TMI
Bureau
Port
Blair, Jan 22: Farmers use pesticides to keep pests from ruining their fruits
and vegetables. The goal is to harm only the targeted pest including insects,
rodents, weeds, bacteria, mold and fungus, but pesticides can also harm the
environment and the people who are exposed to them and who consume the produce
as well. But, business is business with modern quote "everything is fair
in war and business". The pesticides spray or injections used to make
vegetables growth faster in the islands has became a cause of concern among
citizens.
Some
gardening lovers who are somehow frequently visits vast vegetable gardens
allege that, "We have observed the surrounding plants were died and soil
became lifeless at the vast gardens by uncontrolled application of pesticides
which can also contaminate soil and may kill other non-target organisms.
Pesticides can damage soil biomass and microorganism such as bacteria, fungi,
and earthworms".
However,
several studies have examined the link between pesticides and various health
issues, including:
Cancer:
Numerous studies have investigated links between pesticides and types of
cancer. Research has found links between some pesticide exposure and childhood
leukemia, brain cancer, and lymphoma, as well as associations with breast
cancer. Studies have investigated links between pesticides and prostate,
pancreas and liver cancer, as well as increased risk of melanoma.
Neurodevelopmental
issues: Pesticide exposure prenatally and in children has been investigated as
a source of behavioral problems, neurodevelopmental delays and impaired motor
skills.
Hormone
disruption: Some chemicals in pesticides can disrupt chemicals such as
estrogens, thyroid and androgens, which may impact reproduction and fertility.
Neurological:
Farmers exposed to certain pesticides have a 70 percent higher risk of
developing Parkinson's disease.
Skin,
eye and lung issues: Like other chemicals, pesticides can result in irritation
for some people depending on how much they are exposed.
"The
Agriculture department in the A&N Islands is required to check and keep on
track of pesticides being used by farmers in our islands to makes sure that all
pesticides used on food meet strict safety standards and limits for the amount
of pesticides that can remain on food by taking into account a number of
factors including each pesticide's level of toxicity, how much of it is applied
and how often. This way, not only the consumers, but farmers can also break
away from health hazards by the pesticides", says citizens.
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