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Impacts of
pesticides on human health and the environment
The use of pesticides
and other lawn chemicals is being reconsidered by concerned citizens
and a number of communities throughout North America because they
are associated with several human health and environmental problems.
1.
Water contamination
Pesticides and chemical fertilizers can contaminate surface and
ground water. This diminishes the quality of our drinking water,
the quality of aquatic habitat and the health of aquatic life
forms. Many fish and other aquatic species are extremely sensitive
to pesticides and fertilizers.
2.
Human Health
Some pesticides used on urban lawns have the potential to disrupt
human hormone and endocrine systems. This disruption has been
linked to decreased immune system function, alterations to the
brain and reproductive system, and behavioural changes such as
attention deficit and hyperactivity disorder. Pesticides have
also been linked to different types of cancer, from breast cancer
to non-Hodgkin's lymphoma and soft tissue sarcomas.
3.
Children at risk
Due to their smaller size and their underdeveloped immune system,
children are the most venerable to health hazards related to exposure
to pesticides. Children are also venerable due to their behaviour
(putting contaminated grass, soil, and toys in their mouth, crawling
on the lawns). A National Cancer Institute survey in the US indicates
that children are six times more likely to get childhood leukemia
when pesticides are used in the home and garden.
4.
Wildlife
Animal health can be affected by pesticide exposure through air,
water, soil or via the food chain. There is increasing evidence
of cancers, enlarged thyroids, deformed bills, and feminization
of male animals (also know as "endocrine disruptive")
associated with pesticide use. Pesticide use can also diminish
food sources and disturb habitats. In New Brunswick, Fenitrothion
is believed to have caused a high mortality rate in the songbird
population.
5.
Beneficial Organisms
Pesticides reduce the activity level of organisms that naturally
help control lawn pests and weeds. For example, the earthworm
improves air and water penetration, decomposes thatch, deposits
nutrient-rich castings and helps to neutralize soil. Eradication
of these organisms causes an imbalance in the soil system which
may cause infertility, secondary pest outbreaks, resurgence of
pests and soil sterilization.
6.
Ozone Depletion
Methyl bromide, a widely used fumigant, accounts for between 5%
and 10% of the annual depletion of the ozone layer. It breaks
down ozone about 40 times as quickly as the now-notorious CFCs.
See also our Tips for ecological lawn care
Sources and
Links
Northwest
Coalition for Alternatives to Pesticides
Campaign
for Pesticide Reduction - Ontario
Pesticide
Action Network
Toronto
Environmental Alliance
Sierra
Club Pesticides Campaign
Coalition
for Alternatives to Pesticides
World
Wildlife Fund Pesticide Reduction is Possible!
Centre for Children's
Health and the Environment
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