What are the effects of agrochemicals?

While agrochemicals increase plant and animal crop production, they can also damage the environment. Excessive use of fertilizers has led to the contamination of groundwater with nitrate, a chemical compound that in large concentrations is poisonous to humans and animals.

Are those most at risk of exposure to toxic pesticides when they are used to grow food on farms?

As a result, farmers and farm workers face greater risk of exposure to pesticides than typical non-agricultural workers, comprising a major group of workers that are consistently exposed to pesticides. Many studies of pesticide exposure have focused mainly on farm workers who are certified pesticide applicators.

What are the health hazards of chemical pesticide and fertilizer use in agriculture How can these risks be reduced or eliminated?

All pesticides have the potential to be harmful to humans, animals, other living organisms, and the environment if used incorrectly. The key to reducing health hazards when using pesticides is to always limit your exposure by wearing PPE and use a low-toxicity pesticide when available.

What is a potential human health impact from pesticide exposure?

Pesticides can cause short-term adverse health effects, called acute effects, as well as chronic adverse effects that can occur months or years after exposure. Examples of acute health effects include stinging eyes, rashes, blisters, blindness, nausea, dizziness, diarrhea and death.

How are agrochemicals applied?

The majority of pesticide formulations are diluted in water and applied under pressure through hydraulic nozzles, while some specialized formulations are used with a petrochemical diluent, undiluted as ultra-low volume sprays, or dry as granule or dust treatments.

How pesticides can enter the human body?

There are generally three ways a chemical or material can enter the body: through the skin (dermal), through the lungs (inhalation), or. by mouth (ingestion).

Who are commonly affected by the excessive use of pesticides in the farm?

The world-wide deaths and chronic diseases due to pesticide poisoning number about 1 million per year (Environews Forum, 1999). The high risk groups exposed to pesticides include production workers, formulators, sprayers, mixers, loaders and agricultural farm workers.

What are the risks of using pesticides and herbicides?

After countless studies, pesticides have been linked to cancer, Alzheimer’s Disease, ADHD, and even birth defects. Pesticides also have the potential to harm the nervous system, the reproductive system, and the endocrine system.

Are pesticides carcinogenic?

In animal studies, many pesticides are carcinogenic, (e.g., organochlorines, creosote, and sulfallate) while others (notably, the organochlorines DDT, chlordane, and lindane) are tumor promoters. Some contaminants in commercial pesticide formulations also may pose a carcinogenic risk.