In developing countries, the use of pesticides has been increased amazingly. Reliable studies found strong evidence of a relationship between the mistaken use of pesticides and childhood diseases in developing world. A study on about 900 children in India, who were exposed to pesticides of normal levels, states that those children were not able to do many simple exercises such as catching a ball or assembling a puzzle (Daily Times, 2004). Many kinds of dangerous pesticides which have already been banned in developed countries are still used in some developing countries (EJF, 2003:8). For instance, studies show that more than five pesticides that are illegal in the U.S.A are still used in Mexico. In addition, another study concludes that in Chile, there are no clear strategies governing the use of pesticides in farmlands or even households (Adhous, P, 1998). As a result of this lack of control, there are about ten million poisoning cases per year, especially in developing countries (EJF, 2003:8). Thus, pesticides should be used carefully everywhere, and governments in developing countries should control their use of pesticides by introducing regulations to restrict their use, just as developed countries have done. It is still possible to obtain the benefits of pesticides, whilst avoiding harmful risks associated with careless or unregulated use.
Children in developing countries are at a greater risk of pesticide-induced harm due to several reasons. First of all, children's internal organs are still developing and maturing and their enzymatic, metabolic, and immune systems may provide less natural protection than those of an adult. Secondly, they eat and drink more than adults (BBC News, 2003). Thirdly, children are closer to the ground and they always play in the gardens or parks and hence are in direct contact with pesticides, which, in developing countries, are placed everywhere because of the freedom of pesticide use. (EJF, 2003:8). Moreover, many children do not wash their hands after contact with the soil, and childhood behaviours, such as placing their hands in their mouths, can result in ingestion of the harmful pesticides. Furthermore, their bodies are very sensitive to particular hormones levels because they are still developing, and any hindrance of these hormones by chemical pesticides can lead to long-term effects on their later life. Another study in India by Greenpeace found that children exposed to high levels of pesticides have poor memories and impaired skills (Daily Times, 2004). Pesticides Action Network (2004:4) found that children are twice more vulnerable to negative impacts than adults, and they found that children carry the heaviest "body burden" of several damaging pesticides. However, children may die if they are attacked by dangerous insects, such as fire ants, and these insects are more likely to increase by banning the use of pesticides (Integrated Pest Management). Thus, using special kinds of pesticides which do not affect children's health in gardens, farmyards, schools, and parks is required to protect children particularly in developing countries. Therefore, governments in developing countries should pass regulations eliminating the use of dangerous pesticides in areas of close proximity to where children play or walk around.
In conclusion, this paper has argued against the complete banning of pesticides. Even though pesticide use carries significant risks on human health, there is still a need for pesticides in order to obtain a high standard of living. There must be more research carried out to investigate the ways in which pesticide use can be regulated, to ensure crop production is still economic, whilst the negative health impacts are reduced. Further studies are also needed, to seek for the best ways to manage pesticide use, especially in developing countries, so that the children, as well as the rest of the community, can be protected from dangers and live in comfort and health.
(800 words)
References:
Adhous, Peter. "Ween Chemical: The Pieces Fall in Place." Science 6 Nov 992:893. Online. Internet. 13 Oct.1998.
Online available : http://www.goldenessays.com/free_essays/2/environment/pesticides-effects.shtml
Accessed 17/09/2006
BBC News. Health Contents: Medical notes. (08 Feb 2003). Pesticides.
Online available
Accessed 28/02/2005.
Daily Times (2004) Indian Children Exposed to Pesticides Lose Memory, Math Skills. Toxic in the . 12 April 2004. Author unknown Pesticides.
Original location from the online site <>
Toxic Link: Pesticides cause memory loss.
Accessed 28/02/2005.
Delapane, K.S.( 2000). Pesticides Usage in the United States: History, Benefits, Risks and Trends. The University of Georgia College of Agriculture and Environmental Science, Cooperative Extension Service. (Georgia, USA) November 2000. Bullet
Online available
Accessed 1/03/2005.
EJF. (2003). What’s your position? Health Threats Posed by Pesticides in Developing Countries. Environmental Justice Foundation. London, UK. Authors: Shanahan, M, Jordan, C, Trent, S & Williams, J.
Integrated Pest Management,(?date)What It Is, How It Works, and Why Pesticides. Found in 5AEFS Students' Resource Book, Pesticides.
Pesticides Action Network North America PANNA. (May 2004). Chemical Trespass: Pesticides in Our Bodies and Corporate Accountability: Executive Summery. Schater, K.S, Reeves, M , Spitzer, S & Kegley, S.E.
Purdue University: Cooperation Extension Service. (May 2001). Pesticides and the Balancing Act. Place published: unknown. Authors: Whitford, F, Martin, A & Berry, C.
Woolf, Alan D. "Health hazards for children at work. (AAPCC/WHO Symposium)." Journal of Toxicology: Clinical Toxicology 40.4 (June 2002): 477(6). Expanded Academic ASAP. Thomson Gale. La Trobe University Library. 21 Sep. 2006
Online available <http://0find.galegroup.com.alpha2.latrobe.edu.au:80/ips/infomark.do?&contentSet=IACDocuments&type=retrieve&tabID=T002&prodId=IPS&docId=A91560790&source=gale&srcprod=EAIM&userGroupName=latrobe&version=1.0>.
Accessed 18/09/2006.
Fahad 5A EFS - Pesticides
