations on the use of pesticides within US domestic and international agriculture and trade, adverse effects due to overexposure is an issue in many lower- and middle-income countries (LMICs) around the world.
None of the pesticides used on food in today's global trade are genotoxic, which means that they would not damage our DNA or cause mutations or cancers to form in our bodies. However, there are safe thresholds that need to be monitored to ensure safety as large amounts of pesticide exposure can poison humans in the short term or manifest as long-term outcomes, such as reproductive problems or even cancer.
Self-poisoning is the biggest concern among LMICs when it comes to pesticide use in food production. LMICs increase the use of pesticides in an effort to raise agricultural production for trade. This is a result of nations wanting to economically develop in a world that is dominated by global trade agreements and capitalism. Farmers and consumers are largely unaware of their pesticide exposure, the potential risks, and the necessary safety precautions, all of which leads to pesticide misuse. Additionally, there is a fertilizer shortage globally, contributing to higher prices for those which may be the healthiest options for treating crops. Creating awareness through training and education is critical for creating a sustainable agriculture system because it encourages farmers' interest in alternative pest management techniques. It also fosters political support for the implementation of necessary policy measures and encourages consumers to demand safe food products.
Educating farmers on integrated pest management (IPM) has shown to be helpful in lowering poisonings and boosting overall profits. IPM is a strategy that uses a variety of techniques, such as biological control, habitat management, changing cultural practices, and the use of insecticide resistance, to prevent pest infestations or harmful long-term side effects. However, IPM is still not widely used due to weak import controls as well as sales that allow for the distribution of cheap, illegal, or subpar pesticides.
World governments and multinational organizations must be held accountable for promoting long-term agricultural production security. They should invest in educational efforts to teach pesticide users about pesticide risks, how to reduce exposures, and the availability of pesticide alternatives. It is also critical to improve healthcare professional training in pesticide poisoning diagnosis, treatment, and surveillance.
