Poisoning impact of painful pesticides

India's use of pesticides is 76% compared to the world's average usage of 44%. The green revolution  in the 1960s increased the use of pesticides to enhance agricultural production. That was probably the need of the hour then. However, nobody bothered to ponder upon the long-term impact of using such harmful chemicals excessively. 

Pesticides help in controlling pests, weeds and diseases in plants. Their presence increases productivity by reducing the damage caused by pests and insects. However, this short-term productivity has proven costly in the long term!

Extensive use of chemical fertilizers is leaving an adverse impact on the soil, water and other vegetation in the surrounding areas. Although it seems beneficial for the agricultural industry, it is destroying the foundation of farming, i.e. soil fertility. Excessive use of chemicals for the greed of more production increases the acid component of land. It further deteriorates soil health and makes the ground incapable of growing crops. 

Harms caused by pesticides to human health

Pesticide harm is not limited to just ecology. Exposure to pesticides through the mouth, nose, eyes or skin can cause severe damage to the human body. Food grown with pesticides affects pregnant women and young kids adversely. It can cause developmental disorders in the kids and genetic disorders in the unborn child. 

Moreover, farming communities, agricultural workers, kids playing around the field, and women are also affected by the usage of pesticides. On entering the body, they can cause instant headache, itching, burning sensation, nausea, vomiting, weakness or unconsciousness. In the long term, some pesticides can cause damage and dysfunction in the nervous system, immune system, hormone system and reproductive system.  

India is the 4th largest producer of pesticides in the world, and some pesticides used in India are banned already in the EU and the US. The manufacturing process would also involve many humans being affected by pesticides.

Not into farming? Still, pests can enter your home!

There is no sigh of relief for those who think that "we live far away from the farm and chances of pesticides entering our home are rare". 

Well, there are many ways through which pesticides can ring your doorbell. It is up to you whether you let them enter or not. The fruits and vegetables you buy might be covered in pesticides. Make sure to choose organically grown food to avoid pesticide-infection. On the safer side, clean your food before consuming it. Here are some eco-friendly cleaners ensuring your safety, at least from the pesticides on the surface of the food. 

The mosquito repellent coils, cleaners, sprays and electronic vaporizers also contain pesticides. Opt for natural repellents that are eco-friendly and skin-friendly. Many urban dwellers have resorted to home gardening. It is better to avoid the use of pesticides in the growth process to save yourself from their harmful impacts. 

What are the alternatives? 

Despite being extremely harmful, people are still using pesticides due to their beneficial characteristics of saving crops, increasing productivity and getting rid of insects and weeds. Here are some alternative options to reduce the presence of pesticides in your surroundings - 

• Make buying organic food your priority with awenest. in

• Opt for natural methods to reduce pests, weeds and insects in your farming or growing process. 

• Always wash the food before using it, irrespective of its nature and avoid using the outermost layer.

• Use methods like cover crops, increase organic matter in soil and plant pest-resistant plants that can also be home to many organisms.  

Once you avoid pesticides directly or indirectly in your life, alternatives will find their way to you. All you need to do is make a decision. To support that decision, awenest will always be by your side with some of the best organic products for a healthy lifestyle.  

Photo by Shad Arefin Sanchoy on Unsplash

Author-Brinda Shah is a freelance content writer. she is a ca turned into a writer who loves to read, write & meditate. you can connect with her on linkedin  and on instagram