Why chemical fertilizers and pesticides are harmful?
What are the factors that contribute to climate change? Cars, trucks, airplanes, factory gases, and power plants, correct? These are some of the various contributors, but our farming culture is the most overlooked source of global warming.
“Agriculture is responsible for an estimated one-third of emissions that contribute to global warming and climate change. It is generally agreed that about 25 percent of the main greenhouse gas — carbon dioxide -— is produced by agricultural pesticides and chemicals”— The Rise and Predictable Fall of Globalized Industrial Agriculture
Pesticides and chemical fertilizers are widely used on crops to produce pest-free food in a short period.
People are aware of how dangerous these anti-nature items are, but they continue to use them. Their wicked carelessness is devastating to the health of their children and loved ones. It’s used on lawns and playgrounds too.
Let’s take a closer look at the consequences and solutions to the problems.
Why are pesticides so lethal?
The health impacts are determined by the type of pesticide like Roundup is in use, the chemicals included in it, the frequency with which it is used, and the length of time you are exposed to it. read more here.
Pesticide exposure can cause immediate or mild illnesses such as,
- Irritation of the nose, throat, eyes, or skin
- Headache
- Thirst
- Dizziness
- Sweating
- Nausea
- Diarrhea
- Loss of appetite
- Weakness or fatigue
However, some symptoms may show after a few hours of exposure, while others may appear years later.
Chemical fertilizers provide more and higher-quality food in the short term, but they are damaging the soil in the long run, resulting in fewer and lower-quality foods.
Chemical fertilizers:
Chemical fertilizers seep into the soil, and harm groundwater and other water sources, causing an environmental imbalance. Nitrogen, for example, generates a “dead zone.” That means it promotes the rapid development of plankton and other aquatic plants. The decomposition of these plants removes the oxygen required by fish and other marine species to survive. This hurts the ecosystem.
The greenhouse effect is another negative consequence of nitrogen. It contributes to global warming in the same way that carbon dioxide does.
But the latter is notorious compare to nitrogen. Nitrous oxide, which is the principal source of nitrogen, is produced by power plants and automobiles. Nitrogen remains in the water for several years, harming the ecosystem even if no further chemical fertilizer is applied to the current damaged regions.
The number of crops grown in a short period may increase, but we lose nutrients from our diet. Food rots quicker when the nutrients in it are decreased. This leads to the acceptance of food irradiation to extend the shelf life of food. The use of toxic materials and energy resources would result in irreversible damage to the environment.
Conclusion:
Fertilizers and pesticides will continue to be used to fulfil growing food demand. However, organic fertilizers are always available to replace the harmful habit of chemical usage. Growing your own food has a far higher and positive impact on climate change. If it is not possible for everyone, then supporting local farmers that grow vegetables organically is the greatest alternative.
Green Schools Green Future not only teaches children how to grow food, but also the healthiest techniques to produce vegetables and fruits. This will encourage them to live a more mindful life about the environment and how they may help to protect it. Also, always wash your fruits and vegetables with a spray bottle filled with a mixture of water and vinegar or water and baking soda.
Sources:
https://www.ccohs.ca/oshanswers/chemicals/pesticides/health_effects.html
https://eponline.com/Articles/2017/12/07/The-Hidden-Dangers-of-Chemical-Fertilizers.aspx?Page=3
https://www.permaculturenews.org/2008/11/13/chemical-based-farming-systems-robbing-us-of-nutrients/
https://laws-lois.justice.gc.ca/eng/regulations/c.r.c.,_c._666/FullText.html
Written By Samreen Ishaq
