We know the word ‘pesticides’ from association with crops and produce. In reality, they are widely used in many other areas. Take for example your local gym or neighbouring school ground. Pesticides (herbicedes, insecticides and fungicides) were developed to protect crops from insects, rodents and other pests, as well as to control weeds, mold, bacteria and disease. Most people consider these substances harmless, but the research has shown otherwise.
Harmful Side EffectsAmerican College of Sports Medicine reports that “exposure to pesticides initially may cause… symptoms not generally associated with pesticide exposure, including: sore throat, fever, headache, muscle and joint pains, muscle weakness, lack of coordination, nausea, rash and irregular menstruation.” Some epidemiological studies have found cancer, neurotoxic effects, and reproductive disorders associated with pesticide use (1).
According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), 60 percent of herbicides, 90 percent of fungicides and 30 percent of insecticides are known to be carcinogenic. Laboratory studies show that pesticides can cause health problems, such as birth defects, nerve damage, cancer, and other effects that might occur over a long period of time (2).
Where Can You Find Pesticides
Many household products are pesticides. All of these common products are considered pesticides:
- Cockroach sprays and baits
- Insect repellents for personal use.
- Rat and other rodent poisons.
- Flea and tick sprays, powders, and pet collars.
- Kitchen, laundry, and bath disinfectants and sanitizers.
- Products that kill mold and mildew.
- Some lawn and garden products, such as weed killers.
- Some swimming pool chemicals.
Risks and Benefits By their very nature, most pesticides create some risk of harm to humans, animals, or the environment because they are designed to kill or otherwise adversely affect living organisms.
At the same time, pesticides are important substances used to kill potential disease-causing organisms and control insects, weeds, and other pests.
Safer Pesticides
Biologically-based pesticides, such as pheromones and microbial pesticides, are becoming increasingly popular and often are safer than traditional chemical pesticides. Boric acid or borax will kill ants and even cockroaches. Since most ants like sweets, you can mix a little bit of honey or other type of sugar with boric acid and make a paste. Cut out some 2-inch by 2-inch cardboard squares and smear the paste on. Put these in the ant trail, where they will gobble it up and take the residues back to the nest.
A home-made garden spray that will discourage most pests consists of a mashed garlic paste combined with some cayenne or horseradish. Add a small amount to a gallon jug and let it sit for a day or two, shaking it now and then. Spray a small amount onto a few leaves first to make sure it doesn’t burn them. Most nurseries these days have Neem Oil, which is harmless to humans but sprayed on garden plants discourages all types of fungi, molds and even ants.
Sources:
1. American College of Sports Medicine, 2000 “Athletes and Pesticides”
2. Environmental Protection Agency, 2004 Pesticides and Food: Health Problems Pesticides May Pose”
For More Information:
http://www.betterbasics.com
http://www.beyondpesticides.org
http://www.organicgardening.com
http://www.panna.org
Thanks for this great post that both raises awareness to the danger of pesticides in our environment, and provides alternatives!
This is especially important with our children. Children exposed to home and garden pesticides have up to a seven-fold increased risk of developing leukemia. Dogs that live in homes where chemical weed killers are used are twice as likely to die from cancer. Children were not looked at in this study, since it is felt that dogs have much more contact with lawns. Children that are exposed to professional pest services are three times as likely to develop non-Hodgkins lymphoma as those not exposed.
Well researched, credible studies are out there, but I think many people are unaware of these dangers because they feel such products would be banned or at least labeled. Only in California do products containing known carcinogens require a label.
In writing a book that covers all aspects of cancer prevention, researching pesticides was the most depressing. Partially, because they can be responsible for cancers in children, and partly, because they can often be easily avoided. We tell people if they are bothered by weeds in their yard, kill them with hot water, pull them, replace the lawn with rocks or wood chips, or, adopt the attitude of Eeyore in A.A. Milnes “Winnie the Pooh”, “weeds are flowers too once you get to know them”. Thanks!
Lynne Eldridge M.D.
Author, “Avoiding Cancer One Day At A Time: Practical Advice for Preventing Cancer”
http://www.avoidcancernow.com
Thank you Lynne for writing a wonderful book. I have never read it, but would love to learn more about the subjects you cover.